How long should I stay in Med-Surg/Tele before leaving to my specialty?

I'm a new grad and just started out on a med/surg tele unit. I am very grateful for having a job and for all of the things I am going to learn. But after just 2 days of actually working with my preceptor (who is somewhat abrasive, passive-aggressive and rude but weirdly friendly when she wants to be), and seeing how she gossips about all the other nurses to me, I don't think I would want to work in that kind of environment for long. I also get very anxious the day before going in to work for so many reasons (being the newbie, still not knowing a lot of things, being worried about not being able to handle a situation, UGH the list goes on). I really want to be a great nurse, one who not only creates a friendly work environment, but one who also knows how to take care of patients and their families COMPETENTLY.

I would like to work in a different field of nursing outside the hospital environment/politics. I just don't think a big hospital environment is for me. Is this normal? I was considering going into aesthetic/med-spa nursing, public health nursing, or even school nursing. I've always been told that you "need to" put in at least a year in med surg so that you will have honed in on your nursing skills. Is this true? I dread going in to work; will 6-8 months in med-surg be okay if I can find another job in any of the other fields I was interested in? I don't think I can stand the stress that mainly comes from co-workers (it mainly comes from some of the unsupportive, experienced nurses) and would rather work outside of a hospital, in a smaller environment...what do you think?

I appreciate any advice! Last edit by mnf4ever on Apr 12, '11
Hello,I am a first semester nursing student so I don't have much experience to give any of my own personal advice, but my teachers tell us that 2 years in a med-surg ward is recommended before entering your specialty.Which ever your decision is, I hope everything goes well for you and I wish you the best of luck!
It seems that having the med/surg background is a thing of the past. Helpful? Yes. Necessary? No. Lots of my friends who are new grads were hired directly into ICU, L&D, etc. I also know that you should be thankful to even have a job as a new grad at all right now, and would only leave your current position after being offering something else. I think all new grads experience what you are feeling, regardless of the setting. I havent even started my orientation yet, and those thoughts are popping into my head. Starting IVs, not knowing the medications, etc. Plus not meshing exactly with a preceptor adds another layer to the already stressful situation. Just know that you arent alone and it will get better....maybe not for a while, but it will. Good luck!
Quote from birdie22It seems that having the med/surg background is a thing of the past. Helpful? Yes. Necessary? No. Lots of my friends who are new grads were hired directly into ICU, L&D, etc. I also know that you should be thankful to even have a job as a new grad at all right now, and would only leave your current position after being offering something else.
wow I felt like I was reading a post from myself when I saw this. I just started on a med surg floor, and feel every exact thing you mentioned. On top of all of the things mentioned, my assigned preceptor didnt work out so that has already kind of jaded the first week. I've heard to try to stay 6 months to a year...at this point I already want to start looking elsewhere after that 6-8 month mark and look for something like you've mentioned (clinic, etc.) I feel that med surg stretches you too thin, I want to put time and energy into each patient but that environment doesnt really allow that time. I just dont know if I'll really like it already. I know every job has + and - but I overall want to enjoy what I do while keeping my sanity and health in mind, you only live once!