So many specialties....

[mr cooper]

I'm still waiting to get into nursing school, so this is really for those who are in it already. I am interested in being a critical care or ER nurse. I realize you need extra training, but I am always afraid I'll get my first job as a floor nurse but not be able to jump on opportunities to get into the ER or ICU. Additionally, there are so many extra certifications. Is it relatively easy to navigate once you are in the hospital and not too difficult to get the specialty you want, or are there ways you can get "stuck" in a unit you don't want to stay in?

[veggie530]

You can do whatever you want if you're dedicated enough... but you might get on the floor and find something you like more. I think 80% of SN's I meet say they want to do ICU/ER or OB/NICU. Obviously they don't all go there... to be honest I would worry about getting in a program first. And yeah, people do get stuck where they don't want to be. It happens.

[Derek_G]

The certifications will not be any more difficult than the nursing classes you will be taking during school. Critical Care and ER always have a high turn over rate due to the stress. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to get into those areas with a year of experience.

[mr cooper]

I got into the school I applied to so I am happy. Good to hear that opportunities should be there :)

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

The certifications will not be any more difficult than the nursing classes you will be taking during school. Critical Care and ER always have a high turn over rate due to the stress. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to get into those areas with a year of experience.

Eh - not so much. We have a lot of evidence that "high stress' areas are actually much more satisfying to a lot of nurses. Basically, there is turnover in the first year or so, but after that not so much. You either love it or hate it. You'll eventually find your nursing 'home' & it probably won't be the one you envisioned. Trust the process.