What sort of unit should I work on?

[ilovechadkrause]

Does anybody out there know of a test nurses can take to see what type of nursing they'd enjoy most?

I am currently working on a medicine unit, and just don't feel like I want to stay there forever.

Any advice on how to choose a "type" of nursing? :redbeathe

[SrnD]

i am really wondering this too! not many people get to "sample" the many different kinds of nursing before having to decide where they are going to work...so how does one know what they would really like/do well in if they haven't even had a chance to see that area of nursing?!

[C_perugiae]

I've heard a lot of rotten things about being in a "float" position because it moves you around the hospital so much, but my dad ended up being hired into a float position on his first job a couple years ago, and he really appreciated the wide range of experiences he had. It allowed him to pick his specialty (after 6 months of floating) without going into it completely blind. Just a thought...

[Fribblet]

No one here can tell you what unit you should work on.

Talk to nurses in different specialties. Get a feel for what their average day is like. If it sounds good, ask to shadow a nurse for a day. If you still like it, get the certifications you need, talk to the manager of the unit and make a lateral move.

Sheesh.

[guest2210]

what rotations did you like when you were in nursing school? that would be were you would get a taste of everything and see what you excelled at. my first hospital job, my med/surg floor closed for 6 months due to low census. i floated everyday and loved it!!! i often recommend to new nurses to get a job in a float pool if possible. the experience you gain is invaluable.