How did you change?

I just graduated recently (and passed boards this week). Prior to starting nursing school, I wanted to work in the NICU (I've had two NICU babies, so I'm well aware of the stress/work/emotional toll that it takes, it wasn't just about wanting to work with tiny babies) I still very much want to work in that setting, but I am clearly realistic that that is not going to be an option for several years (due to the fact that I live in metro Philly, where there are dozens of experienced ICU nurses for every 1 open position...the new grad isn't getting the time of day on that position, rightly so!) So...I've accepted that I'll build my skills and "do my time" in an area that isn't my first choice - I've got an interview at a LTC facility next week, and I am eager to actually start my nursing career and to develop my practice even if it isn't in my "dream" job!

I wanted to work in OB, but it turned out to be my least favorite rotation. Now I work oncology/bone marrow transplant. Keep an open mind, you never know where it will take you.

Loving all the replies! Please continue to share.

Thought I'd be a CNM, actually want to specialize in adult cardiac (CCU/CT/stepdown). Who knew?

Thought I'd be a CNM, actually want to specialize in adult cardiac (CCU/CT/stepdown). Who knew?

I've been researching a whole lot and this sounds a lot like me. I have no idea if students do clinicals in the CCU / CVICU, but it's definitely something I'm interested in seeing, at least.

Thought I wanted to be an ICU nurse....and I still think I would like it but I am totally in love with my Mon thru Fri day shift with no holidays endo schedule.

I'm loving this post!!!! Commenting so I can follow it

I thought I will only be working in LTC until after I passed my exam since I like to be in a Cardiac Ward, but I ended up loving LTC, my residents and my co-workers. I've been here for 2 years now and I'm happy. :)

I thought I would LOVE OB and found I would rather clean horse stalls than deal with OB. QUOTE]

I love this, Esme12 !!

I want to work in the ltc Commuter describes. My experience is primarily in ltc and have yet to find that kind of slow pace laid back environment and I always worked nights. I do private duty now, now that is laid back too much so. Though I do love the care I can give my patients.

I started out working in Labor and Delivery as an OB tech. I thought I would work there after I graduated. Six months before graduation, I realized that the unit was extremely overstaffed and I might not get a position, so I started working as a tech in the ER. I fell in love with the ER!

After nursing school, I moved cities and couldn't even get an interview in the busy ER so I worked in Ortho/Neuro MedSurg (worst six months of my life). I transferred ASAP to the ER and worked there for two years before transferring to ICU.

Long story short: At different points in my career I have wanted to be an L&D nurse, an ER nurse, a FNP, and finally a CRNA. I have finally found my path and am in CRNA school. Its been a crazy path getting here, but I couldn't be more thankful for all the experiences and mentors I have had along the way.

I have loved (almost) every specialty of nursing I have experienced and feel very fortunate to be a nurse!

I planned on becoming a nurse to pursue Pediatric NP and then FNP down the road. Fast forward through ICU, Psych, skilled and rehab and I am starting my psych NP this summer. I think I would not be very kind to many parents, and I found along the way I am skilled at psych and love it too!