Could a newly lisenced nurse work in the special area?. (w/out ward experience)

dodoy, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2011

I think much would depend on the institution's hiring policy. Some require exposure in general areas such as the med-surg area but I seldom see institutions having such requirement. Rather, I see them looking at the bed capacity of the hospital where you've trained to even consider your application. Correct me if I'm wrong people, but I saw on NKTI's website that you have to have at least 6 months hospital experience in a 100 bed cap hospital.

Oh and another thing. Having a good med-surg background may serve as a good foundation before starting in a special area. Self explanatory right? Basics then progressing to more complex procedures. Calling an area "special" means it needs special skills, knowledge, and training, hence the name. I'm not saying that the other areas which are not "special" don't need much skills. It's just that there are procedures and cases there which we don't encounter everyday. (I don't want to argue people ok?)

However, knowing the system of hiring here in the Philippines, only a few conduct a fair hiring process. Most are polluted with the backer system, you know that too well right?

Nurse inscrubs · Oct 12, 2011

Oh got it.thanks!. I know, its really sad how things work here in the phils. With all the backers and all.

Anyway, do you have any advice for a newly licensed nurse starting?

tron22 · Oct 12, 2011

If you really want to be at special area, you should try on ward first. Based on my experience, I tried to work in medicine ward first, then on medical ICU (Training on hospital). After that one hospital trained me to their special unit and later on hire me as ICU Nurse. So most of my experience was on special area. However, I believe exposing yourself to the ward first will make you better in those special unit of your choice. And if you really dedicated, enroll yourself to graduate school. that what's make you an expert to your chosen field. Be patient. have a good plan in your career! :smokin:

dodoy, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2011

I suggest you try to "road map" your nursing career and identify what you truly want. Having a goal to achieve makes it easier for you to know which path to take. If simply being employed (no specific field, no target hospital, no specific area) is what you're after, then try equipping yourself with the basic skills provided in trainings of IVT, BLS and ACLS. That's just for starters.

Don't waste time waiting for responses from the hospitals where you've lodged an application. Make each second count by upgrading your skills and knowledge. Who knows when you'll be contacted for a pre-employment exam/interview.

DILM · Oct 28, 2011

It's possible to be hired in a special area w/o ward experience. I had my training in the OR then I ended up working in the eye center. The only ward experience that I had was when I was still a student. So if you put me in the ward, I would probably have a hard time since there are certain skills in the ward that are not practiced in my area at all. You could do research in the different specialties of nursing so you could aim for that specialty that you like best. Good luck!

Ar-en · Aug 24, 2012

It's possible to be hired in a special area w/o ward experience. I had my training in the OR then I ended up working in the eye center. The only ward experience that I had was when I was still a student. So if you put me in the ward, I would probably have a hard time since there are certain skills in the ward that are not practiced in my area at all. You could do research in the different specialties of nursing so you could aim for that specialty that you like best. Good luck!

Hi DILM, I just want to ask where did you get your training in OR. THANK YOU!