6 answers
1
Question
Asked
1101 views
what pushes you to go forward with your career and what career are you currently pursuing ? I am going to be nurse so what are some studying tips to help my career ?
i am currently a senior in high school and i’m stuck between becoming a labor and delivery nurse or becoming a pediatric nurse in a hospital
Login to comment
6 answers
Updated
Praveen’s Answer
Thank you for opening up about where you are—being a senior in high school and already thinking so deeply about your future in nursing is both inspiring and incredibly real. It’s okay to feel torn between two meaningful paths, especially when both options—labor and delivery or pediatric nursing—involve caring for people during some of the most vulnerable and life-changing moments of their lives.
What pushes many people forward in their careers, especially in fields like nursing, is a sense of purpose—that inner voice that says, “This is where I’m meant to be.” For nurses, it's often the desire to comfort, to heal, and to make a real difference when people need it most. That kind of drive doesn’t come from textbooks—it comes from your heart. And it sounds like you already have it.
Whichever path you choose—whether you're helping bring new life into the world or supporting children through illness—you’re stepping into a career of deep impact. The beauty is, you're not locked into one specialty forever. Many nurses explore different areas as they grow. It's okay not to have it all figured out yet. You’re allowed to evolve.
🌟 Here are some study tips that might help you on your journey to becoming a nurse:
📘 1. Know why you're studying, not just what
Connect each subject back to real-life nursing. For example, when studying anatomy, picture how that knowledge will help you recognize when a patient’s in distress.
⏱ 2. Use active study techniques
Flashcards (especially with apps like Anki), teaching concepts to others, and practice questions are way more effective than rereading notes.
🧠 3. Break study time into chunks (Pomodoro method)
Try 25 minutes of focused studying, then take a 5-minute break. It keeps your brain sharp and helps avoid burnout.
👩⚕️ 4. Visual learning is powerful in nursing
Use diagrams, charts, YouTube videos, and drawing to really understand systems like the circulatory or reproductive systems.
🤝 5. Find your people
Form or join a study group. Explaining things to others and hearing different perspectives can really lock in your learning—and you’ll need emotional support too.
🛌 6. Don’t sacrifice sleep for studying
Your brain literally stores what you learned while you sleep. Burning the midnight oil too often can backfire.
💬 7. Talk to nurses in both fields
Shadowing, volunteering, or even just having conversations with labor & delivery and pediatric nurses can give you a real feel for each role. You may even discover things you hadn’t considered.
Whichever specialty you choose, nursing takes both strength and softness—qualities you’re already showing by asking these questions and thinking ahead. Keep showing up, even when things get hard, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You've got something special, and the world needs more nurses like you.
Here's a gentle, honest comparison between labor & delivery nursing and pediatric nursing, to help you reflect on what might feel like a better fit for you.
👶 Labor & Delivery (L&D) Nurse
What You'll Do:
Support mothers through labor, childbirth, and recovery.
Monitor fetal heart rates, assist during deliveries, and provide immediate newborn care.
Work closely with OB/GYNs and midwives in a fast-paced, emotionally intense environment.
Why It Might Be Right for You:
You’re fascinated by childbirth and the miracle of new life.
You want to support women physically and emotionally during one of the most powerful moments of their lives.
You thrive under pressure and enjoy high-energy environments where quick decision-making is vital.
Challenges:
Shifts can be long and unpredictable—babies arrive on their schedule.
Some deliveries involve complications or loss, which can be emotionally heavy.
You'll need to stay calm and focused in high-stress situations.
🧒 Pediatric Nurse
What You'll Do:
Care for infants, children, and adolescents in various settings—hospitals, clinics, ERs, or specialty units.
Provide both physical care and emotional comfort to young patients and their families.
Communicate complex medical issues in ways kids and parents can understand.
Why It Might Be Right for You:
You love working with children and have a natural way of making them feel safe.
You want to make scary experiences (like being in the hospital) feel a little less frightening.
You’re patient, playful, and good at reading emotional cues—even when kids can’t express how they feel.
Challenges:
It can be hard seeing kids in pain or seriously ill.
Families may be emotional or anxious, and you’ll need to support them too.
Pediatric care often involves specialized knowledge across many ages and developmental stages.
❤️ Final Thought
Both paths are about love, care, and strength. One centers around the beginning of life, the other on protecting young lives through health challenges. Try asking yourself:
Do I feel more drawn to supporting mothers and birth?
Or am I more pulled toward comforting and caring for kids as they grow?
You might even end up doing both in different seasons of your career—and that’s totally okay. Nursing offers that kind of flexibility.
What pushes many people forward in their careers, especially in fields like nursing, is a sense of purpose—that inner voice that says, “This is where I’m meant to be.” For nurses, it's often the desire to comfort, to heal, and to make a real difference when people need it most. That kind of drive doesn’t come from textbooks—it comes from your heart. And it sounds like you already have it.
Whichever path you choose—whether you're helping bring new life into the world or supporting children through illness—you’re stepping into a career of deep impact. The beauty is, you're not locked into one specialty forever. Many nurses explore different areas as they grow. It's okay not to have it all figured out yet. You’re allowed to evolve.
🌟 Here are some study tips that might help you on your journey to becoming a nurse:
📘 1. Know why you're studying, not just what
Connect each subject back to real-life nursing. For example, when studying anatomy, picture how that knowledge will help you recognize when a patient’s in distress.
⏱ 2. Use active study techniques
Flashcards (especially with apps like Anki), teaching concepts to others, and practice questions are way more effective than rereading notes.
🧠 3. Break study time into chunks (Pomodoro method)
Try 25 minutes of focused studying, then take a 5-minute break. It keeps your brain sharp and helps avoid burnout.
👩⚕️ 4. Visual learning is powerful in nursing
Use diagrams, charts, YouTube videos, and drawing to really understand systems like the circulatory or reproductive systems.
🤝 5. Find your people
Form or join a study group. Explaining things to others and hearing different perspectives can really lock in your learning—and you’ll need emotional support too.
🛌 6. Don’t sacrifice sleep for studying
Your brain literally stores what you learned while you sleep. Burning the midnight oil too often can backfire.
💬 7. Talk to nurses in both fields
Shadowing, volunteering, or even just having conversations with labor & delivery and pediatric nurses can give you a real feel for each role. You may even discover things you hadn’t considered.
Whichever specialty you choose, nursing takes both strength and softness—qualities you’re already showing by asking these questions and thinking ahead. Keep showing up, even when things get hard, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You've got something special, and the world needs more nurses like you.
Here's a gentle, honest comparison between labor & delivery nursing and pediatric nursing, to help you reflect on what might feel like a better fit for you.
👶 Labor & Delivery (L&D) Nurse
What You'll Do:
Support mothers through labor, childbirth, and recovery.
Monitor fetal heart rates, assist during deliveries, and provide immediate newborn care.
Work closely with OB/GYNs and midwives in a fast-paced, emotionally intense environment.
Why It Might Be Right for You:
You’re fascinated by childbirth and the miracle of new life.
You want to support women physically and emotionally during one of the most powerful moments of their lives.
You thrive under pressure and enjoy high-energy environments where quick decision-making is vital.
Challenges:
Shifts can be long and unpredictable—babies arrive on their schedule.
Some deliveries involve complications or loss, which can be emotionally heavy.
You'll need to stay calm and focused in high-stress situations.
🧒 Pediatric Nurse
What You'll Do:
Care for infants, children, and adolescents in various settings—hospitals, clinics, ERs, or specialty units.
Provide both physical care and emotional comfort to young patients and their families.
Communicate complex medical issues in ways kids and parents can understand.
Why It Might Be Right for You:
You love working with children and have a natural way of making them feel safe.
You want to make scary experiences (like being in the hospital) feel a little less frightening.
You’re patient, playful, and good at reading emotional cues—even when kids can’t express how they feel.
Challenges:
It can be hard seeing kids in pain or seriously ill.
Families may be emotional or anxious, and you’ll need to support them too.
Pediatric care often involves specialized knowledge across many ages and developmental stages.
❤️ Final Thought
Both paths are about love, care, and strength. One centers around the beginning of life, the other on protecting young lives through health challenges. Try asking yourself:
Do I feel more drawn to supporting mothers and birth?
Or am I more pulled toward comforting and caring for kids as they grow?
You might even end up doing both in different seasons of your career—and that’s totally okay. Nursing offers that kind of flexibility.
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
I'd highly recommend following industry leaders whether healthcare companies, companies that certify, influencers, etc. on LinkedIn. This will keep you up to date on industry trends and how to keep up to date with relevant future skillsets. I'd also highly recommend asking advice from nurses who have just recently entered the field (1-2 years) and ones that have been 5+ years as well to get different perspectives and ask a lot of questions. It's always good to get different perspectives and what things people have done to help shape their careers.
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Seeing the difference I make in my patients' lives inspires me to keep growing in my career as an Oncology Nurse. Nursing can be tough, but those special moments when you know you've made a positive impact are what bring you back every day. Choosing a nursing specialty will happen over time, and you don't need to have it all figured out before starting school. Your clinical experiences will guide your journey. Remember to stay open to all parts of nursing. You might work in a specialty for a few years and then feel excited to explore something new. That's the wonderful thing about nursing.
Updated
Salsabil’s Answer
What pushes me forward in my career is the opportunity to create impact, not just in results, but in how people feel and connect with one another. I'm currently focused on people engagement and communications, which lets me bring teams together through storytelling, events, and meaningful experiences. It's incredibly fulfilling to see the ripple effects of good energy, recognition, and purpose at work.
As for you, your interest in labor and delivery vs. pediatric nursing is beautiful because both paths are deeply human and nurturing. Here are a few study tips to support your journey:
Study in small chunks: Use the Pomodoro method (25 minutes study, 5-minute break) to stay focused.
Use active recall: Quiz yourself instead of rereading notes.
Teach what you learn: Explaining a concept to someone else helps it stick.
Shadow nurses if possible: Real-world exposure can help you decide between specialties.
Be kind to yourself: Nursing is demanding, and self-care is part of your success.
Both paths ,labor & delivery and pediatrics,will allow you to change lives, but you might ask yourself:
Which part of those two fields excites you most right now?
As for you, your interest in labor and delivery vs. pediatric nursing is beautiful because both paths are deeply human and nurturing. Here are a few study tips to support your journey:
Study in small chunks: Use the Pomodoro method (25 minutes study, 5-minute break) to stay focused.
Use active recall: Quiz yourself instead of rereading notes.
Teach what you learn: Explaining a concept to someone else helps it stick.
Shadow nurses if possible: Real-world exposure can help you decide between specialties.
Be kind to yourself: Nursing is demanding, and self-care is part of your success.
Both paths ,labor & delivery and pediatrics,will allow you to change lives, but you might ask yourself:
Which part of those two fields excites you most right now?
Updated
Renee’s Answer
Stay curious and take advantage of resources that are already available to you. Find websites and blogs that focus on your interests and subscribe to receive regular updates, look for free networking events, conferences, webinars that are in line with your interests. Once you find some and subscribe for updates, you'll be amazed how many free opportunities you will find to either meet people in person or virtually.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
150
Answers
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi,
That’s such a cool dilemma to have! Both Labor and Delivery (L&D) nursing and Pediatric nursing are amazing career paths, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. I’m planning to become a Physician Assistant (PA), so I’ve thought a lot about healthcare career choices too. Here’s my take on your situation:
1. Think About Your Long-Term Happiness:
Labor and Delivery Nursing:
If you’re passionate about helping moms through childbirth and being part of those life-changing moments, this could be an amazing fit. You’ll get to support families during one of the most significant times of their lives.
It can be intense—especially when complications arise—but it’s also really rewarding when everything goes well.
Pediatric Nursing:
If you love interacting with kids of all ages and helping them feel comfortable, pediatrics could be for you. You’ll deal with a range of cases, from routine check-ups to serious illnesses.
It’s emotionally tough at times, especially when kids are really sick, but it’s also rewarding to see them get better and know you made a difference.
2. Consider the Work Environment and Hours:
L&D Nurses:
Usually work in hospitals, often in labor and delivery units or maternity wards.
Shifts can be long and unpredictable since babies don’t follow a schedule!
Pediatric Nurses:
Can work in hospitals, pediatric clinics, or even schools.
The environment is generally more routine than L&D, though hospital jobs may still involve night or weekend shifts.
Advice:
If you’re drawn to a more fast-paced, unpredictable environment, L&D might suit you.
If you prefer long-term relationships with patients and a bit more predictability, go for pediatrics.
3. Think About Your Future Goals:
Since I’m aiming to become a PA, I know how important it is to think ahead about career flexibility and gaining experience.
L&D Experience:
Prepares you for roles in women’s health, obstetrics, or family medicine as a PA.
You’ll develop skills in emergency care and patient support during critical moments.
Pediatric Experience:
Sets you up for careers in pediatric or family practice as a PA.
You’ll gain experience in handling common childhood illnesses, injuries, and developmental care.
My Take:
Both paths are great for building hands-on patient care experience, which is crucial for PA school applications.
The key is to choose the one that matches your passion and lifestyle because your enthusiasm will show in your work and future applications.
That’s such a cool dilemma to have! Both Labor and Delivery (L&D) nursing and Pediatric nursing are amazing career paths, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. I’m planning to become a Physician Assistant (PA), so I’ve thought a lot about healthcare career choices too. Here’s my take on your situation:
1. Think About Your Long-Term Happiness:
Labor and Delivery Nursing:
If you’re passionate about helping moms through childbirth and being part of those life-changing moments, this could be an amazing fit. You’ll get to support families during one of the most significant times of their lives.
It can be intense—especially when complications arise—but it’s also really rewarding when everything goes well.
Pediatric Nursing:
If you love interacting with kids of all ages and helping them feel comfortable, pediatrics could be for you. You’ll deal with a range of cases, from routine check-ups to serious illnesses.
It’s emotionally tough at times, especially when kids are really sick, but it’s also rewarding to see them get better and know you made a difference.
2. Consider the Work Environment and Hours:
L&D Nurses:
Usually work in hospitals, often in labor and delivery units or maternity wards.
Shifts can be long and unpredictable since babies don’t follow a schedule!
Pediatric Nurses:
Can work in hospitals, pediatric clinics, or even schools.
The environment is generally more routine than L&D, though hospital jobs may still involve night or weekend shifts.
Advice:
If you’re drawn to a more fast-paced, unpredictable environment, L&D might suit you.
If you prefer long-term relationships with patients and a bit more predictability, go for pediatrics.
3. Think About Your Future Goals:
Since I’m aiming to become a PA, I know how important it is to think ahead about career flexibility and gaining experience.
L&D Experience:
Prepares you for roles in women’s health, obstetrics, or family medicine as a PA.
You’ll develop skills in emergency care and patient support during critical moments.
Pediatric Experience:
Sets you up for careers in pediatric or family practice as a PA.
You’ll gain experience in handling common childhood illnesses, injuries, and developmental care.
My Take:
Both paths are great for building hands-on patient care experience, which is crucial for PA school applications.
The key is to choose the one that matches your passion and lifestyle because your enthusiasm will show in your work and future applications.