4 Things to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Nursing Specialty

Whether you’re an experienced nurse interested in choosing a new career path or a new nurse who is deciding where to begin, choosing a specialty is an important decision. One of the benefits of choosing a career in nursing is that there are so many different paths you can take, but it can also be overwhelming. Here is a list of questions to ask yourself when choosing a specialty.

What is a nursing specialty?

Before you can decide what specialty you would like to move into, you must understand what a specialty is and what your options are. There are two types of nursing specialties: those you can move into with your general nursing education and those that require additional education and skills. You can choose to work in a hospital area like the emergency room, or choose a non-clinical setting like IT. You can even choose a specific patient type like pediatrics.

What are your interests?

It’s important to consider your likes and dislikes when choosing a specialty. You want to think about what type of environment you prefer. Do you prefer calmer settings or something more fast-paced? If you prefer a calmer work setting you may enjoy working on an elderly care unit, and for something more fast-paced the ER or ICU may be more your style. Are you more interested in caring for children than adults? Can you handle an emotionally draining specialty like oncology? Weighing your choices based on your interests and personality traits will help you narrow down your options.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

In addition to considering your interests, when it comes to choosing a specialty you should objectively look at what your strengths and weaknesses are. Are you good with people or are you better with technology? If you are good with technology, then critical care may be a good specialty for you. Do you handle stress well? Are you a good decision maker? Looking at the areas you excel in will help you pick a specialty that suits you.

What level of education does your desired specialty require?

Each nursing specialty requires different skills and level of education. Most specialties only require an associate degree, but some may require a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Others may require advanced clinical skills and certifications like a neonatal specialty. If your primary goal is to finish an RN program and go straight into working, you should consider specialties based on your passions and interests. However, if there is a specialty you are drawn to that requires a little more education don’t be afraid to pursue it.

At Baton Rouge General we have three hospital locations, eighteen primary care clinics and eight surgical and specialty clinics. No matter what you may choose as your specialty BRG has a spot for you. Call or text a recruiter today at (985) 606-9061 for current nursing opportunities.