Advice on becoming a diverse and marketable nurse

[luv4nursing]

Hello everyone! Im a graduate nurse who just finished an LPN to RN bridge program. I was an LPN for 2 years. Im really not sure what specialty Im interested in. So far I really like OB (L&D or mom/baby), Critical Care, and for some reason Ive taken an interest in forensic nursing. I know, 3 wildly different areas!

My fiance and I will probably only be in this area for less than another year so I planned to take a med/surg job at a local hospital just to get some basic hospital experience under my belt. After that I would like to move into a specialty wherever we end up moving (after he finishes school in the fall).

Meanwhile, one of my main goals is to make myself as diverse and marketable as possible within the nursing profession. I plan to start an ASN-BSN program asap.

I would love any advice or tips on making this happen, as far as what certifications and types of training are in high demand. I want to know what things I should start doing early in my career to place myself in a position for advancement later on.

[dopaminequeenRN]

Don't be afraid to go ahead and jump into one of those specialty areas ASAP! I'm definitely not knocking the med-surg floor, because that's great experience, too. However, I know from experience that once you get comfortable in a certain area, it can be hard to leave. L&D and critical care are always in demand and most hospitals have extensive orientation for these areas. I was an LPN for three years and did the LPN-to-RN transition also, so I know what you mean about not knowing which area to choose. But what I can tell you is that the whichever specialty you choose will look great on a resume. Get at least 2 years in any specialty and get your CCRN or whichever certification is appropriate. Get ACLS and PALS certified. These are some major things future employers will want to see. Good luck!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I agree with dopaminequeenRN (BTW cute name) - get certified in your specialty, get PALs and ACLS and get instructor potential if possible. I've run into some cool job opportunities via teaching these courses. Plus, it gets you know at your hospital.

Other things: volunteer to be on committees for improvement, once you are comfortable volunteer to take on nursing students (if they come to your floor), volunteer to be a preceptor too.

Good luck - I think continuing on to the BSN is wise.

[Sabby_NC]

LOL I think you have the attitude that will have you succeeding in what ever you choose to do.

I wish you well in the area that you find most satisfying.

Nursing is so diverse and mobile. We certainly are blessed we can choose such wide and different areas to venture in to.

Let us know how your plans pan out :)

[luv4nursing]

Thank you for the replies! I plan to start my BSN in the fall, and possibly as soon as the summer if I find a program I can start that soon.

The problem I have with going into a specialty right away is

1) I wont be living in this area for more than about 8-10 more months. I know hospitals dont appreciate giving u specialized training only for you not to stay with them. One of the hospitals already told me that if you go into a specialty interniship they require a 2 year commitment or they ask u pay them back for the training! I was like wow....they act like they are giving a sign on bonus!

2) What if I go into a specialty and find its not for me? Wouldnt it be hard to explain that when I apply for another position? It could make another hospital reluctant to train me in something else if they think I dont know what I want.

Ill most likely be going through a new grad internship program that is 12 weeks and they rotate you to different floors. You can also apply for the specialty internships during the general new grad internship and be switched to that if you are chosen.