Changing specialties. Is it possible?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi all!

I was just looking for some input or advice from anyone who has been through it has any info on changing specialties. Now I'm a brand new nurse of 6 months working in the NICU. Now as much as it was a top specialty of mine I was also always interested in trauma or ED nursing. I heard that changing specialties is hard enough but now take a new nurse with only experience in the NICU. I feel like it would be an impossible task to change if I wanted to. I don't want to settle in one area so early in my career none of the reasons nursing appealed to me was the fact that there are so many different areas. So my question is it worth even trying to change to an area so vastly different? Is it better to wait and gain experience or is it better to change sooner since I wouldn't be so out of sorts? Would anyone even hire me in that kind of area? Any advice suggestions input would be so appreciated!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Instead of completely switching why not pick up a PRN position? If your hospital lets nurses float maybe they would be willing to cross train you in another area. I am a big on always improving one self. If you feel comfortable enough maybe you can talk to your manager about maybe training in one of the other areas you are interested in. It really can be a positive thing and help improve your skills.

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Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.

I'd try to give it a good 1-2 years in NICU and then maybe try for a Pediatric ER position at a large Children's hospital. I would think your NICU experience would be very helpful for you securing a position in Peds ER.

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Specializes in L&D.
Instead of completely switching why not pick up a PRN position? If your hospital lets nurses float maybe they would be willing to cross train you in another area. I am a big on always improving one self. If you feel comfortable enough maybe you can talk to your manager about maybe training in one of the other areas you are interested in. It really can be a positive thing and help improve your skills.

This is great advice.

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Hello!

any luck on your switching?! I currently am in the exact same position as you!!! I currently work on a mother baby post partum floor. Brand new nurse as well with now 6 months experience. But really wanting to go into ED!!

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jv713 no luck on switching yet but i do have an interview lined up at a different hospital which may be helpful in figuring out where it is i want to go and give me more opportunities

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