Becoming Specialized

NorthernRN · Jul 25, 2000

Hello~ my experience has shown me that getting a solid foundation in med/surg nsg (at least 1 year) is the way to go. I'm specialized in OB and have loved it, but started in M/S and that has proven to help a great deal, not only on the floor but with attaining new jobs. I'm now a nurse educator and it was my M/S background that got me the position. Other nurses, all specialized, didn't have that and it was a factor in the hiring process. Good luck in your career choice~!

Originally posted by tsgarman:
It sounds like from all of the messages that I have been reading that becoming specialized is the way to go. I am a first yr student what would be a good field to go into? I have looked into the CRNA field. Can anyone suggest some others?

cmoyerrnbsn · Jul 25, 2000

Originally posted by tsgarman:
It sounds like from all of the messages that I have been reading that becoming specialized is the way to go. I am a first yr student what would be a good field to go into? I have looked into the CRNA field. Can anyone suggest some others?

I couldn't agree more with NorthernRN. Although I have specialized since graduating from a BSN program in the recent past (I was not in the medical field prior), I would not dream of specializing without that M/S foundation! Nurses need at least 1 year "in the trenches". You really learn time-management, as well as seeing just about everything under the sun. After talking with other RNs who went straight into specialty areas (and I think we will be seeing more of this with the current nursing crunch) I value that year of med-surg experience all the more. It will hard work but worth it. M/S nurses work extremely hard and get the least recognition, but they will teach you so much! Good luck in your nursing career!

[This message has been edited by cmoyerrnbsn (edited July 25, 2000).]