I’ve been going back and forth as a new grad, right now I’m working on a cardiac unit however I received offers to dialysis and the OR I’m really interested in the OR. However, I know cardiac I will gain a lot of experience. Any advice?

I went straight out of school to the OR & worked there about 12 years. I loved it but you really do kinda box yourself in to not having a lot of hands on assessment skills & patient care. It's a whole other world in itself. I would say if you are wanting to ever work critical care or go back to get your NP or CRNA then don't go to operating room. I have friends that have always worked OR & really nothing else. You just have to think about where u want to be long term down the road.

My fellow colleague, it is very important that you do what your heart desires. Working on a cardiac unit, you will gain a wealth of experience and knowledge but are you happy there? Yes if you intend to continue your education, I.e, CRNA or APN - sometimes it’s a requirement to have Critical Care experience. If you don’t want to have any of the advanced nursing, I would recommend you switch to the OR so you don’t burn out. You can always comeback.

If you have the chance for the OR take it. It’s a specialty that will reward well. One important caveat though, expect and be prepared for significant on-call hours. If you are a caregiver, don’t wake up to the phone easily this is possibly not a good fit. Dialysis is also specialty that once you are independent can’ take you far. Cardiac is a less stressful entry to multiple critical care areas telemetry prepares you for transition into critical care, ED, Cath lab etc.

Are you planning on going to the cardiac ICU, then advancing your career to NP or CRNA? If so, go to the cardiac unit.

The OR is also as great option and also a rare option for a new grad. It might put you steps ahead of going to the cardiac unit.

The dialysis job is much less stressful than the others.

If you have a mentor, I’d ask them as well.