Hi, I'm a CNA and pre-nursing student.. I LOVE when work is extremely busy and all the call lights are going off and I have to run around to get my work done. I hate when there's nothing to do and I have my books done so I just stand around. When I become a nurse I'd really like to work in a fast paced environment too.
Which specialty area do you think would be a good fit for me? I'm just asking to get an idea - I know I may change my mind later on :)
I just graduated a couple months ago and have been working on a cardiac floor. I did my preceptorship in the ER as I loved the environment and fast paced action. Ended up not finding any new grad positions so I took a position on the cardiac floor and WOW, talk about fast paced. There's really never a slow moment, between pulling/giving meds, interventions, and charting. Honestly, I don't think any unit is going to be very slow. At least it's not in my hospital. We have a very large diabetic and senior population, so do the math on all the stuff you'll do on one patient in a day and multiply it by five, lol.
NICU (level 3, or 2+) is extremely fast paced the majority of the time (even more so when understaffed..lol)
You have critical, unstable, and stable newborns. You have to learn to be flexible in high paced unpredictable environment .. you have a vented baby, a 26wker labouring- will deliver on your shift, meanwhile you've just admitted a septic infant from postpartum, as well as dealing with an upset mother who has just been told her infant will be apprehended by child protection services.. ( just a tiny fraction of what goes on)
I'm sure all areas of nursing are fast paced for different reasons..
I suggest that you get some general experience on a med/surg floor first
GadgetRN71, ASN, RN
1,841 Posts
Another vote for the OR...even if you get a "boring" case once in a while, there's plenty more to go that won't be.