What nursing specialty interests you the most for the future?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2015

I had an ICU rotation in school and was taken by the autonomy the nurse had there, but a wee bit intimidated and I didn't think they'd hire a new grad anyway. So then I was certain to be a pedi nurse practitioner when I graduated, since I spent time in a freestanding NP clinic rotation as a senior (these were very new and hot stuff, and I wanted it sooooo bad). But my then-husband got a job transfer, so we moved across the country. I interviewed for three hospitals and got offers from all, but the one I took was a PACU, because I had had a summer job in an OR/PACU once and it was familiar to me. Well, from there I went to ICU, because the head nurse kept seeing me bringing me patients there and asked me to transfer to her staff ... but before I got to make the move, we moved for his job again. I figured if somebody thought I was OK for ICU, that's where I'd apply, so I did, and spent 5 years in a world-class CVICU/SICU/MICU. I did a lot of precepting and teaching at that job.

So some of my colleagues there were going to grad school (also a very rare occurrence in those years) so I thought I'd do that so I could teach in schools. Bingo, moved again... So I took a couple of grad-level courses to supplement my GRE scores and got into one of the top 3 schools in the US. I did critical care and teaching students in one form or another for the next dozen years. Married a better man, moved across country again!

Six years later the community hospital I went to closed their nursing ed department and I was out of my critical care clinical specialist job. Took a temp job in work comp case management and found myself in a totally different milieu and loving it for the autonomy and schedule, kept at it for another decade+. From there I ended up as what amounts to a clinical specialist in case management, life care planning, and legal nursing. I figure I'll retire from that in about ten years, unless something else comes along. (Ed McMahon, where are you now that I need you?)

Moral of the story: Ya just never know what life will bring you. No knowledge is wasted-- I use all of that-- and you have to be brave enough to make the jump when you have to do it.

LaterAlligator · Jun 26, 2015

I've just finished my first year so I know there's more to be exposed to, but I like wound/ostomy care so far. I enjoyed the NICU which surprised me, and disliked L&D And ER, which was no surprise.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Jun 26, 2015

I started a job as an ER tech, so I was completely sure I would work there when I graduated. I was completely against L&D and peds like so many of my classmates were. At some point a Facebook friend had a baby very early and posted everything. I was hooked. I shadowed in the NICU and I knew that's what I wanted. I just graduated and I'm about to start in the NICU. I'm very excited!

futurepsychrn, ADN · Jun 26, 2015

I have a year to go. I decided a long time ago that psych was what I wanted to do, and nothing I've seen thus far has changed my mind. I'm a little older though and have had a loooong time to think about it lol. Also, I've been dealing with mental health issues with family members my whole life and then married a man whose family had several members with mental health issues. I just feel very comfortable dealing with people who have mental health issues.

georgiagirl2 · Jun 26, 2015

I love that we have so many choices in nursing! I am interested in NICU. I currently work as a nurse extern in the NICU. I honestly look forward to every shift.

Wrench Party · Jun 26, 2015

I worked in the hospital for a year, and now I work in an outpatient clinic. I haven't decided if I want to go more towards public health nursing, or wander back into the hospital and try my hand at the ER.

I also love the "treat em and street em" mentality. Keeps things interesting!

Cakelady1 · Jun 26, 2015

Reproductive Endocrinology.

I have a very personal horse in that race.

PaulBaxter · Jun 26, 2015

At the moment I'm very interested in OR since I like technical sorts of things. Would love to get into research eventually, or teaching.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jun 26, 2015

L&D & corrections.

I've worked in corrections as an LVN but when I become an RN I'd like to try L&D. Although things may change during clinicals.

NicoleRN707 · Jun 26, 2015

I just got into musing school for Fall 2015 and currently working as a MA in Fertility care. I really enjoy it but I think I will try other specialties after nursing school.

NicoleRN707 · Jun 26, 2015

I will be starting nursing school this fall. Currently, I am working as an MA in fertility care and love it but will be trying out different specialties after nursing school!

level1 · Jun 26, 2015

Then don't set the bar too high. A LOT of ER is handling a 3 year old with an ear infection that comes to ER because Mom doesn't want to have to make a clinic appointment, a bean pushed up a 6 year old nose, a fever that the parents haven't even tried to bring down with tylenol. You're in for a rude awakening if you think it's 24/7 knife and gun club with the occasional code thrown in to make things interesting.

This is true. Luckily, the ED at my hospital (level 2) has it's ER and a separate fast-track for the lower acuity cases. I'd much rather prefer working with the high acuity cases like the STEMIs and strokes we see on a consistent basis. We never have GSWs or penetrating traumas and I've only heard an actual trauma alert once. The adrenaline is more derived from working in a fast-paced, higher stress environment. I would probably go into a coma from how bored I'd be working on the floor, but I'm not going to work at an inner-city hospital that is level 1 designated just so I can be in on all the GSWs and stabbings from gang related violence.