Now feathers may ruffle with this blog post…
Most seasoned nurses will often suggest that new graduate nurses begin their nursing career on a Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) unit to lay the groundwork for their nursing career. Moreover, the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses echos that sentiment by stating, “Medical-Surgical nursing is the foundation of all nursing practice.” And in that respect, being the largest specialty of practicing nurses, Medical-Surgical nursing is often regarded as one of the most respected and most demanding choices in nursing practice today.
Along with the belief that Med-Surg is an excellent foundation for nursing practice, there is a certain creed among the nursing profession that new graduate nurses should begin their nursing career in this specialty regardless of their true desire to work in other areas.
Unfortunately, however, this can sometimes lead to new graduate nurses who may feel stressed and unfulfilled in their day-to-day work and disenchanted in their career choice. Eventually leading to new graduate nurses quitting the nursing profession altogether… before they even move into the specialty of their choice.
Case in point:
Extremely excited about critical care nursing, I had the opportunity to work in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) during my senior practicum with another classmate. Both of us were hopeful to get a position on the unit after graduation, but had our hopes dashed when the director of the unit told both of us that she didn’t hire new grads and that we should first gain nursing experience on a Med-Surg floor. She also suggested that after we get our experience, we could later apply for the CCU.
At the time, I was very disappointed about this because I thought the opportunity to do my practicum in a critical care area would give me an excellent chance to get my feet into the door of the ICU or the Emergency Department, my desired specialties. And truthfully, at that time, I was dreading working in anything else but critical care. And at the time, I didn’t want to spend 6 months to a year doing something I probably wouldn’t enjoy.
After graduation, I was offered a position on a Med-Surg floor as well a position on a Burn/Trauma step-down unit, the latter which I accepted. And although it wasn’t my first choice, the Burn/Trauma step-down unit became my stepping stone for the Emergency Department.
The Myth
Medical-Surgical Nursing is where all nurses should start their career.
The Reality
Any specialty in nursing can give you a foundation in your desired nursing practice.
However, there are many nurses who will disagree.
Here are 4 reasons why seeking a position in your ideal specialty is a good idea:
1. At the risk of sounding cliché– Life is short. If you’re truly interested in one line of work, do what you love and not what’s expected. Yes, the competition is high for certain specialties, but if you’re truly interested in Labor & Delivery, ER or Neuro ICU, go for it. You’ll still learn about the art and skill of nursing, just in the specialty that you desire to work in. Moreover, there is something you can learn in every specialty of nursing that you can apply to another field of nursing.
2. You handle stress well. If you handle stress well, you’re likely confident in your ability to handle fast and frequent change. And as a nurse, you’ll find that stress is a part of learning any specialty. Albeit, the stressors may be different, but it’s important to seek out ways of self-care to help you deal with it. And, if you already handle stress well, this won’t be an issue. Which brings me to the next point…
3. You have a good support system. With any change, it’s great to have a circle of family and/or friends that can help you through stressful times and help give encouragement when you’re at your lowest. With a good support system, stress becomes more tolerable which makes returning to the day-to-day much easier.
4. You’re a fast learner and you’re self-motivated. Just starting out on your own as a new nurse, you’ll find the growth curve can be quite steep. If you’re a fast learner and have the motivation after a long day at work to go back and review and study the material that you learned that day, going into a your desired specialty is a no-brainer.
So, as a new nurse, feel free to learn about specialties that you find interesting and don’t be afraid to apply for those positions. You may find just what you’re looking for. Good luck!
I’m really glad I read this article. However, I can’t say I share the optimism that’s dispersed throughout the comments. As a recent grad who finally got their nursing license, I’ve been applying to jobs nonstop and not get much. I’m passionate about L&D and NICU, but since I wasn’t able to spend my preceptorship in either type of unit I’ve gotten nonstop rejections stating “we have chosen to pursue more qualified candidates.” The same applies to other specialty nursing units (Cardiac, PEDs, ICU, etc.). Not just that, but it seems like more and more nursing specialty careers are demanding more experience in their specific fields than general medsurg experience.
I’m genuinely afraid that I’m going to end up getting stuck in a medsurg unit with no way of escaping only to burn out. I’ve had bad experiences working in medsurg units back in nursing school, and I know I will never be happy or passionate about medsurg. I just feel so discouraged and hopeless.
Hi Kate,
Thanks for your message. Have you considered taking on an opportunity that’s presented to you (med-surg or others) and using that as a foot in the door to your dream role. Even if you do start on a med-surg floor, that doesn’t mean you’ll need to stop looking for that perfect opportunity for you. Keep doing so!
Plus, maybe you’ll have the opportunity, once you’re in the door, to approach those unit managers or supervisors on your ideal unit and ask about shadow days to get your exposure. Let them know your interests, and maybe transferring can be a possibility after 6 months’ time? Maybe longer?
Good luck to you and keep us posted!
Hi Marsha,
Thank you for the insightful article. I definitely agree with you. Sorry in advance for the long post. I am a recent nursing graduate…c/o May 2020!!! I’m very grateful and excited to have finished my degree during this recent pandemic.
During my last year of nursing school, I worked as a nurse intern in Neuro Telemetry. My dream job in nursing is to be an Trauma ICU nurse. I applied to the RN residency program (ICU/Stepdown unit) with the hospital I’m currently interning. And since this was a different unit than my internship, I had to get my manager (floor nurse manager) to sign off on a transfer request. During our one-on-one meeting for the transfer, she kept trying to convine me that I needed to start med surg or neuro telemetry (basically med surg). She also told me the ICU manager wouldn’t hire me, let alone consider interviewing me. Basically I was wasting my time applying.
One week after submitting my transfer, I was contacted by a recruiter to schedule an interview for ICU. I interviewed with ICU Nurse Manager, DON, and few of the staff nurses. Overall, the interview process went great. The recruiter reached out to me within a week to inform me that although the interviwer raved about me, my current manager would like for me to stay on my current unit after boards. She also stated the manager would give me the opportunity to float on ICU from time to time for experience when feasible.
After this update, I immediately begin to apply to every RN residency program in my state. Shortly after, I received a call for a phone interview and was immediately offered a RN resident position in Trauma Stepdown at a Level 1 trauma hospital. I feel this is a great opportunity to get my foundation and move in the right direction of becoming a Trauma ICU nurse. Next step, NCLEX-RN!
Sorry for the misspelled words. My phone is acting up. I guess I’m typing faster than my phone is able to update
Hi Wynter! Congratulations on your graduation. About your job search– It’s disheartening when we’re told we shouldn’t or can’t do something by others when we’ve made up our on minds that we can. It’s at that point that you listen to your own desires and set a plan to achieve them. We can do anything we want to do, but we must take a step in that direction. Congratulations on deciding on you and applying elsewhere. I would love to hear an update. Be well! Marsha
I’ve been offered a position on a med-surg acute care unit where I did my practicum (I loved the people and felt pretty comfortable on the unit) but have also been offered a new grad position in an ICU at a level 2 trauma hospital. I’m seriously conflicted. I have always been interested in critical care, but I keep hearing that it’s extremely hard and that getting the foundation in med-surg would be wiser. From you seasoned nurses, what would you do?
Hi Madie,
Thanks for posting about your opportunity. It really does depend on where your heart is drawing you the most. Only you know your ability to learn and handle stress, because let’s be honest, starting on any floor is probably one of the hardest things you’ll experience in your career.
If you are truly a curious person (because you’ll have to have the drive to learn after a challenging shift and on your off days), have a strong support system (friends and/or family that will allow you to vent as well as share your wins), and you can do well under pressure– go for what you want!
You have to really know and trust yourself to make the right decision.
Let me know how it goes!
Marsha
As a new nurse I started on a cardiac progressive care/open heart unit with a Nurse Residency program. After 3 weeks of being “slow”, they are “asking” me to move to Med-surge. I cannot stress how important it is to get solidified in the basics before specializing!! Part of my “speed” issue was unfamiliarity with nursing generally, and also inexperience in very basic things like time management. If I had started with less acute patients, I would have got more of the “basics” and learned time management. I regret my decision to “hit the ground running” with higher acuity patients because I feel like I failed. I now WELCOME the opportunity to solidify a strong nursing foundation in Med-Surg–which is like the basic currency of nursing– before attempting to hit the big leagues. My goal is to be a well integrated nurse who has a broad spectrum of knowledge. I will be that much stronger and well rounded for having done so. That is realism and the basis for an awesome career!
And thank you Violet!!! I could not agree more…you just confirmed my post and decision to gratefully accept the opportunity to do Med-surge Nursing! Everything you say and detail is so true, and I have seen this first-hand in a very brief day in ICU! Also I would add, you want your colleagues to trust and respect your abilities and consider you a competent member of the team! A team is only as strong as its weakest link, and everyone will know you as just that if you are lacking basic skills and knowledge! Ultimately this compromises pt. safety, your unit, license and career. Your post is personally and professionally very meaningful and wise!
I don’t know how I ended up on this page. But I disagree with this article 100%. New Grads are happy when they are trained properly & have a preceptor that is not condescending, unfair, or unrealistic. Med-surg is the back-bone of nursing. I do not recommend starting out in a more critical area after graduating nursing school. You need to start out in med-surg so you can learn prioritization of care, get your rhythm, learn how to document, develop your basic skills (PIV insertion, NG insertion, tube feedings, using the IV pump, kangaroo, tpn administration, admin. IVF & IVPiggy back, trach care, suctioning, IV push medications, chest tube/drain management, wound/ostomy care, post-surgical care, drawing blood in the proper order). Everything you do in med-surg you will do in ICU, but in ICU you will have more complex meds to administer & mechanical ventilation, so if you have those fundamentals down packed, you have plenty of time to study & truly understand the medications you are administering & how they should be administered. This is why ICU is so dangerous because meds are given the incorrect route all of the time; this is why med-surg is so impt. By the time you get to ICU and you have a pt with 7 JP drains, urostomy, ileostomy, 3 chest tubes, mechanical ventilation via trach, levophed, propofol, 2x cardic drips, 4 IV antibiotics, art line, CVP monitoring, foley, rectal tube, & family asking you 100 questions every 5 minutes, you will be calm and you an handle it because you know what s/s to look for, understand how to manage ostomies, chest tubes, surgical drains, work the pump to manage your drips, the only major thing you’ll have to learn is the mechanical vent & some new meds.
Interesting. This looks super cool. I haven’t read it all yet, but I’ll be back to read the rest of it.
Thank you for writing this article! I am currently taking my pre reqs to go back to school for nursing. I have a BA and MA in Political Science and am doing a career change. I go back and forth between being very excited about this new path, to also being terrified because it’s such a big change from what I am used to. I think what I like most is that Nursing gives you so many options, and some of them don’t even involve patient care. Your article really put me at ease knowing that I should follow my instinct and do what interests me. So far, I am very into Aesthetic/ Derm and Psych nursing. I know this may change when school and clinicals start it’s comforting to know that these ideas aren’t crazy! Thank you again! 🙂
This was so helpful! I’m in my last semester of nursing school and am in a tough spot deciding between a job I don’t love but that is a sure thing (this hospital gives new grads offers before NCLEX), and a job that I love in the ED that isn’t quite official yet. Thanks a lot 🙂
I don’t agree. New grads should start somewhere with more stable patients. For example, ICU is extremely difficult. A new grad could easily find themselves in over their heads. This can lead to burnout and even worse, fatal errors and loss of license. A new-grade going for ICU is setting themselves up for failure. Yes, med-surg has a larger patient assignment, but the patients themselves are much more stable and actually require less effort to care for than more acute units. I’ve been working in a PCU for 3 months as a new grad and I’m just about finished with it. I rarely have breaks, I literally run around the halls to speed up productivity. My patients have non-stop medications and treatments spaced out throughout the entire shift. I’m suppose to chart full assessments q4h, which take hours out of my day. Put a rapid response on top of that and its no longer humanly possible to handle. Meanwhile, whenever I have time to sit down, my work phone starts ringing. I am learning a lot, but I’m burning out quickly. When I did practicum in a med-surg unit, I had time to sit down and actually think about my patient’s conditions and create plans. I could take breaks and even talk to other nurses. I’m just saying going into your preferred specialty from the beginning could lead to burnout and failure. Delayed gratification is a good thing. Build your foundation first, then go into your dream specialty.
John-117,
I went back and forth between applying for the dream unit and applying to the unit that will teach me fundamentals and more, time management etc… With lots of self reflection, I realized that the profession can be rough and merciless, leading to fast burn-out and chronic stress, so I decided to start on a low stress floor with less critical patients vs high acuity and high stress. At the end of the day, I want to come home satisfied of my day, not hating and blaming X, Y, Z for being in a position that is just not the right fit for me as a new grade. If my goal is to learn for 12 months the fundamentals, and being a shining RN star in my own eye, then , I will feel a lot more hopeful for the near future and having longevity in this line of work. No job is worth losing my mojo, my health and my joy. Plus the majority of the new grad position are for night shift and I just cannot function on a night shift schedule, it just makes me sick physically. So, I feel very blessed that this job offer was a day shift job. I cannot wait to learn and built strong foundation skills etc.
Congratulations on deciding on what’s best for you John! I’m so happy that you’ve made the right decision for you.
My first job out of nursing school was on a med-surg floor. After 10 months of struggling to make this work I was ultimately terminated because of patient complaints. No matter what I did for the patient or how much I did for them they still found something to complain about and administration does not like patient complaints. I had already had 20 plus years experience in Radiology as a CT Tech. They did allow me to resign however which would look a little better on my resume. I just could not make med-surg work for me. I would like to try working in the emergency room which is where I’m most familiar since most of my CT patients came from the emergency room. I was told by my director that I do have the personality of an ER nurse so I’m hoping that will work a little bit better. What I don’t understand is what I needed to do differently so that patients didn’t complain?
I’ve always taken patient complaints with a grain of salt. Patients are already feeling miserable because of their health. The real sick ones tend to complain about everything. I once had a patient complain about me because Fox news wasn’t working on his TV. Another patient had an outburst because the doctor wanted her on a low potassium diet. Of course to the patient, it was my fault. Another grown adult patient of mine cried because the unit ran out of orange juice, and all I could offer was apple juice. Another complained because I came into to take their blood pressure. Americans are entitled, thus pt complaints are the norm.
I agree with this article. Just a tip for anyone considering nursing or is in school now: geography is going to be a big factor in your ability to get into your choice of job. Some locale are saturated with new grads. Willingness to work in rural areas/inner cities for a few years is a way “in” to some of the more desirable specialties as there are fewer applicants. Just something to keep in mind.
Marsha am so greatful and appreciate you with much love from my heart for creating this forum for nurses.When i got out of nursing school,i felt i was the most frustrated about which area to apply to with the Medsurg myth.So circumstances led me to start with Psych with which i had a peaceful clinical rotation. Been there 1 year now and believe me there are times i feel useless especially when needing to do basic procedures which i know from nursing school are commonly done on the medsurg units.At this point, i have decided to revisit medsurg, even if it is only going to be for 2 months.I have an interview coming up. What am praying for is proper orientation and support as i learn from other nurses just like other colleagues have mentioned above.if i have supportive orientation i will do great. My medsurg instructor scared the hell of medsurg out of me during clinicals. What they fail to realize is that we come to nursing school with different experiences.some get it fast and some get the skills progressively. Am relying on my enthusiasm to pick up the broken pieces.Will appreciate any in sights from you and other nurses.thanks again.
Excellent post about Medical-Surgical Nursing. Really very like it. I’m also pursuing career as RN. And this post very helpful for me. Thanks for sharing.
Got a job in critical care right out of nursing school. Did okay for 20 weeks of training but then alone, things have gone downhill. I feel so unprepared. Lots of 7p to 7a and mandatory overtime. I am unable to sleep well and have exhaustion. I am afraid I will not receive a good reference if try to find something I am more comfortable with. Any suggestions?
Thank you for this article. I actually went into nursing to pursue midwifery. I started the education journey a while back, taking prereqs little by little. By a while back I mean 2007 lol! I’m now going into my last semester in nursing school. I’m currently working as an extern in an oncology unit at the hospital where I want to work after graduation. My externship is going really well, I mesh w/ the nurses and techs on that floor really well and I thin I have a pretty good chance of getting hired there if I apply when I graduate. I just (in the last two weeks) did my NICU and mother/baby clinicals at this hospital and I hated it. It seemed boring and slow compared to my job as an extern. I’m also not loving my OB class. Not so much the content, but the class. I’m already a birth doula and I was so looking forward to OB and my clinicals in OB. However, I’m now so confused and heartbroken. I’m not sure if this is where I’m supposed to be although I have wanted to catch babies since I was little. When I go to work as an extern, I feel excited and my heart feels alive. When I work as a doula, same thing. But my recent clinicals made feel like I was wasting my time.
I had a chat with a clinical instructor that I admire and love who is a women’s health NP, used to be a midwife. I asked her this very question, if I should apply for the L/D residency or if I should work in med surg for a few years to solidify my skills. Her answer was exactly what you wrote about….apply for L/D because life is too short. My concern now is that I didn’t love it as much as my externship floor. My ultimate goal is to open a birth center locally and give women more delivery options in my community. Thinking of this makes me excited and motivated, however, how can I work in a unit that makes me bored and depressed? I’m leaning toward applying to my current unit as a resident and then reevaluating when I begin grad school. Do you think it would be a waste of time to not work in L/D until I get my masters? I’m not sure what to do. The application for the residency will open in a few weeks and I need to decide where I will be for at least the next year.
Hi Marsha, This was such an inspiring post. I currently was a pct on a cardiac med-surg floor. I don’t really hate it. But I’m not fond of it either. I really want to get into OR nursing. I have a feeling that I will hate nursing if I am stuck on the med-surg floor. I’ve been told that it’s best to do med-surg even from a friend who hated it. Thanks for the enlightenment!
Thank you Marsha! I am finding your article in a rather random and desperate google search. I am a new graduate of 6 months. I have been working/orienting in a med-surg/tele unit at a community hospital for about 2 months. This hospital is one of the few hospitals in the area that hires associate degree nurses, due to the common magnet programs. Quiet frankly, I hate working in this unit. It doesn’t help that the hospital is disorganized and continually short staffed. I feel like this area of nursing is just not for me. I originally wanted to work in ICU/CCU and so far I feel like a failure at nursing in general. It has been so ingrained in me that you have to succeed at med-surg before moving on to “more difficult” areas of nursing. I have been very down and dread going to work. I have spoke to my AUM and director, and I recently asked to be moved to nights or if possible transferred to the psych unit. I have to make a decision by Monday…such a dilemma. Reading your article and the following comments has helped me to decide to ask to be moved to psych. I really enjoyed my psych rotation in school and love talking and educating patients. Thanks again!!!
I’m so bummed you feel this way! I never realized just how lucky I was 20 years ago to hire directly into OB right out of school. I knew my instructors had recommended med surg, but before nursing school even started, I knew OB was my jam. I have never regretted that even one tiny bit. I’ve stayed in OB this whole time. It breaks my heart to hear about nurses who feel miserable in their position because of some outdated “rule.”
I completely agree. When I was in nursing school my instructors encouraged us to get at least one year of med/surg experience before we branched out. I knew I wanted critical care. I also knew that if I worked in med/surg for a year I would most likely leave the profession. I have the utmost respect for med/surg nurses because I know I cannot due their job. I cannot multitask for 5-6 patients. Let me focus on 1 or 2 critically ill patients.
This is so refreshing to read! My senior practicum was in an ambulatory surgery unit and I just loved it. I’ve just been offered a position on the unit and some of the nurses have suggested I get med-surg experience before I try to work in ambulatory surgery, and that it’s more of a place for people with significant experience. I really want to take the job but now I’m worried that there won’t be opportunities for me if I want to transition out of the ambulatory surgery/perianesthesia nursing specialty one day because I won’t have that broader background that comes with med/surg.
I took the first job offered (and the only one I applied for) because I was desperate to have a job secured before graduation to relieve the financial burden on my family. It was a nurse residency program. I was not informed at the time that I would not be allowed to work in the ER or Newborn Nursery or PACU – my three areas of interest – because they don’t hire new nurses into those specialties unless you precepted at their facility. I precepted in ER at a different facility. I was devastated but already signed a contract. Now I’m 5 months into working MEDSURG and I hate it more than anything. I’m actually considering leaving the profession altogether.
Hi Allyson! I’m so sorry to hear about your situation.
Maybe now with more experience you’ll be able to apply to another facility, maybe the one where you precepted. If you can get in touch with the nurse manager or recruitment and let them know how you feel (calm, cool and professionally), maybe they can help you with other options. Or, since you already precepted at another facility’s ER, maybe now is the time to request making a move into another area that interests you at your own facility. Speak openly with your supervisor/manager and let them know how you feel. You may be surprised at the options they may be able to offer. Also, reach out to your nurse educators. They may have some insight or ways that could help.
Another option: contact managers in the areas of your interests and ask if you can shadow a nurse for a shift. Tell them about your interests. You never know where it could lead.
If those options don’t work, you may have to consider leaving your contract (have something in place first though). Would the money you would have to pay back be just as important as your reducing current stress level and overall well-being? If so, the payment may be worth it.
Please keep me posted on your decision!
Sorry but someone who is willing to even entertain the idea of leaving the profession after 5 months simply because they didn’t get what they wanted is absolutely ridiculous in my book, the fact that she is where she doesn’t want to be is more than likely the reason she hates it. Instead of embracing the experience and looking at the fact that any job will give you experience and only help you in the end. As a nurse you are not to good to work anywhere, her attitude is actually what is wrong with this current generation of nurses. I have been in healthcare for 24 years worked in a hospital mostly in the ER as a tech, been an EMT from basic to intermediate levels, and just recently had to take a nursing grad job on a medsurg unit, no it is not what I wanted and the person that got the ER job was a far less qualified graduate than me but, life isn’t fair and you don’t always get what you want or deserve, but how you handle yourself is what defines you as a professional. Her attitude makes me question how she does patient care if she is truly unhappy. I grew up in a hospital and had truly amazing nurses to shape my ideal picture of a nurse and while I thank you for you positive attitude and all you do to make our profession better this new attitude of I’ll just quit if I don’t get my way is what is killing the profession.
Love this post, Marsha Ann. I was one of those who went against the grain and didn’t go into Med-Surg after nursing school. I never thought I was going to become a nurse growing up, so the thought of doing something nurse-y freaked me out. Love your four-point check list on figuring out if we can go for it and follow our dreams! Totally agreed with your points and am able to see why I ‘made it’ as a psych nurse starting out.
Awesome Elizabeth! And as a nurse with an ER/Trauma background, we loved our psych nurses! Thanks for your contributions!
Marsha, excellent post especially for us ‘older nurses’! I have always proposed that new nurses need to have a few years experience before moving into advanced practice and management. Professionals like case managers need to have the experience that comes with working in areas such as Med Surgical nursing to be able to recognize obstacles that they will encounter assist patients and their families with resources and taking the time to educate and empower those who face new diagnoses and life long chronic conditions.
I do agree that those who want to start out in specialty areas such as the OR, Pediatrics and Oncology can get that experience in these area….vs. starting in Med-Surgical Nursing.
With jobs being so tight for new grads, I would like to see hospitals open up internships in various areas where new grads can gain experience and decide where their niche is.
We as seasoned nurses also need to mentor new graduates, welcome them to the profession and assist them in learning the ropes. This is so important for retention and to ensure nursing remains a caring profession.
Nursing has been a wonderful career for me and has opened doors that have been personally and professionally fulfilling. It is my turn to give back!
Thanks for your thoughtful post Anne. And thanks for supporting new grads who would like to start in specialty areas first. Teaching hospitals, especially the higher level trauma centers, are great for this as they often have critical care internships. And I agree, nursing has been wonderful… and there is so much you can do with our experiences!
Very interesting, Marsha and for me of the older school, I had to work a little to stay open to the idea. And I think you have supported your reasoning with a great example and tips for making it work. I have to say that I think cultivating enthusiasm is extremely important in both new grads and seasoned nurses!
Looking back, I think I would have enjoyed my first year more in med-surg if I’d had more support i.e. better staffing and less vertical and horizontal violence to deal with. I also wonder, in the big scheme of things how much need there is to staff w/ med-surg and then what do we need to do to make it appealing for nurses to work and stay in such positions.
Thanks for educating me in a new way of thinking!
Thanks for being open Beth. And I also think that support really makes a difference in keeping nurses satisfied in their careers, new and seasoned!
Hi Marsha,
Spot on again! I started in pediatrics (what I wanted) and have stayed there (practice and teaching) all these years. Guess it was a good choice for me! I say follow your heart and do what you love.
Hi Donna! Thanks for contributing, and I’m glad you had the opportunity right off!
Very imformative article. I am also in my last semester of nursing school and I am also a tech on med-surg unit. Nurses on my floor (med-surg) have different opinions on this med-surg myth. I am having several interviews with med-surg, ED, and PCU. Well.. of course I will get what I am given but still being undecisive what path I want to take.
“Working at Med-surg is a waste of time, hard to get any critical nursing care opportunities.” A quote from my co-worker today. Would you agree? I do not mind working at med-surg floor but I still want to have some hopes after 2 years when I am done with my contract. So what’s your thought?
Hi Rika. Thanks for reading the post. I think all specialties of nursing provide tremendous learning, and none are a waste of time… including med-surg. I also believe in pursuing a specialty that you’re interested in. Just remember, you’ll get a foundation in any practice. And, any practice can prepare you for the next. You just have to believe you’ll learn in the process. Good luck with your interviews, and keep me posted!
I am a senior in nursing school, I will be graduating in may. This has to be the most uplifting and motivating article I’ve read. Thank you, I will be sharing with my fellow classmates.
Hi Schaina! Thanks for reading and sharing with your classmates. If you’ve made the decision on where you want to go in nursing already, pursue that! You’ll get the foundation necessary for your desired practice. And, good luck in May. You’re almost there!
I, too, am interested in something other than Medsurg. However, it’s being on the PICC team. They have hired new grads, but I’m dissuaded by a large percentage of people I share this with. What’s the worse case scenario–having to start on a Medsurg without new grad status (read leniency)? Wouldn’t L&D or psych run into same dilemma? Your thoughts?
Hi Em! Thanks for reading and your comments. If PICC team is where you want to be, I say go for it. Worst case scenario would be regretting not doing it a year, 5 years or 10 years from now, right?
I’m glad to see established nurses writing pieces like this. I am still in nursing school but thinking about my future job search and I hope that I can apply for jobs in a variety of areas rather than feeling like I only have one option.
Hi Tina! You do have more options. If you’re able, and depending on the area you’re in, apply to teaching hospitals. Trauma centers are better if you can find them. They often have new graduate orientations and will sometimes have programs for new grads in critical care or other specialties if you’re looking to start somewhere besides a Medical-Surgical unit. Good luck!
I agree. I still hear the outdated “I don’t hire new grads in my ICU” even after there are studies out there to show if nurses work in areas they want, they are happier, which translates into retention in that unit, and in nursing.
Hi Teresa! Thanks for reading and your comments!
As a former manager of Oncology, I fought very hard to get a new grad in my department. I had to go up against the beliefs of the admin above me. But I went to bat for a new grad, and they let me hire here. It was hard on her, but she’s still there in that outpatient unit and loving it! I always believe you should have to fight to live out your passion.
Hi Joyce! Thanks for reading. It’s great that you supported a new grad in her desires to work on your unit. Hopefully, the trend is moving in that direction.
Hey Joyce,
You sound like you made a great choice going to bat for her especially considering that she is still there! One thing that is often overlooked is the advantage of hiring a new grad in a specialty area (as long as they have a long preceptorship program) is that new nurses do not have ingrained “bad” nursing habits. Old habits and ways of doing things can be hard to break in experienced nurses. New grads can be taught correct evidence based nursing practices from the get go.
Thanks for your response Erica! Orientation programs are amazing when you have them, and it helps new grads tremendously in their practice by providing a knowledge and skills’ foundation from the start.
I complete agree with you. Unfortunately in many areas there is so much competition for jobs for new nurses that I’m sure those nurses are willing to take any job.
In my area the jobs weren’t impossible to find, but it was extremely difficult to find a job in a nursing speciality, although not impossible. A handful of the nurses I graduated with landed in the specialties of their choosing. A bigger chuck of us landed in whatever we could get. However, I don’t think that a few years in a specialty you don’t love is a bad thing. You might actually find that you enjoy that specialty or it may really confirm that you want to do something different.
This is a fantastic post, by the way!
Thanks for reading Brittney!
I agree… If you’re placed in a undesired specialty, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. There’s always something to learn in any opportunity!