er or icu for new grads
I worked on a post surg./ med surg floor as a lpn and the first few months after getting my rn. I then went on to ICU. I think that it was a big mistake in my case because the hospital I was working in was so short handed that I kept finding myself be assigned patients that I was not comfortable caring for.... such as having vent patients with cvp lines, art lines, and numerous titratable drips..... I just did not get adequate training to care for these types of patients... but they were so short handed that they assigned me to them anyway.......

It set me up for a very unsafe working enviroment.... not to mention putting the saftey of the patients on the line. I decided that I worked too hard to get my license to put it at risk ......I quit......... I still liked that type of nursing but wanted to find someone who was willing to take the time to train me properly, not just throw me out to the wolves. I believe I have found just the place. I am now training to be an open heart nurse in a different hospital. I am much happier now.

Unless they can assure you of getting enough training before putting you on your own... I would suggest that a new grad try a med surg floor first to gain some need organazitional skills... then when you feel comfortable with that try ICU or ER. Just my opinion. Kathy

Well, here's the thing. You could spend time on a Med/Surg floor and figure out how to get organized to that area. Then you could transfer to ER/ ICU and have to do the same thing. My point being, you're going to have to cut your teeth eventually with the orgainization issue, why not do it in an area you want to be in?

I started in the ER as a new grad. I was told by almost everyone that it was a bad idea. I must say that I had to stand my ground a few times and learn to ask for help in certain situations but I never felt that I was endangering any of my patients.

I'm here to tell you that if you feel strongly about starting in a certain area, I firmly believe that you go in to that area right away. Learn all you can in orientation and be willing to do anything it takes!!

The ER I work in, sometimes you will have as many as 5 patients (with supposedly lower acuity) so it compares to working a Med/Surg environment anyway. You just get to treat 'n street more of them!

Go to the specialty you want to work in or the area where you have passion and feel committed to "doing whatever it takes" to be successful. If you choose areas like the ER/ICU, expect to feel overwhelmed for awhile. Some people can handle stress better than others, and can move into these areas without too much difficulty. Other people need a slower introduction to stressful situations. Others have spent time working in some sort of ancillary support position in these areas (EMT, paramedic, tech, etc), so they know what they are getting into before they take the job. There is no single answer that fits everyone.

If you do choose a specialty like the ER, ICU or OR, find a hospital that offers programs designed specifically for new grads. Those are the places that have already decided to live with you while you catch up to the veterans on the unit.

I deffiniatly agree with you when you say that organization comes with learning. I am now less apprehensive about starting out on a more advanced specialty unit, this is where I want to be so I will just work a little harder to get there.
Thanks!!

I couldn't agree more. I graduated nursing school at 19 and was in an ICU before I could legally drink! I hated it at first, cried every morning before I went to work, but stuck it out and grew to love that job! It is different for everyone, I remember several RNs coming and going very quickly. All new grads went to nights at first (after a 6 week day shift orientation) less stress more time to learn. True I was young and stupid but I wouldn't change it for anything.
Vicki