How to find the best nursing position?

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Hello,

I've worked two years in medical surgical nursing in a hospital setting. It was my first job and it gave me a lot of good experience. However, it was also very hard and draining on me. I am looking into getting a new position but am hesitant to go into another area that might not be a good fit.

Does anyone have any tips or advice on finding what other area of nursing is the best fit for you?

I've always been interested in NICU nursing but don't have any experience to support that it would be a good fit for me. Also, interested in peds but am worried it might be too much like what I've already done.

Any thoughts, experiences, or tips would be great! Thanks!

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I floated to peds, ICU, level 2 nursery, ER, locked psych unit, long term care unit, L&D, etc.

Of course in some units I mainly functioned as a CNA or "gofer", but still got good exposure and some experience.

Floating is a great way to find out what is available besides med/surg.

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

Shadowing on other units is a good way to get a feel for how you may fit into that specialty. Consider staying PRN at your current job as a safety net in case things don't work as well as you hope in a new job.

I was the same way when I changed depts; tired of what I was doing but fearful of change. I stayed PRN & still pick up some shifts which helps out when my current dept is slow & forcing staff off. I feel it also helps keep my experience more well rounded.

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