I had no expectations or ideas what to do with my degree, when I entered into nursing school. I had areas of interest, certainly but never expected to absolutely fall in love with the OR. So that's where I went two years after receiving my degree and after spending two valuable learning years on an Orthopaedic then med surg floor. I think if you go in with a certain area in mind, you have a tendancy to focus on the particular area and retard your growth as a nurse.

I wanted to work in Peds when I graduated from nursing school. And that's the one area I haven't worked in. I worked in Med-surg, Renal, Surgical Step-down unit ( I liked this the best-you see people get better and go home),I've worked in pulmonary MD practice, in public health, nursing home, assisted living, home medical supplies and finally in gastro MD office. I changed jobs for various reasons, always looking for something different and that elusive perfect job (which by the way doesn't exist). I like where I am now. At this point in my life, it suits me fine. I've gained alot of experience in different areas of nursing and have come in contact with all types of people.It's been an adventure.

I knew I wanted to work in the ER as an RN well before I got into the program. I had spent time working in other settings, including inpatient units and, while doing clinicals during school, confirmed that I did not want to work in any of those. I worked as a tech in the ED during school and the thought of working on one of the inpatient units depressed me greatly. Fortunately, I never had to leave the ER. For me, it was an opportunity to be what I personally felt was the epitome of nursing. Being able to perform critical interventions they wouldn't even imagine doing in other hospital settings. Taking a patient at their worst with little to no information and being able to do something about it. Instant gratification is part of the draw. I couldn't imagine being a nurse who felt paralyzed in a code or crisis situation or, in our institution, upstairs where they can't even put in their own IV's. It's obvious that there are two successful modes of thought here; 1. Find what you want as you go, or 2. Know what you want and take it.