3 answers
Taylor
Student
Elko, Nevada
2
Questions
Updated
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Where is the best field to start in as a first year nurse? #Spring25
I have heard that it is a good idea to start in the floating pool of the hospital. I have also heard about starting in a doctors office as soon as possible. #Spring25
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3 answers
Martin Schoen
APRN
387
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
I would recommend starting in a med/surg unit. It will offer reinforcement in many of the skills you have, you will gain confidence and after just several months you can decide to stay longer or switch to another inpt or outpt setting. It will also open up your network to others in the field, other providers as well as allow you to understand what you enjoy, or do. It will also allow you to see what you like or don't like for work and "me time", and how to get where you want to be. Some people stay in a floor like this for the rest of their career. Others get experience and never want to do that type of care again. But, only you can decide what you like and is best for you.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
150
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi,
Both options you’ve heard about — starting in the hospital float pool or working in a doctor’s office — have good points, but the best place to start as a first-year nurse usually depends on your long-term goals.
Here’s the honest breakdown:
Hospital (especially float pool):
You get exposed to many different units — med-surg, ER, ICU, etc.
You build strong, flexible clinical skills fast.
Hospitals usually offer better training programs for new grads (like nurse residency programs).
It can be stressful, but it gives you a very strong foundation if you ever want to specialize later (ICU, ER, OR, etc.) or go into advanced practice nursing.
Doctor’s Office (clinic setting):
More regular hours (no nights, weekends, or holidays most of the time).
Less intense patient situations — mostly stable patients, follow-up care, education.
It’s a great fit if you want long-term work-life balance early, but you might miss out on building critical care skills that hospitals teach.
Overall:
If you want to build the strongest clinical foundation, grow your skills fast, and keep options open (like advanced practice or leadership later), starting in a hospital float pool is usually the better first step.
If you already know you want a lower-stress, steady schedule (and you don't plan on going into high-acuity fields later), starting in a doctor's office could be right for you.
Both options you’ve heard about — starting in the hospital float pool or working in a doctor’s office — have good points, but the best place to start as a first-year nurse usually depends on your long-term goals.
Here’s the honest breakdown:
Hospital (especially float pool):
You get exposed to many different units — med-surg, ER, ICU, etc.
You build strong, flexible clinical skills fast.
Hospitals usually offer better training programs for new grads (like nurse residency programs).
It can be stressful, but it gives you a very strong foundation if you ever want to specialize later (ICU, ER, OR, etc.) or go into advanced practice nursing.
Doctor’s Office (clinic setting):
More regular hours (no nights, weekends, or holidays most of the time).
Less intense patient situations — mostly stable patients, follow-up care, education.
It’s a great fit if you want long-term work-life balance early, but you might miss out on building critical care skills that hospitals teach.
Overall:
If you want to build the strongest clinical foundation, grow your skills fast, and keep options open (like advanced practice or leadership later), starting in a hospital float pool is usually the better first step.
If you already know you want a lower-stress, steady schedule (and you don't plan on going into high-acuity fields later), starting in a doctor's office could be right for you.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Taylor
Susana Appiah
MIDWIFE
98
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hello Taylor! Thanks for your question.
Your decision can shape your confidence and career growth in those crucial first years. Let us a look at of the best fields to start in as a first-year nurse, including thoughts on float pools vs. doctor's offices, so you can make an informed choice. Spring25
Top Recommended Fields for First Year Nurse.
1. Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) Nursing
Best for skill-building
Fast-paced and foundational
Exposes you to a wide range of diagnoses and procedures
Builds time management, prioritization, and patient care confidence
Why start here?
Med-Surg is like the boot camp of nursing—you’ll become adaptable, strong, and well-rounded quickly.
2. Float Pool
Great for variety and flexibility
You move between units as needed (ER, ICU, Tele, Med-Surg, etc.)
Fast-tracks your exposure to different patient populations
But be cautious:
As a new grad, float pool can be overwhelming without a strong foundation. Best if you had a solid orientation program and good mentorship.
3. Emergency Room (ER) or ICU (with residency)
Exciting and high skill
Great if you thrive under pressure and want to specialize later
Requires fast thinking and teamwork
Note: These settings are often open to new grads through nurse residency programs.
4. Doctor’s Office / Clinic
Best for work-life balance
M–F, predictable hours
Focus on patient education and chronic disease management
Downside:
Limited in acute care experience. If you start here, it can be harder to transition to hospital work later.
Finally:
Start where you’ll be challenged but supported. A strong orientation program, good preceptors, and a safe learning environment matter more than the unit's name.
Your decision can shape your confidence and career growth in those crucial first years. Let us a look at of the best fields to start in as a first-year nurse, including thoughts on float pools vs. doctor's offices, so you can make an informed choice. Spring25
Top Recommended Fields for First Year Nurse.
1. Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) Nursing
Best for skill-building
Fast-paced and foundational
Exposes you to a wide range of diagnoses and procedures
Builds time management, prioritization, and patient care confidence
Why start here?
Med-Surg is like the boot camp of nursing—you’ll become adaptable, strong, and well-rounded quickly.
2. Float Pool
Great for variety and flexibility
You move between units as needed (ER, ICU, Tele, Med-Surg, etc.)
Fast-tracks your exposure to different patient populations
But be cautious:
As a new grad, float pool can be overwhelming without a strong foundation. Best if you had a solid orientation program and good mentorship.
3. Emergency Room (ER) or ICU (with residency)
Exciting and high skill
Great if you thrive under pressure and want to specialize later
Requires fast thinking and teamwork
Note: These settings are often open to new grads through nurse residency programs.
4. Doctor’s Office / Clinic
Best for work-life balance
M–F, predictable hours
Focus on patient education and chronic disease management
Downside:
Limited in acute care experience. If you start here, it can be harder to transition to hospital work later.
Finally:
Start where you’ll be challenged but supported. A strong orientation program, good preceptors, and a safe learning environment matter more than the unit's name.