How do I specialize?

[TipitiwichitRN]

Hello nurses! :)

I am finishing up my last semester for my RN. I will have the Associate Degree in Applied Science. I am trying to find my path in the huge profession, and after some time on a Cardiac stepdown unit, I can tell- via the other wonderful and honest nurses I work with, that med surg. ICU, general medical, is NOT where I want to be in the long run for my career.

When I graduate and pass, I intend on applying for behavioral health/ addictions and recovery/ something of the like.

What can I do now as a student in order to grow in this field specifically? Any ideas are appreciated.

I was thinking about joing the Assoc of Mental Health nursing or whatever groups there are, but how would joining help?

Can I take CEUs pertaining to that specialty before I graduate? I know that sounds like it doesn't make sense, but from what I understand, as a licensed nurse, the CEUs you take /should/ correlate with the field you practice in... or is this not true?

Thank you so much, everyone!