What's the best area of nursing to start?

[Yuppers21]

Interesting to see the different opinions on this. I would say, if you have an interest for a certain specialty, such as L&D or peds, then oviously you need to get into those preceptorships to better your chances. But you really need to understand the hiring environment in your area (if that is were you plan to stay and work) to know what is the best choice. For instance, in the area I live in, there are precious few ICU new grad residencies (what I wanted) for the major hospital chain, and after speaking with the recruiter responsible for those positions, I found that only those who had prior experience as a tech, and/or extensive hours in a preceptorship would have a chance at getting in right after graduation. I found many other residency positions on cardiac, tele, oncology, neuro, ect., that seem to value med/surg experience. So for a student in my area that didn't have any real pull towards a specialty, I would advise med/surg. However, you may find that may not be true where you live. Look to see what job postings are out there that new grads can apply for. It would give you an idea of what kind of experience they would like to see

[R*Star*RN, BSN, RN]

i havent found an area that makes me WANT to clock in. But ive found areas that are tolerable. . . .which, I a miss now that i have left the hospital and am trying to get back in to.

[Skeletor]

i havent found an area that makes me WANT to clock in. But ive found areas that are tolerable. . . .which, I a miss now that i have left the hospital and am trying to get back in to.

One can dream . . .

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

MedSurg.

Where I work, we don't have "tele" floors; our MedSurg floors are all telemetry equipped, but I suppose telemetry floors are a good idea as well.

And when I say "MedSurg," I mean medical AND surgical, not just one of those. My floor as a new grad was about half and half, whereas my floor now rarely if ever has surgical patients. I'm glad I received the experience of both.

[MandaRN94]

I agree -pick an area that interests you. Med/surg is NOT for me and I did my Extern semester in L&D and was hired before I graduated.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

What's the best area of nursing to start out in? Med/surg, oncology, cardiac/telemetry, cardiac/medical, neuroscience, orthopedic, GI/GU, or surgical - ear. nose throat?

Also what's the difference between cardiac/telemetry floor and cardiac/medical floor? Don't all cardiac floors use telemetry to monitor the heart?

The reason I'm asking is I get to pick an externship for my final semester and I"m not sure which one to pick! Any advice would be great!

The best area of nursing to start out in as a new grad is the one that you can get hired in :)

But since you have a choice...follow your interests. You will develop prioritization, assessment and time management skills as well as use a majority of your nursing skills regardless of whatever specialty you pick. You will also go through the same growing pains and reality shock as every other new nurse does.

If I had to choose only from your list, I'd pick oncology to cardiac/telemetry because those sound the most fascinating to me. But the important question is what fascinates YOU?

Best of luck whatever you decide!