DO NEW NURSES HAVE TO START IN MED SURG?

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Күн бұрын

DO NURSES HAVE TO START IN MED-SURG?. Don’t forget, the first 500 people to sign up via my link will get two FREE months of Skillshare Premium : skl.sh/nurseliz3
In today’s video we tackle the question “Do you new grad nurses have to start on a Med-Surg Unit”. When I was in school this was the popular idea, and it seems to be frequently encouraged to this day, because I get asked this all the time! I DID start in med -surg but not entirely by choice, as you’ll hear. However, it gave me some great insight to bring to you, and I can give you the pro’s and con’s of starting in Med-Surg versus a specialty.
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Пікірлер: 92

@cherry_blossoms1467 4 жыл бұрын

I forgot to add that it’s very frustrating when everywhere wants experience but how is one to get that experience out of nursing school is no one is willing to train you.

@NurseLiz 4 жыл бұрын

That is super frustrating for sure

@brittanymyers1203 5 жыл бұрын

I'm in a BSN program now and working as a tech on a medsurg unit. No doubt, because I've seen so much on medsurg already, it's helped me beyond words in nursing school. I've seen rapids, code blues, COPD, trachs, chest tubes, foley placements & removals, NG placements & removals, lots of ICU transfers, lots of altered mental status, alcohol & drug withdrawal, lots of diabetes complications including those pre & post amputations, intractable pain pts. Medsurg is crazy busy. But it teaches you so many valuable skills that can easily transfer to whatever speciality you choose.

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

What amazing experience you've had and you aren't even out of school!

@caribaez5711 4 жыл бұрын

med surg teaches you humility and the virtue of humanism because it also gives you an insight to be open to be curious.

@Greenwolf18 5 жыл бұрын

Great video as always, I agree med surg is a great foundation, I was a CNA/pct for 7 years in ER LPN for 3 and now RN for 3 med Tele nurse looking forward to Pcu or icu great foundation time management and now I am a charge nurse so all in all great success and great foundation and now time to move on. Thanks Liz. Jim Rn

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

What an awesome background! Best of luck on your next adventure

@susiegonzalez562 9 ай бұрын

This was so helpful thank you!!

@reneeysmith1234 5 жыл бұрын

Another great video! I am a new nurse and I appreciate all your knowledge!!! Thanks for sharing 🤗

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Yay I'm glad it was helpful!

@erickajamel6805 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video from my experience I can relate. I was told to start in medsurg too and I did andI hated it. It wasn’t for me. I lasted 6 months and left. I don’t even think hospital nursing is for me but I will keep exploring until I find my happy place.

@NurseLiz 4 жыл бұрын

you will! There are SO many options. I hope you path becomes clear soon!

@carleighrousseau4226 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I got into home and community health quickly and happily 💜💜

@MakingMemories0115 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Liz, It’s like you read my mind. Yesterday, while in my BLS class, I was advised to start off in med surg when I become a new RN grad. I believe it’s good advice eventhough, I eventually want to go into Cardiology or Peds. I mean right now I am open to learning as much as I can but I do want to specialize in the future. Great advice. I feel like your my big sister. Always appreciate your advice.

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad it was helpful!

@holtvln 5 жыл бұрын

Currently in med/surg. Have been doing it for almost 7 years but have always wanted to specialize. Thanks for the info. I feel that med/surg plus a bit of LTC has given me great time management (up to 8 patients sometimes on night shifts) and such a variety of patient conditions and skills.

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Oh man. Your multitasking skills must be off the charts

@katen9346 5 жыл бұрын

I went straight into the PICU after graduation (6 month orientation) and wouldn't have done it any other way!

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome!!

@cristinaescorcia2657 4 жыл бұрын

It’s a relief to hear that because I’ll be doing that this summer!

@michellegill5914 5 жыл бұрын

Yes , yes, so much yess!!! Thank you, I completely agree on all your stances here🤗🥳

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Yay! Glad I'm not alone :)

@christenjoyjoy 5 жыл бұрын

i'm nearing the end of my S1 semester and definitely needed to hear this!!!

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad it was helpful!

@ramlamohamed3339 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Liz!! I’m applying for an accelerated ADN program that starts in July. Your videos have been so helpful in motivating and informing me. Thank you ☺️

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad they've been helpful! Fingers crossed for ya!

@rufaelabrhe9585 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@johnhakim7527 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the link to skillshare, Nurse Liz. I look forward to learning a new thing or two.

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@adavanlandingham4124 5 жыл бұрын

I haven’t even watched this yet and I want to thank you for this

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

❤️

@aye-its-carlos1738 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Liz hope you are doing very well, great job on your videos they are very helpful I'm 18 and I will start my first medical assistant job and your videos have helped me so much, thank you!!

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad they have been helpful!

@sharonsmith4659 5 жыл бұрын

I made a crazy decision to start as an inpatient/acute hemodialysis nurse. They did a good job teaching me how to do dialysis. However, I did dialysis on people with tracheostomy’s that needed suctioning, people with seizure disorders that actually had seizures on dialysis, people who had chest tubes and cbi’s, and abnormal heart rhythms and it was too much. I wasn’t taught the general nursing skills. I was taught how to do dialysis super well but not how to be an actual nurse. I ran to med surg and learned so much. Once I felt I had a good base of knowledge, I went back to dialysis and I love it and I feel more confident. Med surg was an absolute must for me.

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Oh wow I bet that was definitely helpful for managing those patients. Inpatient dialysis is WILD, super impressed you could jump right into that!

@876ordirtd5 5 жыл бұрын

I’m in a similar situation I’m leaving the icu for tele at another hospital I realized that icu is not for me right now maybe it will be in the future

@Kassiex5 2 жыл бұрын

You’re one of my favorites, seriously

@beckypineda 4 жыл бұрын

ugh this was so helpful! I want to start in peds but all ive been offered is medsurg, thank you for the helpful insight.

@NurseLiz 4 жыл бұрын

I've been there. You'll get to peds eventually! And learn a ton if you do dabble in med surg first.

@aileennardone3746 4 жыл бұрын

I am in the same boat! This was definitely a helpful video!

@darshjohnson91 5 жыл бұрын

I've been in med/surg 9 months and most times I've questioned my career choice..deep down I feel like I can do this; but maybe this is not the area I need to be in.. I've had traveler nurses say to me if I can make it my full year on the med/surg at my facility then I can work out of a tent in Afghanistan...I plan on making a specialty move I just don't know where or what specialty🤔...this video was very helpful in giving me the courage to make changes that can in turn make me happy while at the same time finding my passion..thank you!!!!

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Med surg is definitely an insane place. You will find something you love! Go you for sticking with it!

@DrAdnan 5 жыл бұрын

Sometimes a tough training prepares you well 💪

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

So true!

@taylorwhite3636 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vid Liz! I've always been super interested in cardiology and heart disease, so I feel drawn to those sorts of roles, but this was in the back of my mind. Do you by chance have any tips for someone who would want to go into a 'specialty' as a new grad? Hope to get a relevant clinical placement, but not too sure what I could do aside from that!

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Just apply to a ton! Or try networking with the manager to let them know your interest

@Mollyjaleighingram 9 ай бұрын

What would u recommend for a CNA that currently works in a rehabilitation center?? Interviewing for a couple hospital stay, considering float pool!

@Breaajay 5 жыл бұрын

New to your videos. I love how knowledgeable you are! I’m interested in pursuing women’s health as an NP but I’m not sure if i should go the specific WHNP route or get an FNP and just try to work in women’s health. Do you have any info that may be helpful for making a decision on that?

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

I have a few in my np school playlist that talk about specialties and all that. But if your interests are definitely womens health I would absolutely go for womens health np! It is not covered a ton in FNP. I wish I had more education on it

@crystalnalley3698 Ай бұрын

MedSurg IS a specialty in it’s own world!

@ashleyray4910 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! I was never very fond of my med-surg clinicals in school, and I wanted to start in mother/baby but after applying for 30 or so jobs, I settled for a med surg float position. I'm almost a year in now, burnt out, and feeling stuck in this position. All specialties seem to want you to already have specialty experience. I wish I would have been a little bit more patient when looking for a job right out of nursing school. If I had to do it all over again, I would wait until I got an offer that that I was really passionate about instead of just taking whatever was available. I'll admit, I have gained a lot of experience in med surg with certain clinical skills, communication skills, knowing how to handle difficult situations, ect. However, I think I would have gained most of these same skills within my first year of specialty nursing. I'm hoping that a lot of new nurses see your video. I think you'll inspire a lot of new nurses to to start in a specialty that they love, and I think this will decrease the level of burnout that that occurs.

@NurseLiz 4 жыл бұрын

I hope you can find a job in mother baby or a specialty that you love!! Fingers crossed for you. I know how hard the job search struggle is.

@ashleyray4910 4 жыл бұрын

@@NurseLiz that means a lot, thank you!!

@cherry_blossoms1467 4 жыл бұрын

Ashley Kapaun I can completely relate. I took the first offer I got because the economy was awful back when I graduated in 2009 and 12 years later (6 off from having 2 kids and caring for my dad) I still feel stuck in the sub/acute position I initially took at a nursing facility. It definitely does seem that everywhere wants you to already have that experience. But if no one is willing to train you out of nursing school then where are you supposed to get that experience! Very frustrating.

@lelrica6883 2 жыл бұрын

@@ashleyray4910 Hey were you able to get into a specialty yet? I'm gonna be a senior nursing student and I really want to do mother/baby - should I wait for an offer if I cant get a position right away?

@lindseychoi 10 ай бұрын

How was everything going on to find a specialty? Did you get into a specialty you wanted?

@madelinewise581 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Liz! I am a new grad who graduated Dec. 2019. I didn't start applying until March (I know, bad idea), and I have been interviewing in the middle of the pandemic and economic recession. I don't know if it was me or the circumstances, but I didn't get any job offers sadly. However, I did recently get a psych new grad residency program position at a good hospital. I didn't originally want to go into psych, but I am not totally against it either. I know it kind of has a reputation for being a different type of nursing which made me want to avoid it originally, though I like the patients. It's a hard job market, but I'm a little hesitant. Should I settle or keep looking-- knowing there are no guarantees? Is it "ok" to start is psych and switch to a more "medical" specialty in a year or two? Do they get paid less?

@marisolponce4398 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video. Do you think is a good idea to start in the OR? Also, do you know if FNP programs require nurses to work for a certain amount of time in a certain specialty?

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

If you want to do or then sure! Most fnp programs don’t require a specific type of nursing experience.

@samanthasosa021 5 жыл бұрын

You posted this video at the perfect time for me! I just got 2 offers for a new grad ED position and a med-surg position. After watching this, I think med-surg would be a great start for me. Thanks for the advice!

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your offers!! Thats awesome!

@samanthasosa021 5 жыл бұрын

Nurse Liz thank you so much! You’ve been super helpful on my journey 😊

@elizabetharteaga5343 3 жыл бұрын

I’m in the same position, do you regret doing this?

@Lifted0311 10 ай бұрын

i can agree. Especially if you KNOW you want a specialty, you may never need to leave that specalty. I just started this month, and i chose med surge....not because it was a good starting point, but because i want to transition to er / icu, and med surge will give me good acute care info to leave into icu, since my hospitals seldom hire new grads into er / icu

@AstrocyteBibliophile 5 жыл бұрын

I've always wanted to work in paediatrics, though I'm not 100% sure which area I want to specialise in (possibly PICU or NICU). I have 3 semesters left of nursing school before applying for grad positions.

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Love peds! It’s the best 🙂

@CT-jz5nn 3 жыл бұрын

Great content

@NurseLiz 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@HeatherAlicia9109 5 жыл бұрын

One of my instructors was the clinical educator for the whole hospital. She’s one that preaches to go into Medsurg before specializing. However, she emailed the ICU manager about me and now I was offered a job there!!! It definitely depends on the person for whether or not you should start in a specialty.

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your new job!! how exciting!

@hadgit60 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks..soon to be new grad..really like the OR..interview tomorrow.

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

Fingers crossed for you!

@KEP1983 5 жыл бұрын

I'm doing an LPN program and planning to move on to RN/BSN. I was curious if it's common for NPs to also work the 3 12 hour shifts per week?

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

NP's that work inpatient typically maintain a schedule like that! Or those that work in the Emergency Department or urgent care. In Primary Care/Outpatient its usually 8 or 10 hour days 4-5 days a week for full time.

@emilyme9973 4 жыл бұрын

What if you want to go in to geriatrics but you also want to use a lot of the clinical skills you learned in school? I love geriatrics but anytime I say I want to do long-term care my instructors essentially tell me I won't gain any new skills or knowledge.

@NurseLiz 4 жыл бұрын

You can always re learn skills if you need to! Do what you love :)

@cherry_blossoms1467 4 жыл бұрын

I graduated in 2009 and went into a nursing home as opposed to a hospital/med/surge as my teacher highly recommend. I wish I had because I still feel as though I’m stuck in that field. I’m in RI. Nowhere will hire without med surge experience. Also I’ve always wanted to do icu or oncology but when I graduated the economy had gone to sh*ts. So nowhere was hiring. I didn’t get into the icu internship I wanted an kinda got stuck in the whole nursing home sun acute care. 12 years later, with the last 6 off due to 2 kids and caring for my father who had diabetes and cancer twice (sadly he unexpectedly passed away in December) I’m trying to re enter the work force and feel like everywhere is requiring med/surge or icu or whatever specialty experience only. Do they not train anymore? We are going through this pandemic so I was hoping to get out and help but feel like I don’t have the experience. I dread going back to a nursing home/sub/acute care. Any advice for this very discouraged registered nurse? Sorry for any typos as I’m on my phone and watching my little one while desperately trying to find jobs. 😕

@NurseLiz 4 жыл бұрын

I would just apply anyway honestly. Also Id check out @theresumerx on instagram if you are on there! She has amazing tips for job finding and resumes that are super helpful

@diamondz4lfye313 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, I’m shocked to hear that it’s been hard for you to obtain even a med-surge position. Those positions typically don’t require any experience because med surge is the least critical unit in a hospital. That’s why they hire new grads so much. And since they hire new grads, I don’t understand why they won’t hire you cus if they’re training new grads, no reason why they can’t train you. I would say keep applying and good luck!

@bridgetsheehan4257 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Liz, what are you thoughts on studying abroad during nursing major in college? Also, what are your thoughts on majoring in nursing and minoring in Spanish?

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

for a semester or for the whole thing? I think for a semester would be awesome! A spanish minor would definitely be helpful! Or just knowledge of spanish if you didnt want to go to the time of taking the classes. If you have a second language that is HUGE on a resume

@bridgetsheehan4257 5 жыл бұрын

I think I’d like to do a semester! I’m fairly strong in Spanish so I think it might be a possibility for me to minor - it’s something for me to consider. Thanks!! (:

@sydneynicole7267 4 жыл бұрын

I am graduating in may with BSN and am really interested in peds but I can't find a job in that field. Considering starting in med-surg with the intention of definitely going to peds quickly but i'm scared it will be difficult to get into peds without peds experience first! Do you think it will be challenging to find a job in peds after med-surg?

@NurseLiz 4 жыл бұрын

I think its fine! I went from med surg to peds because I couldnt find a job in peds right away. You still learn a ton of skills like time management, meds, etc on med surg that translate well to peds.

@lawsondavis8925 5 жыл бұрын

Hi nurse liz, im not sure if i would like to be a doctor or nurse, can you please make a video about this. (i know its a common issue)

@NurseLiz 5 жыл бұрын

I have a few videos on how I kinda chose between the two that may be helpful!

@lawsondavis8925 5 жыл бұрын

@@NurseLiz Thanks!

@caribaez5711 4 жыл бұрын

i was wondering if med surg same as a bedside nursing?

@NurseLiz 4 жыл бұрын

It's a type of it!

@nickidrew5113 3 жыл бұрын

So I am in nursing school and almost finished in about 4 months. I am a phlebotomist and I get to see every part of the hospital and I actually can’t stand Med surg lol. I think that they get too many patients which isn’t fair to the nurse or the patient, and there can be legalities if something goes wrong due to high patient to nurse ratios. I think a specialty area is the way to go for sure. Labor and delivery here I come🏃🏽‍♀️