Is it just me??

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jul 9, 2015

You are not alone. I'm personally keeping my options open. I want to find a specialty that is a good fit for my strengths and skills, and I don't have any idealizations of the specialties. Each has its pros and cons, and each field holds opportunities for learning. I'm still going through clinicals, and I hope that when I do my capstone course, it will give me a better idea of what I would like to pursue. There are many other students also in my program who are in the same boat and have no specialty in mind.

For what it's worth, just because you have a specialty you have your heart set on (ER, OR, L&D), as some do, does not necessarily mean you'll be guaranteed any positions in that field. Just saying, it's good to keep your options open in my opinion, especially as a new nurse! (We'll have so many things to learn, and there's always more to learn)

Shelby, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2015

Lots of people feel this way. I was one of them. When people asked what specialty I wanted to go into, I would be honest and say that I did not know yet and that I was leaving my options open. As you go through classes and clinicals, you will learn what you like and what you don't care for. You really don't need to be selective until you start applying for your RN job (usually your senior year or after graduating). And even then you may have to factor in whether or not you want to work at a particular hospital/ office and what jobs are available at that time. I know many people who did not get their desired specialty for their first nursing job. They either learned to like their job or they transferred to a different area at a later time. If you graduate and you still have no clue what you want to do, try to go with a more general position (like med-surg) because the transition to a more specialized unit might be easier later on.

byfaith89 · Jul 9, 2015

Thank you guys so much for your response it put things in perspective. :up: