Relatively new nurse: dialysis or school nursing??

I'm needing some opinions from anyone who has worked in either one of these areas. I graduated two years ago, however my experience has only been in the clinic setting with little hands-on. I have been offered a position at a School for children with special needs and have a phone interview with Davita dialysis on Monday. The school does not pay very well, but the hours and benefits are good. I've heard mixed reviews about dialysis. Since I was offered the school job today, I need to give them an answer by early next week. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated
I'd go school in a heartbeat. Holidays, benefits, stability - heck, yeah!

I agree with Sue

Thanks for the replies I think I will accept the school position. I'm just a bit nervous because of lack of hands-on clinical experience, but since this is a school for children with special needs, it is set up a little differently than public schools. They have a medical clinic on the school campus and I would not be the only nurse; there would be at least 2 or 3 other nurses around so that makes me more comfortable.

Maybe it is just me...but I am still blown away that any new nurse does not have to do at least a year in Med/surg. I was military nurse and there is no option for new nurses. At least 1 year and usually 2. I am psych now and have been for 7 years..but those two years are invaluable. When it hits the fan you better be able to put in an IV, push meds, draw up meds, understand complicated orders, and learn how to do proper assessments. That stuff will save your a#% when it hits the fan..and trust me..it will.

These days things are a lot different than they used to be new grads take what they can get. That whole year of med surg is nice if you can get it, most of us take what is available.OP- I worked as a dialysis pct before becoming an RN. While I love dialysis it is a burn out job and we went through a lot of nurses. It pays really well, because they work you to death. I'd go with the school job!

Quote from windsurfer8Maybe it is just me...but I am still blown away that any new nurse does not have to do at least a year in Med/surg. I was military nurse and there is no option for new nurses. At least 1 year and usually 2. I am psych now and have been for 7 years..but those two years are invaluable. When it hits the fan you better be able to put in an IV, push meds, draw up meds, understand complicated orders, and learn how to do proper assessments. That stuff will save your a#% when it hits the fan..and trust me..it will.

Quote from windsurfer8Maybe it is just me...but I am still blown away that any new nurse does not have to do at least a year in Med/surg. I was military nurse and there is no option for new nurses. At least 1 year and usually 2. I am psych now and have been for 7 years..but those two years are invaluable. When it hits the fan you better be able to put in an IV, push meds, draw up meds, understand complicated orders, and learn how to do proper assessments. That stuff will save your a#% when it hits the fan..and trust me..it will.

Med Surg is tried and true way to build skills. You essentially do everything you do in all other departments. So when people "say" it..it is because it is absolutely the best way to build a good basic knowledge of nursing. There is a reason the Army, Navy, and Air Force require ALL nurses do at least a year of med/surg. Obviously it is not required and you can do what you want...but all those people who "say" it tend to be highly experienced nurses. I understand not everyone does it, but to argue it isn't the best way to build all around skills is a losing argument.

I lasted five weeks on med/surg. Hated it. And I have all of those skills. Learned them in - yup - LTC.

I do have over a year of nursing experience. In the clinic while it was mostly phone triage, I did get to draw up some meds, assess ortho patients, remove staples/sutures, and on occasion give injections. Just like Sue, I did do four weeks of med-surg but it wasn't for me plus my body could not adjust to working nights. The month that I was there, I started all 3 of my IV's successfully, gave many subcutaneous insulin injections, and lovenox, gave a soap-suds enema, po meds, checked doctor's orders.. all of that.. but only for a month. Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I have decided to go with the school job

Congrats to you! That is a great opportunity for you!I do not understand the mentality of believing you have to have medsurg experience before anything else either. Medsurg is a specialty as much as any other nursing specialty. Some people love it, some people hate it...I think you should go with what you love and you will be happy.

Juana, I think you will be happy. And I wish you luck and continued learning in your new speciality.