What specialty can you work after graduating for RN?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jan 20, 2015

All new graduates of US nursing schools have a generalized education: they are not specialized at all. A new grad is eligible to work anywhere an RN works, however it is up to the facility to determine what level of experience and education, and what kind of experience would qualify one to work in any particular unit (specialty).

Typically, new grads start out on general medical-surgical floors, and after gaining experience begin to branch out into specific areas---wherever they have an interest and wherever they can get hired.

Sometimes, new grads will be hired directly into the specialty unit in which they want to work. Greatly depends on the needs of the unit and the skills of the nurse.

Loo17 · Jan 20, 2015

In Europe, did you work as an RN? People are probably curious if you worked in a specific specialty-such as pediatrics or ICU. Or they could be curious if you have a specific specialty that you hope to work in here in the US. The above poster gave you good information.

mirjanazaka · Jan 20, 2015

Thank you so much. I feel relived now. I though I missed something from my nursing school!

mirjanazaka · Jan 20, 2015

Yes I did worked in post par tum unit. Not so sure if the count the experiences in other Countries outside the US.

Katie71275 · Jan 21, 2015

Yes postpartum would count. Taking care of moms after delivery is pretty much the same anywhere(except some things you may do different at different hospitals), but the basics are still the same. Good luck!

mirjanazaka · Jan 21, 2015

Thank you

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2015

RNsRWe explained it well. Typically when people ask what kind of nurse we are, they're referring to what kind of unit we work or have experience on. American nursing schools all provide general nursing education, and then once we're hired onto a unit we learn more specifics about that patient population and their nursing care. If we choose to we can take certification exams in our area of work such as critical care, med-surg, stroke care, holistic nursing, addictions, post-anesthesia..... the list goes on. But yes, our nursing education is general like yours.

With a nursing degree and license, we're able to work in any unit that will hire us. We're oriented to that unit and sometimes have classroom training specific to that unit. But you'll learn about that specialty once you're hired and working...that is, if you end up working in a new area other than postpartum. :)

mirjanazaka · Jan 21, 2015

Thank you for your time.I got your explaniation.

I hope to pass the Nclex !!! It seems so difficult ! Fingers cross!!!