Which would you choose, IRU or Med/Surg?

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I was an LPN for 5 years and an RN for one year currently working in a LTAC/step-down unit. I absolutely hate LTAC. It's described pretty accurately on these boards - mostly vent patients unable to be weaned, 5-6 patients when it should be 3 or 4. Total care, everyone is unhappy and unrealistic and most of all - ungrateful for their care.

I want out even though it hasn't been quite a year and I'm in their "new grad residency program" with no contract though. I have an interview at a larger hospital this week, one in inpatient Rehab unit and one in Med/Surg. I'm trying to get AWAY from the rehab population but the Med/Surg hospital is quite a drive away.

In your seasoned experience, what are the pros and cons working for these types of units on day shift? Thanks in advance.

-A very frustrated "new" RN

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Rehab is different from ltac. They go home not long term. I have done both. I prefer med surg

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Go to med-surg if only to say that you have ACUTE CARE EXPERIENCE. It will open up doors.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

Depends on how the unit is ran but med/surg day shift is busy with multiple admits and discharges among regular patient care. You may or may not have nursing assistants to help with the load.

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work medsurg nights. stay clear from ltac, rehab, etc i will not work those. medsurg day is usually very busy, but night is little calmer

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Thanks, I am having a hard time deciding. I've been working with rehab pop for my whole career and feel comfortable with them and the hospital is much closer than the Med/Surg unit. Both offered me positions. I am ready to get off nights and I think rehab would be less busy than Med/Surg too. I know MS would look better on my resume but the LTAC I'm at has left such a bad taste in my mouth I think I'm ready to just enjoy my job for a while and not worry about my resume or school.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

I think your mind is made up then. Try the med surg job, and see how it goes.

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