Med Surg vs Peds

[bsrn0523]

I am interviewing for two postions (RN) and I was wondering if I could get a bit in the way of feedback. The first is a med-surg position at a community hospital, nice people, level 2 or 3, nurse pt ratio: 8:1 on days including the aide and LPN. The other is at a level 1 trauma center in a peds unit, days, nice but impersonal, although I would see a great deal. Nurse, pt ratio is 3:1 with an aide. Both are nice hospitals, although one is a teaching hospital (peds) with a ton of really acute cases. Any feedback would be great!

[AmandaWIRN]

Just my opinion, but I think you would learn a LOT more at the teaching hospital. I started out in Peds as a new grad and I loved it. I eventually switched to ER, which I love even more, but my Peds background STILL helps me on a daily basis when I'm working in ER. 3:1 for Peds is a good ratio- the little ones tend to be pretty time consuming!

[Ricu]

Hi bsrn,

Congratulations on completing your degree! The first few interviews are usually the toughest in terms of how to conduct yourself and you have two right off the bat. I think you would have a sense for what you would like to do after those interviews so I always recommend that people go with their gut feeling. You would gain valuable work experience at either hospital but I share Amanda's opinion that the pedi position would give you unique experience. I guess a good question to ask yourself is how you feel about working in pediatrics. You wouldn't necessarily be trapped there but having acute/critical pediatric experience is a great marketing advantage for you to have.

Good luck,

R

[cassioo]

I'd pick the peds but when I went into nursing I wanted peds, nursery, ob so those are what I do done med/surg also but not my thing....depends on what you like if you do peds you also deal with lots of family

[bsrn0523]

Thank you for all of your replies. I think I already know the answer in my heart, as i really love working with kids. I will post how the interview process goes.

[silty1]

As a new grad, you may find the Peds floor more challenging. Peds is a specialty. I think new grads do better with a couple of years of med/surg before moving on to a floor where they are not as receptive to inexperienced nurses. I have heard a lot of nurses complain that they do not get a lot of support from the staff on specialty floors, because they are expected to know how to do things already. You will find that some of your skills will come through practice, practice, practice - like IVs. It's a challenge starting an IV on a 3 yr old with mom in the room. Even with an IV team, you'll start plenty. Do you feel that you got enough experience in school. What about a year of med/surg in the teaching hospital?