I've heard lots of nurses say (on here and ones I know in real life), to not pick a specialty before going to nursing school. That you will likely change your mind what you want to do. But I'm curious, how many of you that are current nurses, decided to go to nursing school because you were interested in only one or two specialties? Did you end up changing your mind at all? Do you think it is a bad idea to only want to do one thing? If you didn't change your mind, did you end up with your dream job? How long did it take?
I am finishing my prereqs now, and applying to nursing school in the fall. But I'm having doubts. The reason I want to go to nursing school is to work in the NICU. I never considered it before I learned what it was. There are a few other areas I can maybe see myself working in, but there are many more areas I don't see myself wanting to be in. I don't want to limit myself of course, but I am afraid of going to school, taking a spot from someone else, and not getting that dream job. Being miserable as a nurse. I have no problem working in Med Surg, a nursing home, or any other area for a few years (I did work in a nursing home as a CNA), as long as I know I will eventually end up with a job I love. I'm just wondering how realistic that dream is.
So I just want to hear from other nurses that were once in my shoes. Was it worth it going to nursing school, learning and working in other areas that maybe you didn't enjoy as much? Because you eventually got that job that you love and couldn't imagine doing anything else. Or do you regret going to nursing school?
