Advice on Advancing in Nursing

Shan, RN · Mar 30

Hello! I've been a nurse for almost three years and am also piecing together a plan for the trajectory of my career. My first bit of advice would be that while it is great to look ahead and have an idea of what's out there, don't trap yourself in a rigid plan this early in the game. You're still at the beginning stages of learning about the iceberg of nursing, and there is so much beyond ER/ICU/med-surg/L&D. Give yourself room to adjust your plans as you learn what's right for you.

That being said - the debate about going straight into specialty versus starting on med-surg is a hot topic. I believe the right answer is different from person to person. I started out on an oncology unit that took a lot of med-surg overflow; I wanted to be a CRNA but had been a PCT on that unit and wanted to spend the fledgling bits of my journey with the team that I knew and loved. I quickly learned two things: I hated working inpatient, but I loved oncology. I had to accept that my personal happiness would not allow me to remain in a hospital long enough to garner the work experience necessary to qualify for CRNA school, so I let that path go and decided to go all-in on oncology. I was blessed enough to follow my preceptor when she left the unit to go to an outpatient oncology clinic doing chemotherapy infusion.

As I grew more comfortable in my specialty, I became a member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), which is the main organization for the specialty. I am a faithful attendee at our chapter's monthly meetings, wherein we learn about advances in the field, network, and discuss community opportunities. I also went to our national conference in Washington DC last year, which was amazing. I've met so many amazing nurses, physicians, and pharmaceutical reps - and through them, I have discovered so many interesting roles that nurses can have in oncology (clinical trial specialist, pharmaceutical educator, oncology nurse navigator, etc). I am still narrowing down which path appeals to me the most but I love that I've been exposed to so many wonderful options.

So take this time to explore and experience small tastes of different specialties. In the interim between passing the NCLEX and going to grad school, join the national organization that represents whatever specialty you choose. I'd suggest pursuing certification when you feel confident in your expertise - you usually have to work in your specialty for a few years before you qualify for certification, anyways. Best of luck!

Trusted Brand · Mar 31

Shan said:

Hello! I've been a nurse for almost three years and am also piecing together a plan for the trajectory of my career. My first bit of advice would be that while it is great to look ahead and have an idea of what's out there, don't trap yourself in a rigid plan this early in the game. You're still at the beginning stages of learning about the iceberg of nursing, and there is so much beyond ER/ICU/med-surg/L&D. Give yourself room to adjust your plans as you learn what's right for you.

That being said - the debate about going straight into specialty versus starting on med-surg is a hot topic. I believe the right answer is different from person to person. I started out on an oncology unit that took a lot of med-surg overflow; I wanted to be a CRNA but had been a PCT on that unit and wanted to spend the fledgling bits of my journey with the team that I knew and loved. I quickly learned two things: I hated working inpatient, but I loved oncology. I had to accept that my personal happiness would not allow me to remain in a hospital long enough to garner the work experience necessary to qualify for CRNA school, so I let that path go and decided to go all-in on oncology. I was blessed enough to follow my preceptor when she left the unit to go to an outpatient oncology clinic doing chemotherapy infusion.

As I grew more comfortable in my specialty, I became a member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), which is the main organization for the specialty. I am a faithful attendee at our chapter's monthly meetings, wherein we learn about advances in the field, network, and discuss community opportunities. I also went to our national conference in Washington DC last year, which was amazing. I've met so many amazing nurses, physicians, and pharmaceutical reps - and through them, I have discovered so many interesting roles that nurses can have in oncology (clinical trial specialist, pharmaceutical educator, oncology nurse navigator, etc). I am still narrowing down which path appeals to me the most but I love that I've been exposed to so many wonderful options.

So take this time to explore and experience small tastes of different specialties. In the interim between passing the NCLEX and going to grad school, join the national organization that represents whatever specialty you choose. I'd suggest pursuing certification when you feel confident in your expertise - you usually have to work in your specialty for a few years before you qualify for certification, anyways. Best of luck!

This was incredible advice, thank you for sharing!