What's Your Passion?

Nurses General Nursing

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I am new to this site, been lurking for a little while though. So if this was already brought up, I apologize. But I am wondering, who here went into nursing (or plan on pursuing nursing) because of one field, and only one field? Did you want to be a nurse because you could only see yourself being an L&D nurse, and would never consider another specialty? Do you love trauma and would only work in the ER? Did you see nursing school as a stepping stone to an advanced degree? LIke, you always wanted to be a CRNA, and couldn't fathom being a floor nurse...so you went to nursing school, worked in the ICU, then went straight to CRNA school and never looked back? For those that had a set idea in their head, how did it work out? Were you able to work in your dream job? Is it everything you hoped for? Did you change your mind in nursing school?

Sorry for all the questions, but I am thinking about nursing school (along with other healthcare options), and want to get a feel for where nurses are coming from. Nursing intrigues me, but many fields I can't see myself working in. I was wondering if that was normal, and if I should still consider nursing, or if maybe I am not cut out for it. Is it ok to only be interested in one type of nursing?

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I went into nursing just with the goal of being an RN, no particular field or specialty. I figured it would come to me eventually. In school like many, many others I really enjoyed the OB rotation and thought maybe that would be my niche. I also really liked the pysch rotation (unlike many of my classmates) but not sure if I would really want to work there. And even though I'm not much of an adrenaline junkie, I've also thought maybe the ER would be a good fit. Despite all these different thoughts I've had, I am really feeling most drawn to the NICU. Out of the OB rotation, the thing I liked best was newborn nursery. The NICU is all that and more with a higher acuity. So I am giving that one serious contemplation.

But currently I work on a med-surg floor which I actually really enjoy. It has been a wonderful learning experience. My co-workers are all amazing from the RNs to the LPNs to the techs to the managers. We do self-scheduling which is a huge plus too. If you can imagine, I generally have fun at work! I share a happy camaraderie with my colleagues, I enjoy my patients (well most of them), and feel settled with the routine of the floor. I'm really in no hurry to leave all that. I think sometimes there is this pressure in nursing to "specialize" and that you need to do more than just med-surg. (This mentality seems to be strongest among students.) True, med-surg is not for everyone but for me it has definitely been a good place to get my feet wet.

In response to one of your questions, I don't think there is anything wrong with only being interested in one area of nursing. Many people on this board seemed to know exactly what they wanted to do from day one and went that route. That just wasn't how it worked for me! I'm just going to see where life takes me...........

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Specializes in LTC/hospital, home health (VNA).

Went for my LPN first with no particular goal...tried out a few things, but they were just jobs. Then I landed myself in home health - LOVE it! Went for my RN and kept my options open but nothing appealed to me like my VNA does. You practice the skills of med surg but you have SO much more autonomy, flexibility. One-on-one with the patient...priceless!

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New grad LPN here. I started out wanting to do LTC. Was told by hundreds of people that I would hate it. Passed boards, got LTC job and guess what? I LOVE IT! Love the residents. Understand the annoying families. Don't mind the irritating management. I am currently working on my RN and I cannot imagine ever working in a hospital! I just don't want to!

My passion is the end of lifer's! :heartbeat

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Specializes in School Nursing.

a day off ! :lol2:

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Specializes in peds and med/surg.

I've wated to be an L&D nurse for as long as I can remember. There is just something about the entire process of pregnancy and labor and delivery that fascinates me. I know there are risks and sometimes things don't go the way they should, but there is something special with being able to share this beautiful and wonderful experience with the families. I haven't made it yet b/c it's hard to get into.....low turnover, but I'm not giving up. I'll get experience in med/surg until it's time for me to make my dreams come true, b/c eventually, I want to become a midwife.

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Specializes in Med Surg/Ortho.

Not sure if there is just one area I am interested in, but there are a top few. I certainly know areas I would not enjoy...but then again, I haven't started nursing school yet, so never say never. I might change my mind.

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I haven't started clinicals yet, and I think I'll know more when I do, but I've always always been drawn to babies and little kids so I think I'd like to work in peds/NICU/something of that nature. Who knows though, I may decide I like something else much better! Ah, the beauty of nursing! :D

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Specializes in Rehab, Infection, LTC.

I saw the title "whats you passion" and thought "oooh, can we talk about this on here now?" but then i realized you were talking about nursing.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER.

I am a new RN (6 months) and when I started nursing school I though there is no way I am ever going to work med/surg - anything but that. And guess what? I work med/surg and absolutely love it! The variety of patient's, acuity, and just the experience of all the different things we get to do and experience is great. I am just sorry that in the beginning I was limiting myself. For some reason, especially in nursing school, med/surg just isn't sexy and there is a big push to "specialize". Anyway I am doing what I love!

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Specializes in CNA, Surgical, Pediatrics, SDS, ER.

I have my associates hopefully at some point I'll further that to BSN or MSN but for now I'm working on paying off these loans before going further. I always wanted to do ER so I did a year med surg then xfered to ED and I love it. I love the variety of pts, I'm not really and adrenaline junkie or risk taker- not very outspoken but I do enjoy being in the ER. There is always something to learn and it is never repititious or boaring.

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For some reason, especially in nursing school, med/surg just isn't sexy and there is a big push to "specialize".

LOL, I got a good chuckle out of this! :lol2:

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