Conversation starter...what are your nursing career goals?

[EatLoveNurse]

Hey there forum family! I am another pre-nursing student on the boards (just registered for my last pre-req:D) and I thought it would be fun, and interesting to share with everyone what our nursing goals and specialties are? I feel proud to be counted among the many that have decided to become nurses because of a drive and desire to impact and improve lives. :redpinkhe

I have been working in a hospital for a little over a year now in an office setting, but I still get to be very involved with the medical staff and the different units of the hospital. I can honestly say I have a passion for PICU! My career goals as a nurse are to complete nursing school, obtain a BSN, obtain my MSN and certification to be a Neo-natology Nurse Practitioner. I love babies and I think taking care of the really sick ones, and watching them return to health will be incredibly rewarding.

Whether you are getting your RN license, or plan on continuing your education further, I'd love to hear it!

[ms_miyagi]

I am starting my last year of a BSN program in a few weeks (graduating in May). Though I am interning on a busy med/surg floor, my passion lies in women's health and maternity.

I am currently studying for the GRE and will begin to apply to graduate schools in the winter, that way I can start a part-time MSN program in the fall after I graduate. I'll likely continue with med/surg at the beginning, and transition to a maternity position when jobs become available; all while going PT to grad school.

Three years after BSN graduation, I'll hopefully be done with the FNP and can work in the women's health area. I know that there are specific women's health NP programs, but I feel that the FNP is more versatile and marketable.

Actually RhodyGirl, you are correct. I have had a NP tell me that if you want to become a Nurse Practioner, get your Family Practice NP first, after that, all others after are just certificate programs, once you have your first MSN and with a Family practice NP, you can work with everyone from peds to geriatrics. Which i thought was invaluable advice that I greatly appreciated.

Ms. Miyagi

[my3suns]

Right now i am torn between being a CRNA or NP. I know for my family life being a NP in my own office is going to be less hectic on my schedule but since I was younger I wanted to be in the OR so I wanted to do the CRNA thing. I am going to leave my options open since I have a while to go. I start NS on the 23rd. I figure after I start my clinical I may make my mind up.

[Pmusicinhamony]

Im starting my RN next week and Im sooo excited! After I have finished I plan to work and do the RN-MSN program. I really want to work for Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC in Pediatric Oncology. This has been my goal since a young girl and I was inspired when I helped a child from make a wish foundation. Everyone tells me to not do it that its two emotional and hard but I believe that someone has to do it and I would love to be the person to try and make a difference in these childrens lifes. I pray that I will one day be a Pediatric Oncology nurse helping children and making a difference in their lives.

[MzRN2B]

I will graduate nursing school and while working, complete the 1 year bridge BSN program at my school. I will then continue on to grad school to become a NP-Mental Health or FNP-Mental Health.

[soraji]

I'm pre-nursing as well, but here are my goals! I already have a bachelors degree in Information Technology and I am working full-time in IT right now.

I want to get my BSN in Nursing through a night part-time program for working adults. Immediately after I'd like to go straight into a graduate program to become a Nurse Practitioner. I am interested in oncology, ICU, and family practice, so I'm not sure which I want to do. I at least want to get a MS. I would not be satisfied with just a BSN.

[Cherish]

To be...all that I can be....in the hospital!

[PaulinaRN]

Hey everyone!

I'm already a RN with a BScN but definitely planning for further education. Nursing is an amazing career in the sense that we learn every single day. I've been working for 4.5 years and have had an incredible career so far. I was inspired in my first year of nursing by an amazing prof who talked about her work overseas. She was the type of woman who would just get on a plane, show up in a community and offer help. It was during one of her lectures I learned about MSF. Since that point, I have geared my education and work experiences to prepare for MSF (I'm currently putting together my application).

Someone early on told me to 'do everything that scares you' because after you put yourself out there and problem solve through it and gain the confidence, you can really do anything! I would recommend for anyone who wants to work overseas to start early on in your education. You can write papers geared towards global issues/infectious diseases, etc. You will have opportunities for volunteering during your summers/time off. Think about possible specialties in Emergency, OR or LDR as these are the most sought after nurses for humanitarian work. I was fortunate enough to be offered a seat in the Gorgas Course in Clinical Tropical Medicine and studied in Peru for 3 months and keep in mind, this is pretty much a prerequisite for MSF.

I have worked in Emergency for just about 4 years. My training allowed me to have had some of the most culturally rich, meaningful experiences working in small First Nations communities in Northern BC. Being able to problem solve in communities with limited resources will provide you with excellent clinical skills. I would find a mentor, one whom you admire and works in a similar area in which you see yourself working later on and show interest and volunteer or shadow in a similar environment. Show initiative and motivation and I'm sure you will have an amazing career.

My plans now are to go away with MSF for 6-9 months and then begin a Masters in Public Health through the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and later, do my Family Nurse Practitioner and get back up North when I'm a little more settled down. My dream is to one day live in Africa, working on a public health project with my hubby and small children.

Good luck to all of you! Hope you don't mind my two cents but these are words that inspired me along my path... and please remember, you are Ambassadors of Nursing, please continue to work towards keeping our profession well-respected!!

P.

[tokyoROSE, BSN, RN]

To be honest, I DONT know. There are so many choices in nursing, its a blessing, but its overwhelming. Through clinicals, I've learn that I do not want to be in OB, OR, oncology, or orthopedics. There hasn't been a place where I've said "Wow, I want to work here!" which is alright with me, it will come to me in due time. I'm just focused on graduating with my BSN next year. I definitely want to go to graduate school after 1-2 years of working. In what field, thats another matter I'll have to take a close and hard look at!

[Spikey9001, BSN, RN]

As of right now, I just want to get my RN. Then I'm either going to work for a little (anywhere) or try to get my BSN.

My PREFERRED goals are to get into ICU or any critical care nursing. My long term goal is to become a CRNA or at least an MSN prepared NP.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

Degree wise I am doing my associates, than I will do the RN-BSN bridge program and maybe go for my Masters.

Career wise, I would really like to work in ER but I am also OK with starting in a float position to get a good feel of all areas of the hospital. So far in clinicals though my night in ER was my favorite. I plan on trying out different areas through out my career because I am someone that likes change. I don't want the same thing in and out. Further down in my career when I get older, I think I might like to do Hospice or L&D and if I do go for my Masters I have thought about being a nursing instructor or clinical instructor.

I always knew I would work in a field helping people. I thought about many different fields and I decided Nursing would give me what I was wanting.

[ok2bme]

I'm a new grad in psych..I love it and I'm considering being a mental health NP. However, I kind of miss using my clinical skills and part of me wants to challenge myself in the ICU for a few years. If I enjoy it I may look into being a CRNA (who hasn't flirted with the prospect? )

[Z A C H]

CRNA or bust. Nothing is going to stop me from doing this. Anesthesia is something I've talked about doing since I was 14(I'm 26 now). I plan on taking my med school prerequisites when I'm getting my acute care experience after I'm done with my BSN. Whether I'm an MD or CRNA I'm going to knock people out one way or another.