How easy is it to change specialties?

[TangoLima]

First off, I'm a new RN, so not looking to change any time soon. Am on a M/S unit, and believe this is not my calling. At this point, I plan on doing my 1 year, then moving on.

Considering how hard it was to get hired as a new nurse, how difficult is it to move into another specialty such as ICU, ER, OB? Most postings state experience required.

Do you get a whole new orientation specific to those units when you change specialties?

Thanks.

[SmetRN2008]

I don't have an answer to your question but I'm in the same boat. I'm starting out in med-surg and I know it's not my calling either. I eventually would like to move into OB, but where I'm from they don't hire new grads in OB so I'm getting a year in of med-surg and moving on.

[imanedrn]

First off, I'm a new RN, so not looking to change any time soon. Am on a M/S unit, and believe this is not my calling. At this point, I plan on doing my 1 year, then moving on.

Considering how hard it was to get hired as a new nurse, how difficult is it to move into another specialty such as ICU, ER, OB? Most postings state experience required.

Do you get a whole new orientation specific to those units when you change specialties?

Thanks.

It depends on the hospital and, many times, who you know.

Most hospitals are willing to do internal transfers. If they already know you're a good employee, why not treat you right? I'm hoping my hospital will be willing to do this because, like you, I don't plan on outliving my 1 year anniversary on my med/surg unit. I would like to stay at my hospital (or at least within the same system to keep my benefits, 401k, etc.). If not...

I have a former classmate who works at competing hospital system in NICU. I'm interested in getting FAR AWAY from the adult/gero population. This hospital is expanding their NICU and also has a GREAT new/recent grad program. This fall, the NICU manager is looking to hire more people -- even newbies -- and put them through the ENTIRE 6 month training process, so they'll be prepared for the new NICU. I'm hoping to get my foot in over there...

Just look around. Once you have your 1 year of med/surg experience, many doors open!

[cubbynurse]

Although my hospital does hire new grads into OB, this is a relatively new policy, so many of the nurses on the unit have transferred from Med-Surg units. They all say that it was a valuable experience because even in OB you see Med-Surg conditions- kidney stones, cancer, pneumonia, etc. I would expect you to get a unit-specific orientation when/if you transferred...maybe not as long cuz they figure you know basic time management but they would know you are not familiar with OB meds, assessments, etc. We just had an experienced OB nurse from a different hospital hired to our unit and she is going through I believe 6 weeks of orientation with a preceptor because they know that the charting system, policies are different.