After becoming an RN, what's next?

Specialties NICU

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I am a senior in high school and I want to become a nurse, the only problem is I am not sure exactly what type of nurse I want to be. I want to learn about all the different types of nursing jobs there are before I go into college. I know that I want to go to a four year college and get my BSN and become a RN, I just don't know what I want to do after. I am considering becoming a NICU Nurse, does that require me to go back to school and become certified or just train in a hospital. Also, does anyone know of good colleges with nursing programs in New Jersey?

Thanks!!

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You don't have to make a decision about what area of nursing you would like to practice right away. You will have 4 years in school including 2 years of clinicals to think about which area you like. During nursing school, you will take clinicals in many different areas so you will then see what you are interested in. It can also be a good idea to work on a Med-Surg unit for a year or two after graduation to perfect your skills.

There is no additional classes to take to become a NICU nurse, just a good orientation program when you get hired and years of practice. After you have been a NICU nurse for at least 2 years, then you can take the certification exam but it is not required.

Good luck to you and don't let your indecision of a specialty hold you back. What you may be interested in right now may not be what you find you really want to do once you get further into your program. As far as nursing schools in NJ, I do not know, I am in Texas. But I am originally from NJ so where in NJ are you from?

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Thanks for all your help...I know that I will change my mind many times before I make my final decision, so I'm keeping all of my options open. I am from Bergen County, where were you from?

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Towaco in Morris County near Montville and Lincoln Park

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