For most nurses, going into nursing is their calling. It could have been the observation of a sick parent and the nurses who took care of them, the desire to make a difference in the lives of others, or simply the awareness of the need to improve the health system .
Whatever your reason for this career, once you complete your education, obtain your licensure, and work as a registered nurse, you will be ready to proceed to the next steps.
To work in the field you are interested in or to advance in your career, you need to consider your specialization options.
The question may seem simple to some future nurses. They know, from the moment they expressed an interest in nursing, that they want to work in a particular setting. Others feel drawn to the nursing profession as a whole. However, as the field grows, nurses at all levels are required to have specialized knowledge and skills.
So what are the points to take into account when choosing your specialization? Below are some suggestions that you should consider to make the right decision:
An AI degree is sometimes enough to get you started in a particular specialization. However, many others require specialized training. And this is only possible with a master's and doctorate or additional certifications.
For example, if you want to become an adult gerontological nurse practitioner (AGNP), consider earning an MSN AGNP degree and expanding the practical experience required to provide evidence-based nursing care. Investing in continuing education is undoubtedly a significant commitment and a considerable investment of your time and money. But doing so will generally lead to greater autonomy.
Additionally, to give yourself some flexibility in your schedule, it would be good to see if online learning is an option.
Each person has a unique personality. Some people are extroverted and like to mingle with others. However, others prefer to manage others or work in the background.
Your personality and interests will significantly determine which specialty you will enjoy and be most successful in. For example, working in an oncology or hospice unit can be quite emotionally draining. So these specialties are not for you if you think you can't handle the stress of working with terminally ill patients.
By choosing the perfect nursing specialty, you ensure that your natural personality style maximizes your professional abilities when times get tough.
Each specialization has its own rhythm, its own characteristics and its own work culture. So consider the pace and atmosphere of each workplace during your clinical rotations, and determine whether you feel comfortable there.
Find answers to some questions. For example, can you succeed in working in a harsh work environment? If so, the profession of trauma or intensive care nurse would suit you well. Additionally, look into geriatric nurse or family nurse practitioner specialties if you like a slower pace and want to build lasting relationships with your patients.
There are dozens of other nursing specializations, many of which offer a 9 to 5 schedule or something similar, such as school nurse or occupational health nurse, for nurses who want to get off the halls and into fully engage in their community.
This is a relevant consideration that you should not ignore as it will affect your future.
Some specialties are more sought after and have many job openings. On the contrary, other nursing specialties are in low demand and have fewer job opportunities.
Therefore, make sure that the specialty you opt for offers good salary, good job potential and good career progression. Although income should not be the main consideration when choosing a specialization for your master's degree, it is nevertheless crucial. After all, you are going to invest a lot of time, money and work to obtain the nursing specialization.
Additionally, if you are unwilling or unable to move, research your area to determine which nursing specialty is most in demand.
A key aspect of choosing a specialty is determining the hours and days of work you can handle. Working hours differ from one nursing specialty to another.
You'll have no problem working shifts if you're productive at all hours of the day and don't mind missing a party. However, you may be more comfortable in a career related to research or management if you prefer a regular schedule that allows you to spend time with your family during vacations and at home in the evenings.
So make sure you choose a specialty that fits your lifestyle and aligns with your passion.
Last word
It's no secret that long days, busy schedules, happiness and sadness are part of being a nurse. But choosing a specialty that allows you to feel fulfilled in your professional life will lead you to a successful and rewarding career.
With so many options for nursing specializations, no nurse should ever feel pressured to choose a path that lacks professional enthusiasm and joy.
Remember that the things that make you happy and satisfied or give you a sense of fulfillment can change over time. And the best thing about being a nurse is that you can change your specialty along the way to ensure your professional life is consistently fulfilling.