NEVER Specialized??

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How many of ya'll never "stuck" to a specialty?

I feel like I have a problem because anything im exposed to i like!

Been a nurse for 4 years, split between tele and postpartum (what a difference, I know).

I've work a little surgical, floated around the hospital and thought peds, intermediate care, psych were all interesting too. Did some shifts in ER and liked the fast pace aspect...shadowed in ICU for a week and loved the patho and detail.

I guess I'm just worried I have not found "my specialty"? I feel like a nurse without a "home" if that makes sense....???

Any insight?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I don't see that as a problem unless you are job-hopping. I've done inpatient psych, peds vent home care, adult ICU, NICU, Peds ICU, med-surg, ED (urban and rural) and house supervisor over the course of my career.

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It seems your "speciality" is to be a float nurse.

With strong floating skills eventually you will find a "home". I floated about 15 years. My eventual home was ambulatory surgery. No nights, no weekends, no holidays, no call. Loving it.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I wouldn't fret about that at all. I don't recall there being any expectation for nurses to find a "niche", or a "dream job" when I started out. I feel it's great if you want that and successfully achieve it, but I've enjoyed the variety of nursing specialties in my career, and don't feel as though I failed in any way because of it. Best wishes!

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I'm in the float pool, and I love it. If you'd asked me what kind of nursing I wanted when I was just starting out, I would not have said med-surg, and I sure as heck wouldn't have chosen floating to different med-surg floors. But it's what was open when I was applying, and it's grown on me. I spent about 6 months on Telemetry, covering for a maternity leave, and while I liked it, I was happy to go back to floating when it was done.

I've had managers approach me to let me know about openings on their floors, but I've never applied. I like everywhere I go, but have a feeling that even with my favorite floors, I wouldn't like them as much if I were there all the time.

Some day something might stick, but for right now, I like the variety and the lack of drama (I am completely outside the various politics and cliques that pop up on different units). I'm learning a lot, and I find I can sometimes educate a nurse on one floor about a protocol or procedure that is unusual for them but common on some of the other units.

So, enjoy being a jack of all trades. Not everyone has to be a specialist. Look at all the posts people make about taking a job on a unit, and discovering they hate it. The ability to be happy wherever you go is a real blessing. It means no matter what unit you're on, you'll be able to find fulfillment in your work. Do you know how many nurses would love to be in that position?

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

Some day something might stick, but for right now, I like the variety and the lack of drama (I am completely outside the various politics and cliques that pop up on different units). I'm learning a lot, and I find I can sometimes educate a nurse on one floor about a protocol or procedure that is unusual for them but common on some of the other units.

This is a real blessing. Also, the receiving unit is always glad to see you, because you lighten their load.

I enjoyed working float.

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

Some if us just get bored easily and always enjoy learning new things. Been there, done it and time to move on. Keeps the brain nimble.

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You are doing fine. You're only 4 years in and have plenty of time to explore. I've been a nurse since 2000 and for my first 10 years, I've done staffing agency float in different departments in the hospitals, Occupational Health, Team Supervisor for American Red Cross and Long Term Care. It wasn't until the last 8 years that I got into Assisted Living and have worked as a Nursing Director and then promoted to Executive Director. I even went back to school and became a Licensed Esthetician (which I NEVER used) and just this month got my Long Term Care Administrator License. I would not have known that I enjoyed management unless I explored different avenues. Being a well rounded nurse/jack of all trades is valuable as well!

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

You are a specialist in versatility. Not a damn thing wrong with that. I've worked with nurses who had 20+ years in on one unit. They were so bored and burnt out they could hardly drag themselves to work. But they were thoroughly intimidated at the thought of starting somewhere new. You will never be in that position. Carry on.

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU, E.R..

I would suggest getting solid ICU experience for now at least 2 years. Seems you like floating around and working different units. Having ICU experience will get you some good foundation to booster your confidence working other departments.

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