Where do I start????

L8RRN · Jan 1, 2010

I am new, too. I am doing med/surg because of the variety. A lot of departments at my hospital require at least one year med/surg before you can transfer anyway. In just one month, I have had patients with cancer, CHF, COPD, GI infections, kidney failure, liver failure, pancreatitis, sepsis, broken bones, psych disorders, and more. It is so busy, I am learning how to organize more and prioritize my care. I don't think I want to do this FOREVER, but I am getting such a variety and I feel so much better about things that seemed "scary" in school. LOL

Good luck deciding! I think you can successfully go into many different areas, but picked med/surg to get exposure to a variety of things before I decide on a "specialty".

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2010

I second medsurge! Prior poster got it right.

I remember a nurse I used to work with in ICU who started in medsurge. She too was required to have so many years of medsurge experience prior to transferring. She would lamented when training a new nurse in ICU (when the policy changed to not requiring medsurge) that they didn't have their basic nursing skills down pat (foley catheterization, hanging IVs, giving IM shots). She spent a gazillion amount of time going over the baby steps to nursing rather than giving the straight ICU tutorial. So, I second the motion, go to medsurge, learn plenty of skills, you won't regret it!

Telemetry is another area you might like, in fact the area I started out in, that offers medsurge on a more technical scale. Can be highly stressful for the new nurse (some break down and cry while precepting!), thank goodness I had very competent nurses on my floor to assist me with the scary business (codes, drips, crashing clients)! Overall, if you think your game for a rocket pilot challenge by all means do telemetry, just know that the stress level is amped up a great deal over medsurge.

As others below mention, during this economic hard times a foot in the door would be your best option realistically.

Blackheartednurse · Jan 1, 2010

I always thought med-surg would provide a new grad with superb nursing experience but now I'm not so sure anymore..I think what matters more is your motivation level,drive force,and passion with those three I think you can surive in any department....I read plenty of post from new grads who did just fine in their specialty units--so it is not necessary to start in med-surg,go where your heart is and you will most likely do a good job.With that said with the economy we are facing now you will be more than lucky to land your dream job so dont worry about what unit is best suited for a new grad but focus more on actually landing a job!

Ps.I'm starting on the telemetry unit--yes I'm scared since it is a tough unit but hey I cant be picky with todays economy,right???

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2010

I'm a little biased here, but I think telemetry is a great place to start!! Just like med-surg, you will see a great variety of patients, not just "cardiac" stuff like you would initially think when you hear "telemetry". Also, we had our fair share of med-surg holds in tele as well. I think tele is great because you learn your rhythms and cardiac meds, as well as a few gtts you may not see in med-surg; knowing your rhythms will really put you a few steps ahead if you decide to go into most other specialties in the future (especially critical care or ER). I can't imagine starting anywhere else!

mariemac89LPN · Jan 1, 2010

Thank you all for your advice! I think I will start out in Med-Surg since thats where he had the majority of our clinicals and I feel more comfortable in that area. Now I just have to find an opening lol

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2010

My advice is going to differ greatly from what has been dished out by everyone else.

Let's be realistic. The economy is slumping terribly as we speak. A new grad cannot be too selective and choosy in this type of economic climate, especially if you live in an area where nursing jobs are scarce. In addition, I assume that you are an LPN by looking at your user name. LPNs tend to have less options in the hospital setting, but this depends on the region.

If I were you, I'd accept a nursing position at any place that is willing to accept new grads right now. If you hold out for the treasured hospital position, you might be waiting for months without a job. Therefore, keep your options open.

Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2010

My advice is going to differ greatly from what has been dished out by everyone else.
Let's be realistic. The economy is slumping terribly as we speak. A new grad cannot be too selective and choosy in this type of economic climate, especially if you live in an area where nursing jobs are scarce. In addition, I assume that you are an LPN by looking at your user name. LPNs tend to have less options in the hospital setting, but this depends on the region.
If I were you, I'd accept a nursing position at any place that is willing to accept new grads right now. If you hold out for the treasured hospital position, you might be waiting for months without a job. Therefore, keep your options open.

The Commuter hit the nail on the head. :) Go where ever there is an opportunity. Good Luck! ~Ivanna