How did you decide your specialty?

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As a student, you get many different clinical experiences but I was wondering how you decided what was right/wrong for you? I hope it isn't (but highly suspect it might be by trial)...

My problem now is not enough (extended) exposure and finding interests in too many things! Would anyone suggest volunteering in another capacity (not as a student) as a good idea?

I am asking because my college only allows consolidation in the following areas: long term care facilities, rehabilitation, palliative, medicine, surgery, maternal-child, mental health, community and/or complex continuing care. and I want to pick a worthwhile choice. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help:cool:

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After gaining experience in clinical placements and on the job experience, I found what I wanted to do rather quickly. I would go take a peek at these areas, ask to shadow and talk to some people who work there, before you make your choice.

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Thank you for your reply!

I have found all of my clinicals so far, have been places I could work in. I am currently in maternity but have done, complex continuing care, a med surgical floor with many stroke patients, and long term care. I have 3 more clinicals left. I have also worked as a PSW, which was a valuable experience in time management!

I don`t want to limit myself so that is why i asked. :)

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Don't worry about limiting yourself. Once you get out in the workplace you can change whenever you want to keep yourself going to work bright and chipper! That is good about nursing. Lots of diverse areas to work in.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

For many it is a case of moving around after qualifying and trying something until they are happy.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

Because you are doing an RPN program the college is putting students in areas where they are most likely to gain employment in your local area. As a new grad, I would choose the area to work in by how much support you will get in regards to being able to consult with another experienced nurse, an orientation that is more than two days long, that type of thing. You need the support when you are just starting out.

On the bright side, there seems to be more hospital jobs for RPN's depending on where you live, esp. in those areas where your school is placing you.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I lucked out.I did my final consolidation at the faciity that I thought I wanted to work at(complex continuing care) and it was a perfect fit. There was a job opening and I applied and actually had a job offer before I had officially graduated. I occasionally worry that I am missing out by not having moved around but I love my job and cannot imagine working anywhere else.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I also think that it is great that the op did some work as a PSW, it really helps you when you go to work because most hospitals don't have PSW's anymore or if they do, they have such a huge load that you will have to count on doing all your own care for your patients. It really helps to have that under your belt so you can concentrate on learning the nursing skills. JMO.

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