Lost: Changing Specialties

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello fellow nurses! Feeling a little lost and thought I would reach out to others that have maybe felt the same way. I started out as an LPN in 2010 and then went for my RN in 2013. I went from working in a doctors office to a very busy cardiac floor in a hospital. I have been there for a year. My concern is I'm not sure I'm happy on this floor and I want to explore other specialties. I feel a little lost and don't know where I see myself. Has anyone else felt this way? Is it possible to go from a cardiac to a NICU unit or operating room? Should I stay on this floor a little longer? Thanks for any feedback :yes:

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Anything is possible. Just go for it.

See what's available at your hospital and talk to the manager if an area interests you. If you what to go into the OR, it'll likely take months to train, so be sure it's what you want before accepting a position there.

Specializes in L&D Ninja.

I'm basically in the same position. I've been in Med/Surg for a while, even as a charge, and I'm unhappy. The world of nursing has seemed to take a nose-dive in the area of safety all in the name of the almighty dollar and corporate greed. I'm currently looking into the NICU as well, and I've been told by a lot of nurses that it is 100% possible to make the switch. I've seen a lot of nurses jump ship to other specialties after doing something like Tele or Med/Surg because you have the foundation to move forward. You may have more opportunities after two years of experience, however, but that doesn't mean a different unit wouldn't take a chance on you.

And the feeling lost thing is totally normal. I went into nursing having no idea what I really wanted to do, and I still feel a bit lost as to where my career is taking me. It's kind of scary and liberating all at the same time. The world of nursing is a huge and amazing place, and you have unlimited possibilities of where to go next. Just try something out, and if you don't like it, continue to move forward. As you progress you'll figure out your place in the nursing world and hopefully, be happy. Plus, imagine the amazing experiences you'll get and how well rounded you'll be!

Good luck!

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