when do you declare a specialty

I've worked for 15 years as an RN and have never declared a specialty.

I have "specialty tags" on my permit but those are for advanced skills for LPNs. I have worked on units that are considered "specialty areas" but never had to declare it to anyone.

I've been an RN for over 10 years and have tried a lot of things out. I don't know if I will ever "specialize". Maybe if I am 100% certain I will never leave that job? That is the good thing about nursing though. If you don't like one thing, you can go into something completely different and back again.

Many nurses work without declaring a specialty.

Most nurses I know, work by default.

ok- thanks guys!

Today by golly! I'm declaring myself special!

in this market the specialty declares you lol

I have my OCN, so I guess I can declare myself oncology specialized, but I'm not really sure what you mean by "declaring a specialty."

I don't think any of the previous posters mentioned these options:

Many programs (BSN, not sure about ASN or diploma) have an internship your final semester. Generally, you get to choose the specialty you want to do your internship in.

Once you are working as an RN and you think you have found your "niche," you can work toward becoming certified in a specialty. Generally, you need X hours of work experience in that specialty (ex. 2 years full time), possibly continuing education courses, and you must pass the certifying exam.

Then you could be, for example, BS9421, RN-BC (board certified by the ANCC) or BS9421, CCRN (critical care certification from AACN).

Hope this helps!

Ktliz, that's EXACTLY what I was lookin for- thanks!

Every nurse is special. However, a speciality could mean a certification, for IE, stroke, or ER, ICU. Certification tests usually cost money. Most nurse practioners specialize.