Where To Start/ New Grad

[Ashleyy3]

Nurses your guidance is appreciated 💞. Im trying to find my "niche" in nursing & undecided which specialty to go into as a new grad. I have interest in:

OB/PEDS:
Where would you recommend starting off in this specialty to "get your feet wet" (for ex, postpartum or ect.)? L&D sparks my interest. However, I don't know if I will feel ready for it as a new grad? What are your thoughts?

ONCOLOGY:
Oncology is also something I have interest in. Is it new grad nurse friendly? What has your experience been like? Down the road after some experience I'm thinking of taking my education further to become a GYN Oncology Nurse Practitioner. However, I'm in the mindset of I have to "first learn how to walk before I can run" so your wisdom & guidance is appreciated 🙏🏼

[heron, ASN, RN]

Others are better able to help within job strategy. My one suggestion would be to make sure you have a good off-the-job support system. It's important.

[DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN]

Agree with heron about an off the job support system.

Your priority for a first post should be to go somewhere where you're sure there's a good orientation program and mentorship for new grads.

Oncology - good choice (I'm biased!) However don't start with anything too specialised like Bone Marrow or palliative care for example. And don't do day hospital/outpatients as I think you need to experience acute inpatient hospital work for a first post. If you're more medically bent then start with a general oncology chemo/radiotherapy floor or a gereral haematology unit. If you prefer surgery an oncological surgery unit.

Similarly if you choose paediatrics, don't start too specialised with neonates or ICU - go to a general paediatric medical or surgical floor. Yes, I think L&D is too specialised for a new grad.

If your eventual goal is a gyn-onco nurse practionioner, why not aim for your first two posts in 1) a gyn floor and 2) a general onco floor, in either order, and move from there?

Good luck whatever you choose.