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Discussion

Advice for changing specialties

Hi all! I am a nurse with over 5 years of experience mostly med surg and to be honest, I am way overdo for a change. I am applying for a program that will train you into a new specialty and I am really struggling with choosing which one. I am drawn to both ER and Critical care, but for totally different reasons. Anyone successfully change specialties after med surg? What did you choose? Anyone try a new specialty and hate it? I would appreciate any advice ! Ill be honest, I am super afraid I won't be able to cut it.

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    Sounds like you have extensive experience that's relevant to almost every hospital specialty. You will do great and anywhere is lucky to have you.

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    After med-surg nursing, I ended up in surgical ICU. Originally I had planned on OR, but since the hospital was only hiring internally for OR, they offered my ICU of my choice. (Those were the days of a true nursing shortage at this hospital, things are different now). Twenty years later, I am still there.

    If you need to decide between ER and ICU, think about how much structure you like your work to have. In ICU, I get 1 or 2 patients with a particular diagnosis, there is a routine that is similar to med-surg: assessments, then meds, charting, rounds, turn Q2 hrs, etc. ER has a more random unstructured feel. Patients of all ages, diagnoses, slow days, very crazy days, lots of changing for direction.

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    Thank you both! I appreciate so much you both taking the time to respond. :) Application going in tomorrow! I am super nervous!!! Wish me luck! The app lets me put my top 3 choices, and the units review the resumes and decide who they want to interview. So really just hoping for the best and letting the cards fall where they may...

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