Which dept. should I target my first job?

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I posted this in the graduate nurse forum too since I will be graduating in 3 weeks! I'm new here, looking forward to getting to know all of you.

I am graduating from an LPN program and planning to continue my education to get my associates during the next year. My goal is to be an ED nurse but I have had varied opinions on starting my career in the ED. Some nurses have said that it would be fine as long as I have a good preceptor and others have said absolutely not that I am just asking to lose my license in that setting.

What are everyone's opinions on starting out in the ED vs. med/surge?

Chelle

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Specializes in LDRP.

DO you want to be an LPN in the ED? Many ED's might not hire an LPN, depending on your state's restrictions on LPN's.

As for RN's, I can think of 3 I graduated with (out of 44) who are starting out in the ED.

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Yes, I was thinking about being an LPN in the ED. A friend of mine who is a RN and instructor said that there are a couple at her hospital and that they are doing very well but I get a lot of other comments from nurses that med/surge is the place to start.

As I sit here and try to focus my resume on where I want to be, I am thinking about focusing it to med/surge and then discussing a move to ER after I get my foot in and some experience under my belt.

Chelle

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Specializes in Med/Surge.

Welcome Chelle-nice to see you here.

I did my preceptorship during school in ED at the hospital that I am currently working at and originally wanted to start out in ED somewhere. Then, once I completed my preceptorship I realized how totally unprepared I would be to work there as a new nurse (personal thought only). My preceptor said that she thought that I would do ok starting off in ED with a good preceptor but since I wouldn't have that guarantee I decided to do Med/Surge and have not regretted it for one moment. My intentions originally were to do M/S for the standard year and then move on, but I really find that I love it so don't know what I will do after my year is over. The only thing that I don't think M/S would prepare me for would be L&D and that's ok b/c I have no desire to work in that dept at all.

I am sure you will get all kinds of opinions on this post and this is mine. Good luck in whatever area you choose to go with and congratulations on finishing up LPN and moving on.

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I talked to a girl yesterday who graduated from my school last year. She took a med/surge job to get the experience and said the same thing....she loves it. My resumes/cover letters are done now, I decided to have them target the med/surge dept., I just think that is the best decision for me right now.

Thanks!

Chelle

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