Finding your niche

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 21, 2015

I found my clinical specialty as a student -- by paying attention to how I felt about the different types of nursing I was exposed to and seeking out a variety of types of experiences.

After that, I determined that a career is not about finding one "perfect job" that wil last a lifetime, but rather, it is a process of building on my foundation and working in a variety of jobs that fit my life at each stage of life. As conditions changed in each workplace -- and my needs/preferences changed over time -- I took a variety of jobs, each building on my previous experience and on-going education. I stopped seeking "magical perfection" in a job and started focusing on living a good, happy life in a real world in which both working conditions and my need change.

You'll be a happier person when you realize that there is a "one" for the rest of your life -- and start making the most of the life that you have. You will find "good ones" when you let go of the fantasy that there is only one perfect one -- and that have to find that one perfect one to be happy. (We're not talking mates here, we're talking jobs.)

RNperdiem, RN · Jul 21, 2015

I don't believe in a specific "niche" because what you want to get out of life changes with you.

I was simply looking for an escape route out of my med-surg job. I started applying for OR positions because there is no call bell in OR. Since HR was only hiring internally for OR, they offered me ICU. I had never thought about ICU, but why not? Sixteen years later, I am satisfied. When the kids are grown and maybe I feel like full time work again, perhaps I might give OR another try.

OCNRN63, RN · Jul 21, 2015

I've had more than one niche over the last thirty years. For a time it was psych; then it was meds; then it was hospice; then it was the ED; then it was outpatient oncology. Had health issues not intervened, I would most likely have stayed in outpatient oncology until retirement.

I couldn't imagine staying in one specialty forever. Nursing is a good career choice for those of us whose interests change over the years.