How/when did you know which nursing specialty you wanted to get into?

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I have been asked which nursing specialty I want to get into a lot, and honestly have no idea. I liked different aspects of most of my clinicals. Unfortunately, I have no idea if there's a particular specialty I would like to work towards. The only thing that has me thinking about a specialty is getting a job where I'm on call to insert PICC lines.

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Specializes in neonatal.

I worked med/surg for about 5 years. There was an opening in the newborn nursery and I thought it sounded like fun. I knew nothing about newborns. I got the position and I loved it. After 8 years of that I wanted a more challenging job so I applied for a position in NICU in a large hospital. Got that position and have been there 27 years. I love my job! Will retire from there:)

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Been a nurse for 13 years in 5 different specialties. Haven't found the one I'll stay in forever yet.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I never had a passion for any particular specialty while in school, but I envisioned myself in LTC because the pace was slow and the acuity was low.

I remained in LTC for six years. I am now in acute physical rehabilitation.

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In nursing school there were two clinical rotations that grabbed my attention. I was lucky enough to obtain employment in one of them. Hopefully, sometime down the line I will be able to work with the other.

Some find their specialty after working for a while and switching around. It will come to you when the time is right.

The beauty of nursing, we have lots of options!

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Specializes in Emergency; med-surg; mat-child.

I still don't know, so I'm sticking with med-surg float because I get to work on all but L&D and ICU. But I orient to those soon, too. I figure if I don't know what rings my bell by the time that's all over, I don't HAVE a bell, at least related to bedside nursing. I may apply for an ED position when I've got another year of float under my belt, and see how I like that. It's ever-changing, which appeals to me, but it's not strictly bedside, which is also kind of sexy IMO.

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After doing a lot of research during the summer right b4 Nsg school, I found out about Nurse Anesthetists and fell in love. Knew I had to do ICU in order to become one (plus I love Critical Care anyways.) Busted my butt to get my dream ICU job so I'm getting there!

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Specializes in Inpatient Oncology/Public Health.

Oncology "clicked" for me during clinicals(I've also lost many friends and family to cancer) and I've been there ever since(7 years). That said, I am hoping to go back to school for NP and have also thought of working in the fertility field or volunteering with perinatal bereavement due to my own experiences with having my children(but need more time to pass so it is less "raw.") Home care or community care(as well as corrections) also has its draw. Is there an area that interests you even though it may not be THE one? If so, try it out. Depending on your area, you may end up in what's available and it may be perfect for you.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I really enjoy working with seniors and that's a population that will continue to have the highest job growth....LTC, home care, psych, rehab. I'm a certified geriatric nurse (GNCC).

I've never had a desire to work with children.

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Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

I knew before I started nursing school that I only wanted to work with kids. I went straight into Peds after graduation & I've also done PICU & NICU.

I don't like working with sick adults. I don't even like myself when I'm sick!

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