When to specialize

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I want to specialize eventually. I plan to work on my BSN over the next few years and then to specialize after I get some experience (maybe 5 years down the road). What do you think the benefits of getting the experience as opposed to finishing school right away? How hard is it to work and specialize simultaneously? Can I have my cake and eat it too?

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

What do you mean by "specialize?" Once you graduate and have a nursing license you can "specialize" by working in a particular area, such as ICU, ER, OR, etc, or get your "specialty certification" by taking an exam after a few years of experience, such as CEN, CNOR, RNC, CCRN. If you are talking about getting your feet wet in a healthcare setting before/during nursing school, I would say go for it. You can fit both work and school into your schedule, and it will help you tremendously both in and after school.

Stevern21

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By specialize I mean get a masters degree and certifcation such as NP, or nurse anesthetist. Making six figures on a six year degree doesn't sound too bad. Thats like 1 year per figure (ha ha).

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Specializes in PCU/Hospice/Oncology.

My plan is to get my LPN, work in the hospital and have them pay for my RN/BSN. It comes down to what you can do with what you have. Do you need to work NOW or can you take off the X years to get where you want?

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
I want to specialize eventually. I plan to work on my BSN over the next few years and then to specialize after I get some experience (maybe 5 years down the road). What do you think the benefits of getting the experience as opposed to finishing school right away? How hard is it to work and specialize simultaneously? Can I have my cake and eat it too?

Depends on how important it is to you to like what you do. If you're single and have no obligations, then you can always get another degree and do something else when you get bored. But, if you have family obligations you may HAVE to do a job so you might as well find out early if this is the thing for you before you spend years and dollars on backing yourself into a corner that makes you unhappy.

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I want to specialize eventually. I plan to work on my BSN over the next few years and then to specialize after I get some experience (maybe 5 years down the road). What do you think the benefits of getting the experience as opposed to finishing school right away? How hard is it to work and specialize simultaneously? Can I have my cake and eat it too?

I have actually thought about the same question. Im already 25 and I've always had this "timeline" on how my life was going to turn out and when. basically, I planned to be married and have my first kid before im 3o years old.

So i've decided that by the time I'm 26, ill get my BSN/RN license and work for 2-3 years, while starting my family and then i'll get my master's.

i don't know how things are really going to work out by then, but that's my "revised" plan of my life. :idea:

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