Where is your nursing niche?

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Hi everyone!

I always read posts/threads about nurses encouraging others to stick with nursing because it's a matter of finding your niche. I'm honestly scared of going to nursing school because I hear of too much unhappiness among nurses. But I truely feel that nursing is my calling, even though I've been going back and forth between nursing and radiology (sonography, to be exact).

So, I would love to know--for those of you who have found your niche--what area of nursing to you work in and why do you love it? How long did it take you to find your niche, and was it worth it to wait that long?

Thanks,

jollyjenny

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Specializes in SICU, EMS, Home Health, School Nursing.
Hi everyone!

I always read posts/threads about nurses encouraging others to stick with nursing because it's a matter of finding your niche. I'm honestly scared of going to nursing school because I hear of too much unhappiness among nurses. But I truely feel that nursing is my calling, even though I've been going back and forth between nursing and radiology (sonography, to be exact).

So, I would love to know--for those of you who have found your niche--what area of nursing to you work in and why do you love it? How long did it take you to find your niche, and was it worth it to wait that long?

Thanks,

jollyjenny

My niche is definitely critical care right now :) I knew after nursing school that critical care was an area I really liked, so I went for a position in an ICU and got it! I know I probably won't stay there forever, but I really enjoy my job right now and I plan to stay there for a while longer... I have been there about 8 months now.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Hi Jenny!

As I am sure you already figured out, there are unhappy people everywhere, and nurses are not exempt. Many of my fave people and dear friends are nurses! For me, I thought that a future in critical care would be the longer term goal, but lacked the confidence to go for it without experience (too much new stuff, and terrified that my inexperience would kill someone). So I am going for 2 years of med-surg first (1 down, 1 to go!). I am doing telemetry, which I just LOVE. I don't think that I will always love it, but for now it is fun and I am getting trained with post-op day 1-2 CABG pts and for cardioversions, gtts, etc. And of course, the beauty of nursing is that if you outgrow an area or need a change, it is relatively easy to do.

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Specializes in pediatric ER.

I work pediatrics and would NEVER EVER want to work anywhere else. I did a lot of pediatric-oriented things during nursing school to ensure that I'd be able to do kiddos right out of nursing school. It was well worth it!

Currently I work in a Pediatric ED, a great great place to work in my book!

Best of luck... and yes, there are people that love their jobs in nursing. I certainly do! But we do ALL have rough days, and that's what we tend to focus on on this website... mostly because we need advice/commiseration/etc. for our bad days. But, our good days give us a smile and help us sleep well knowing we made a difference in someone's life.

Best of luck on finding your niche!

Analee

P.S. Just re-read your post and would like to add that I knew I wanted to work peds because I love to play! Kids are so playful and say the funniest things. It is hard having to do painful procedures, but knowing you're helping them out is great.

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Specializes in LTC , SDC and MDS certified (3.0).

When i first got my LPN I swore I'd NEVER work in LTC Loved it!!! my old people are great but now that i've got my RN I'm gonna explore. That's what's great about nursing.

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Specializes in GERIATRICS, DEMENTIA CARE, MED-SURG.

Geriatrics!!!!!!!!!!

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i work in a PICU in one of the top children's hospitals in the country.I came here straight out of school (got my bsn in a typical 4 year liberal arts college) and can't imagine ever working anywhere else. maybe one day i'll go get my PNP, but for now i'm happy!

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

My niche is Neonatal ICU..... I started there right out of my BSN program, and tried the ED briefly before realizing that NICU was my niche.... I love the TRUE family oriented care I am able to give. There is no other area that the family is so involved or critical to the successful care of their child. I love teaching a first time mom or dad how to give their baby his first bath, or change a diaper, or even just kangaroo care. It makes my day when a parent tells me that they can finally sleep at night after leaving their baby at night, knowing that I am watching over him.... I'm planning on staying in NICU forever to some extent. I'm starting my NNP in a few months, so my duties will change a little, but I still hope to get some of the stuff I love in along with the new stuff I'll be doing!

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I work in geriatrics. Started out as a STNA, went on to LPN, and now I am a RN. So far I have not had the desire to change jobs. I love it here! Funny thing is I swore I would never do it!!:lol2:

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Specializes in hospice, home care, LTC.

I am a new grad. I went to nursing school knowing that I wanted to work in palliative/hospice. I'm working in my dream job as a hospice RN case manager. I had worked as a PCA for a few years and have always been comfortable with the chronically compromised and dying.

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Specializes in Home Health Care.

I'm a new grad too. It took my entire nursing education to figure out where I want to be. I have found that I love home-health and geriatric psych. I didn't have the best hospital clinical experiences, so naturally I have no desire to work in any hospital except maybe Labor & delivery (loved that rotation and scored very high on HESI in OB/Maternity area). I worked in home-health as an aide yrs ago, and decided it is where I feel most comfortable at.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

My niche is ER nursing although I'm not currently working in that area. I like nephrology okay (my current position), but I LOVE the ER.

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