Help in choosing the best nursing field for me? plz

roser13, ASN, RN · Nov 24, 2010

I can best answer your question by saying: Relax! You don't need to decide right now. And when/if others ask you for your plans, just say that they are undetermined at this point. That response is perfectly acceptable.

Clinicals help the decision-making process. But the obtaining-a-job process helps even more. Nursing jobs are scarce. You may find yourself taking any opportunity that befalls you. And that position may help determine what you do and do not want to pursue.

You don't owe anyone (especially yourself) a lifelong decision at this point.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2010

You'll get over that. Before long they'll all be nameless sides of meat to do your procedures on.

BOOYARN · Nov 24, 2010

lmao TOOO MUCH IMthatguy!!!!

ejrsgirl · Nov 24, 2010

I used to feel the same way...I think we all did at one point in time....I think the best advice you could possibly take is to just relax and enjoy your last year of school....trust me, it will come to you when you are ready....I always imagined myself working in trauma because I was an EMT for so long prior to RN school, now that I'm actually working I happen to enjoy the critical units and the neuro floor when I'm pulled there when they are short-staffed...

hope3456, ASN, RN · Nov 24, 2010

You might want to think about where you will be able to get a job of any kind - there are many parts of the U.S. where it is extremely difficult for new grads to get hired into any job as the markets are saturated. Don't know about where you are, but you might want to check into that.

ObtundedRN, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2010

I agree, you're only finishing your first semester of NS, so its a little soon to decide. If you already know, then that's great, and if you haven't decided yet, then that is great too.

You will get used to the higher stress situations as you gain knowledge and experience. Have you thought about mental health nursing? The patients still have medical problems, but are usually very stable (medically speaking, not so much psychologically...).

mentalhealthRN · Nov 24, 2010

Well as a general thought I would say what you end up liking most or feeling most competent in may change so try to keep an open mind. Every one is nervous with emergencies until they have been in a few so don't let that guide you. I remember doing a code one day and at the end of all of it thought to to myself--wow I don't think my pulse even went up at all with that........lol.......it becomes routine stuff. I remeber my first codes and I was so nervous and it gets easier every time. Its really like that with all you will do--always nervous at first. Every time you do things it get less stressful and I also think it is helpful to find a couple of nurses on your unit that have been around and know their stuff and will take you under their wing--be there to ask questions, to teach you and support you and cheer your success on. They are out there and they make a big difference. So don't make any decisions just yet--and don't decide your strengths or weaknesses just yet either. I hated my psych rotation and was sure I would be an L&D nurse when I graduated. Well low in behold I did L&D for 6 months and though I loved much about it and learned a lot I realized it was not my nitch. The last thing I would have ever thought happened......I ended up in psych and ended up loving it! So keep your mind open to everything. I think if you don't its really a disservice to yourself. Good luck....and make the most out of your clinicals and the nurses you will meet during them. I met some wonderful people and learned a lot from the staff nurses on my clinicals not just my instructor.

PatsFan1969 · Nov 24, 2010

I have been a nurse on a cardiac/medical floor for about two years now and I still haven't figured out where my "niche" is...relax, there is no rush.