Work at Rehab, Lose Chance in Med/Surg?

[Little_Mouse]

I work in a Gero/Psych-Med/Surg unit, but quintessentially Pysch. I hit my one year mark and I still do not like my unit. It's mainly due to disrespect, gossip, and lack of support....just too much politics.

My goal is to get into Med/Surg, but I'm almost to a point that it doesn't matter anymore. I'm starting to get physically sick when I get to work. I need and long for a good, supportive,team-oriented work environment.

I just had an interview at an Acute Rehab hospital. I've applied to Med/Surg positions elsewhere but haven't heard back from anyone yet.

If I do get offered a job, will working at an acute rehab kill my chances of ever getting into med/surg?

[onetiredmomma]

I think it would depend on what "acute" rehab is...when I worked acute rehab it was on a TBI unit complete with trachs, vents, wound care, etc. It didn't hurt my chances when I went back to medsurg. If you are more doing stroke and cardiac rehab then maybe that would cause some problems for you.

[Little_Mouse]

According to the site it states they treat: "stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, various neurological disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, amputation, joint replacement, fractures, multiple trauma, cardiac conditions, and pulmonary conditions."

[Popwhizbangz, LPN]

Find a culture you like to work in. You'll do better work, and improve your chances down the road. After a few bumps over the years (learning experiences, yes?), I'm settled into Psych, work I like, at a hospital where I feel comfortable, and I thrive.

[NurseThis21, BSN, RN]

It all depends on how you sell yourself during the resume-review/interview process. If you present yourself as "I only want med-surg, any other job will suck", then you won't look appealing to the recruiter. However, if you do come up lucky and get a job offer, make sure that you write your experiences off as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to where you feel you really want to be.

Never look at an opportunity as "a job-killer". That will ruin your morale before you even start working! Let the opportunity present itself and understand that everything happens for a reason. Maybe acute rehab will end up being your cup of tea! With many new nurses flocking out of med-surg at an alarming rate, I think your journey is on the right path.

Good luck to you! ^_^

[KaringOne]

I can't see why it would kill your chances. I've worked Rehab before & then went to work in Med Surg. You will still get to do a significant amount of procedures in Rehab. It may not be as hectic as med surg, depends on the place. No worries, though.

[onetiredmomma]

Sounds like from your second post you will get a wealth of learning! To me the best part of rehab is getting to know your pts and seeing the progress they make! Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[Little_Mouse]

Thanks for all your input!

I've spoke with a few people and some think I'm a bit crazy to want to leave my job because the pay is amazing. I haven't even gotten the job offer at this rehab place, but I know they pay less...would I be crazy to work at a place that pays a little bit less for (cross fingers) a better work place?

[KaringOne]

You know, peace of mind is priceless.

[RxOnly]

Exactly. Your sanity is worth more than a better salary on a unit that is sucking the life out of you.

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You know, peace of mind is priceless.

[Popwhizbangz, LPN]

To me it generally pays to think long term:

1) If you make more money at a job you hate, it won't last (because you'll burn out and your performance and/or ability to get along with peers and bosses will disintegrate), or you'll get progressively bitter and miserable. Neither good outcomes, and both can hurt you financially and professionally down the road.

2) Work you like, at a place you like, with people you like, makes you shine, blossom, and perform, which leads to opportunities down the road.