Where to start

[bnmusc]

I am a New Grad about to start an internship program and I'm not sure where would be best to start. I have to tell the hospital what my preferences are and I'm debating between a cardiac telemetry unit, pulmonary unit, general medical, oncology, and general surgery. Would any of these places be more beneficial than others in terms of getting general experience as a New Grad? I am interested in oncology, but I'm worried that it might not be a good place to start. Any suggestions?

[SpEdtacular, MSN, RN, EMT-P]

Oncology is a tough place to start. What kind of patients did you like having in school. If you like MIs, arrhythmias, heart failure type patients do cardiac. If you were into COPD and asthma go for respiratory. Do you like high acuity or more stable patients? If you don't know what you like yet do general med.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

If you're interested in oncology, go for it. FInd out if it's really what you think.

[merlee]

If you think oncology is what you want, then go for it.

[worked hard and long]

A general medical surgical floor is the best place to start for basic experience. 1) hospital routine 2) doctors handwriting and idiosyncrasies 3) the multitude of medical equipment used 3) variety of age and diagnosis to be handled and discovered as wells pts that might be healthier to have the opportunity to practice IV skills. cancer pts do not have veins to start ivs on for a beginner. Once the basics are handled it is easier to concentrate on specifics of a specialty floor IE: is the pt in SVT or WPW on the teli monitor. On oncology death is a constant can you handle the as well as the stress of a new job, place, policies , coworkers? Within 2-3 years as you feel more comfortable you can than transfer to a floor more suitable to your NEW tastes and skills acquired in the real world. Perhaps you got "floated" to a floor that challenged or intrigued you. Maybe another floor disgusted you. Yes when census is down on your floor you will be sent to another floor. It will challenge you but use it to make a decision. It is those experiences in life that will you discover your true passion.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

as a new grad there are no easy floors in a hospital setting to start! unless you know that the oncology department has a bad reputation, you should choose oncology. the biggest problem new grads run up against are floors that are staffed with unsupportive nurses, floors that are understaffed, and floors that lack training and/or structure. thus, unless you know that the oncology floor has a bad reputation and another floor does not, you should choose oncology as your first choice. your love for that specialty will at least push you when times get tough (starting day one) and will sustain you when you want to quit (starting day one). good luck.

[Flo., BSN, RN]

I love surgery because I don't like sick patients. I don't have to worry about catching any nasty bugs on my floor because all the pts get a pre op workup and if shows anything surgery is postponed. Just my 2 cents.

[live&laugh&love]

Oncology is an amazing floor--you see the best and worst in not only patients but in yourself. Its a floor where you can build compassion, patience, and understanding. You also build great relationships with people who come in frequently. Good luck in whatever you decide :)