How the “Wrong” Career Choices Built Me a Kick‑Ass Nursing Career (Part One)
Experience‑Based Practice (EBP) for New Grad Nurses
New grad nurses are inundated with advice—from family, friends, professors, and seasoned nurses. Most of it centers on following a traditional, linear path to reach your “ultimate” nursing specialty or dream department.
I ignored a lot of that advice. And despite doing a lot of things “wrong,” I’ve built a fulfilling, sustainable nursing career with zero regrets and zero missed opportunities.
This series breaks down the most persistent myths about starting and shaping your nursing career—one so‑called “bad” choice at a time.
“Bad” Choice #1: Skipping Med‑Surg and Jumping Straight Into Specialty Care
Nurse examining newborn infant in the delivery room.
The Pressure to Choose the “Right” First Job
“Are you sure you really want to go into pediatrics? You’re limiting yourself for your future career.”
That was the warning from my last‑semester practicum instructor—and she wasn’t the first. Even though I had strong connections at a large pediatric hospital, I still heard:
“You need one to two years of med‑surg to build your skills and judgment.”
“Nobody gets into pediatrics as a new grad, especially the acute specialties.”
“You’re going to miss out on so many opportunities if you specialize too early.”
I didn’t listen. I accepted a new grad position in pediatric specialty care—and it was absolutely the right choice for me.
Med‑Surg Is Valuable, But It’s Not the Only Path
Medical‑surgical units are excellent places for new grads to reinforce foundational nursing skills, strengthen time management, and build confidence. But they’re not the only departments where new grads can thrive.
Many specialty areas—ICU, ER, pediatrics, and more—now offer structured new graduate programs designed to support skill development. These programs often include:
Extended orientation
Additional classroom education
Dedicated preceptors
Mentorship from experienced nurses
Grad‑specific “fellowships” or “residencies”
If your heart is set on a specialty, you should apply. Specialty departments hire new grads more often than people think—especially when hospitals invest in new grad training.
If You Don’t Get the Specialty Job Right Away, You Still Have Options
Not landing your dream specialty as a new grad doesn’t mean the door is closed. It means you need experience—and any nursing experience counts.
Even six months to a year of bedside nursing can make you a stronger candidate when you reapply. Specialty departments often prioritize nurses who have:
Basic time‑management skills
Real‑world patient care experience
Comfort with clinical workflows
A track record of reliability
So yes—take the job, even if it isn’t your dream job. You can’t build nursing skills if you aren’t working as a nurse.
And yes—you should absolutely apply again. Your dream job is still on the table.
The Takeaway: Your Nursing Career Doesn’t Have to Follow the Rules
You don’t need to follow a prescribed path to build a strong nursing career. You don’t need med‑surg experience to be a “real” nurse. And you definitely don’t need to limit yourself based on outdated advice.
This is your career. Your specialty. Your future. And you get to build it your way.