Most nursing students solely focus on becoming registered nurses. Over time, though, many of those nurses decide to advance their education to pursue a more specialized nursing career. Itβs not always easy to decide which path to take, though, especially if youβve spent years as an RN. Do you think youβd make a great nurse-midwife, or are your skills better suited to educating other nurses? If youβre at the point where you want to advance your nursing career, hereβs how to choose your specialty.Β
Get Your Nursing DegreeΒ
If you are hung up on which nursing route to take before youβve even had any nursing experience, your first step is to get your degree. You donβt have to decide on a specialty that early on, after all. Throughout your education, youβll learn more about nursing, which will provide you with a better idea of what you want to do. For those without nursing experience but are eager to get started, an online ABSN allows you to qualify as a nurse in sixteen months. That way, you can pursue a more advanced specialty before too long.Β
Spend Time as a Registered NurseΒ
Some people know exactly what they want their career to be before they even apply to university, whereas others need some time spent in a role before they know for sure. Others might think they know but later realize itβs not what they thought it would be.Β
Wherever you stand, itβs a sensible idea to spend some time as a registered nurse before jumping into your masterβs or doctorate. That way, youβll get to know the various roles, understand the way healthcare facilities work, and even get opportunities to work alongside nurses in the advanced careers youβre considering. The more you know about nursing, the easier your decision will be.Β
Look At the Projected GrowthΒ
Itβs important to consider how many jobs will be available once youβve qualified in your specialty. You donβt want to spend years in advanced education only to realize there arenβt many openings, after all! Once you have an idea of what sort of nursing roles interest you, look at each oneβs projected growth. If one of the careers looks like itβs going to grow rapidly in the next few years, then thereβs a greater chance that youβll find a job quickly.Β
Speak to Other NursesΒ
The best advice will come from nurses who have worked the roles you are considering. If you arenβt sure if becoming a midwife is right for you, for example, get in touch with a certified nurse-midwife to get their side of the story. Theyβll be able to let you in on the ins and outs of the role without sugar-coating the challenging parts. Once you know the best and worst parts of a nursing specialty, the decision will become much clearer.Β
Consider Your StrengthsΒ
While pursuing a career you enjoy is crucial, itβs also important to choose one that lets your skills shine. Not only does this ensure that you perform well, but it also means youβll gain far more satisfaction from your work. So, before choosing your nursing specialty, ask yourself what your strengths are. Are you great with kids? Do you make everyone feel comfortable? Are you a natural leader? Use your strengths to influence your path, and youβll have a more successful and enjoyable career.Β
Consider Your Weaknesses
Knowing your weaknesses is just as important as knowing your strengths when it comes to choosing a nursing specialty. If you arenβt a great leader, for example, then you should probably steer away from management and teaching roles. Donβt worry β your weaknesses donβt have to affect your nursing career, as long as you allow them to adjust your goals.Β
Volunteer for More OpportunitiesΒ
If youβre currently working as a registered nurse, itβs important to volunteer for extra experience. For example, your supervisor might ask someone to work alongside a nurse administrator for the day. By taking on as many opportunities as possible, youβll have a wider breadth of knowledge on each nursing specialty. You never know; you might realize that a nursing path youβd never previously considered is the perfect one for you!
Think About the SettingΒ
Another thing to consider is exactly where youβll be working. Itβs important to enjoy your work setting! Nurses tend to work in hospitals, clinics, and care homes, but there are other potential settings, too, such as schools and correctional facilities. So, when choosing your nursing path, be sure to think about where youβd feel most comfortable working. If youβve spent years working in emergency rooms and you want a change, for example, you might consider becoming an FNP and working in a family clinic where itβs not quite as intense.Β
Decide Who You Want to Work withΒ
Another crucial factor is who you will be working with. Nurses work with a wide range of people, from young children to mothers to the elderly, so consider that before choosing a specialty. You should also think about the co-workers youβll be around, too β if you decide to work as an FNP in a clinic, youβll have fewer co-workers than if you worked in the emergency room.Β
Donβt Rush Your DecisionΒ
No matter how eager you are to further your career, you must not rush your decision. After all, there is nothing wrong with working as a registered nurse for a while before you decide where you want to go! Some nurses even realize that theyβre best suited to an RN position over any other.Β
The more time you have to deliberate your decision, the more likely the choice will be the right one. Once youβve spent time working alongside various nurses and in different settings, youβll better understand exactly where your healthcare passions lie.Β
Choosing a specialty isnβt easy, especially if you donβt know what they all entail. By gaining more experience, considering your traits, and taking your time though, youβll soon discover which nursing path is right for you. Remember, even if you make a decision now, it isnβt set in stone. You always have the opportunity to change your specialty years down the line.