I have no idea:Choosing a path in the final semester

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

Every clinical experience I have loved. Telemetry, Med-Surg, and OB, all awesome. They have different skill sets and needs, but I find myself fascinated by each.

I have to choose a "specialty" for my final semester. I want to try dialysis nursing, I think I might like oncology. ED might be fun, but hey, maybe I would be great with kids. Peds, I might love peds. What about the post-op nurses. I bet there is a lot to be learned there.

So how do you decide where you'd like to go in that final semester? Does it even matter where you're placed? Give me your advice!

[RN403, BSN, RN]

If you have your heart set on a certain specialty in nursing then it might matter. It might look good on your resume when you go to apply for those jobs. However, if you don't have your heart set on a specialty then I do not think that it matters. The great thing about nursing is that there are so many specialties to choose from. It can be overwhelming, but, in due time you will find your place. Best wishes.

[RunBabyRN]

Maybe try something you haven't yet done in nursing school. Could be interesting! Or go into med/surg for the variety? Being open to a lot of specialties will certainly be good when you are job searching.

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

I'm thinking a telemetry unit, or Mother/baby. I love mother/baby but I realize how difficult it is to get a job there. I want to be marketable. I want to love where I work. I want to learn so much that when I become tired/jaded, I can easily move to another area, where I can learn even more. I'd love to try oncology nursing.

I think my order:

1. Oncology

2. Mother/baby

3. Telemetry

We'll let the fates decide from there.

[sandytoes]

Every clinical experience I have loved. Telemetry, Med-Surg, and OB, all awesome. They have different skill sets and needs, but I find myself fascinated by each.

I have to choose a "specialty" for my final semester. I want to try dialysis nursing, I think I might like oncology. ED might be fun, but hey, maybe I would be great with kids. Peds, I might love peds. What about the post-op nurses. I bet there is a lot to be learned there.

So how do you decide where you'd like to go in that final semester? Does it even matter where you're placed? Give me your advice!

Just came in this forum to ask the same question - how do you know?! I've been places I know are NOT for me (psych and OR, specifically) but I have liked everything else! I still have peds and OB left.... Just trying to read and see how others are picking! Go general? Go specific? I don't know! Lol

Good luck with your choices and let us know what you get!

[llg, PhD, RN]

For some people, the choice is a matter of the heart -- a specific clinical area appeals to them more than others. When that is the case, I recommend that people choose that area.

But some people are like the OP and don't have a clear-cut 1st choice. To them, I say "be practical." Consider your chances of being hired in the job market where you want to live -- and choose a clinical site that will help you get a good job there. Use the opportunity to gain an advantage in the job market and to help you transition smoothly into a job you can realistically get as a new grad.

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

Great Advice llg!

I really feel that I'll just fall into my niche. As long as I get to utilize the nursing process and I have that patient contact that I love, I'll be happy in my job.

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

Sometimes some of us will work several specialties to finally discover our passion. There are many roads to the same goal. You know, there really is no rush. Have fun in whatever specialty you decide. Learn all you can. If after a year of so you decide the specialty is not your cup of tea, seek out other positions.

Good luck to you.