You Don't Have to Start in Med-Surg as a new Grad nurse

In reflecting on my career, I'm reminded of something I heard a lot of as a student: start in Med-Surg. I got lots of reasons. In hindsight, It would've been better to do the thinking myself regarding what I wanted instead of listening to those telling me how it is supposed to go.  Do You Have to start in Med-Surg as a new graduate nurse? No. That is my opinion after working in different specialties of nursing. It is not a bad idea to start in medical-surgical nursing but it is not a requirement or an absolute necessity. If you get the opportunity to work in a specialty you would like to end up in, please go ahead and take that opportunity. Your body will thank you later.  When I was graduating from college, a professor I admired told me to start in med-surg. And back then, it wasn't uncommon to here people say "start in med/surg". One of the reasons I sort of recall was so you can learn the basics of nursing and what not. Another rationale was that because you ar...
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Snow Days when FI/RE'd (Financial Independence Retire Early)

 Happy New year! 

Last night, I was on the phone with a friend who asked if I was working and I said no. And she may have said something about it being good because "you don't have to worry about the snow". I simply thought she meant this season. I didn't bother to look outside until this morning when I realized that it has snowed overnight. I'm pretty sure schools are closed because I didn't see much activity outside. 

So one of the things I was grateful for this morning was the fact that I don't have to go outside. I thought I would go out and clear the snow but I didn't feel like it. I really wasn't expecting a snow storm. We really haven't had one for a few years and I'm so glad I exited before we got one. Whew!

One of the benefits of getting FIRE'd is not having to worry about getting to work during snowstorms. I got some groceries on Thursday and I have enough food available. So what did I do today? Lived. I actually did some cooking earlier this afternoon. I was also trying to read and manage some petty things. 

That said, I hope those of you who had to work made it there safely. Nursing is one of the jobs where you have to get there regardless of snowy conditions. I didn't really worry much about that because I worked PRN for years and wouldn't really sign up much during the winter months. I used to avoid certain months simply due to the chance of snow. 

I started writing this piece 10 days ago and maybe it's good I didn't finish it to publish. Because I didn't really head out until just a couple days ago. I got some eggs, milk, bread and apples. I heard there's more snow coming. I was actually supposed to travel out of state but I canceled it. That's for another day. 

One of the things I recall now is back in 2009 or 2010 when there was a snow storm. They called us to let us know that if we didn't show up, it would count as an occurrence. Keep in mind there was an emergency and you were not allowed to be on the road driving. Oh the times one slept in the hospital back then. Sometimes I think nurses working during winter storms should get a little bit of an incentive or extra pay. Instead of the veiled threat of calling to remind people that if they don't show up, it would be an occurrence. 

The beauty of Financial Independence / Retire Early (F.I.R.E) is that you don't have to worry about getting out in the snow storm at 6:30 when the road is barely plowed. Be safe out there and aim to FIRE. Nursing is not an easy job. 

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