3 answers
Bell
Student
New York, New York
1
Question
Asked
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What do you do to get in your speciality ?
What After you go to nursing how do u get in your speciality
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3 answers
John Levesque
Clinical Quality Nurse
75
Answers
Waterville, Maine
Updated
John’s Answer
Building on Char's insightful advice, it's worth noting that the current acute shortage of nurses has led to a shift in hiring practices. Units and areas that were once reluctant to hire fresh graduates are now welcoming them with open arms. This change has opened up new opportunities for newly qualified nurses to gain valuable on-the-job experience.
As a nurse, you have the opportunity to specialize in a particular field if you so desire. There are a variety of certifications available, such as the Critical Care Registered Nurse certification (CCRN) for CCU/ICU nurses, the Certified Emergency Nurse certification (CEN) for emergency nurses, and the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) for recovery room nurses. However, these certifications are not prerequisites for starting work in these areas. Indeed, you can only take the certification tests after you've clocked the required number of working hours stipulated by the certifying bodies. This ensures that you have the necessary experience and knowledge to earn the certification.
Your primary focus should be on obtaining your nursing license. Once you have a clearer idea of where you'd like to begin your nursing career, don't hesitate to apply. It's essential to have a BLS (Basic Life Support) certification, which includes CPR. It's also highly recommended to pursue your ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification. This certification has become more team-focused and easier to attain in recent years. Once you start working, you'll have numerous opportunities to pursue additional certifications and further your education. Embrace these opportunities, especially those that pique your interest. You never know which one might lead to a new and exciting career path.
Wishing you the very best in your nursing journey.
As a nurse, you have the opportunity to specialize in a particular field if you so desire. There are a variety of certifications available, such as the Critical Care Registered Nurse certification (CCRN) for CCU/ICU nurses, the Certified Emergency Nurse certification (CEN) for emergency nurses, and the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) for recovery room nurses. However, these certifications are not prerequisites for starting work in these areas. Indeed, you can only take the certification tests after you've clocked the required number of working hours stipulated by the certifying bodies. This ensures that you have the necessary experience and knowledge to earn the certification.
Your primary focus should be on obtaining your nursing license. Once you have a clearer idea of where you'd like to begin your nursing career, don't hesitate to apply. It's essential to have a BLS (Basic Life Support) certification, which includes CPR. It's also highly recommended to pursue your ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification. This certification has become more team-focused and easier to attain in recent years. Once you start working, you'll have numerous opportunities to pursue additional certifications and further your education. Embrace these opportunities, especially those that pique your interest. You never know which one might lead to a new and exciting career path.
Wishing you the very best in your nursing journey.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Entering a specialty within the field of nursing typically involves additional education, training, and sometimes certification or licensure specific to that specialty. Here's a general roadmap to follow after completing your nursing education to enter a nursing specialty:
**1. Complete Nursing School:**
- Start by earning your nursing degree, which can be an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
**2. Obtain RN Licensure:**
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This is the foundation for all nursing specialties.
**3. Gain Experience:**
- Work as a general RN for a period to gain experience and develop essential clinical skills. Many specialties require a few years of experience as an RN.
**4. Research Specialties:**
- Explore the different nursing specialties available and consider your interests, strengths, and career goals. Common specialties include:
- Critical Care Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Oncology Nursing
- Neonatal Nursing
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwife
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
- Perioperative Nursing (Operating Room)
- Geriatric Nursing
- Public Health Nursing
- Nurse Educator
**5. Additional Education:**
- Depending on the specialty you choose, you may need to pursue additional education. For example:
- Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Anesthetists require master's or doctoral degrees.
- Nurse Midwives require specialized training and certification.
- Nurse Educators often pursue a master's degree in nursing education.
- Some specialties may require postgraduate certifications or fellowships.
**6. Specialty Certification:**
- Many nursing specialties have professional certifications available. These certifications can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your specialty. Examples include the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN).
**7. Gain Specialized Experience:**
- Transition to a role within your chosen specialty. This often involves finding a job in a hospital or healthcare facility that specializes in the area you're interested in.
**8. Network and Seek Mentorship:**
- Connect with nurses already established in your chosen specialty. They can provide guidance, insights, and mentorship to help you succeed.
**9. Stay Informed and Engaged:**
- Nursing is an evolving field. Stay up-to-date with the latest research, technologies, and best practices within your specialty.
**10. Embrace Continuing Education:**
- Many nursing specialties require ongoing continuing education to maintain certifications or licensure. Stay current in your field to provide the best care to your patients.
**11. Pursue Leadership Opportunities:**
- As you gain experience and expertise, consider advancing into leadership roles within your specialty. This could involve becoming a charge nurse, clinical coordinator, or even a nursing director.
**12. Advocate for Patients:**
- Regardless of your specialty, always prioritize patient advocacy and high-quality care. A strong commitment to patient well-being is at the core of nursing.
Remember that each nursing specialty has its own unique requirements, so research your chosen field thoroughly and seek guidance from professionals within that specialty. Entering a nursing specialty can be a rewarding journey that allows you to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives while advancing your career in healthcare.
**1. Complete Nursing School:**
- Start by earning your nursing degree, which can be an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
**2. Obtain RN Licensure:**
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This is the foundation for all nursing specialties.
**3. Gain Experience:**
- Work as a general RN for a period to gain experience and develop essential clinical skills. Many specialties require a few years of experience as an RN.
**4. Research Specialties:**
- Explore the different nursing specialties available and consider your interests, strengths, and career goals. Common specialties include:
- Critical Care Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Oncology Nursing
- Neonatal Nursing
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwife
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
- Perioperative Nursing (Operating Room)
- Geriatric Nursing
- Public Health Nursing
- Nurse Educator
**5. Additional Education:**
- Depending on the specialty you choose, you may need to pursue additional education. For example:
- Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Anesthetists require master's or doctoral degrees.
- Nurse Midwives require specialized training and certification.
- Nurse Educators often pursue a master's degree in nursing education.
- Some specialties may require postgraduate certifications or fellowships.
**6. Specialty Certification:**
- Many nursing specialties have professional certifications available. These certifications can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your specialty. Examples include the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN).
**7. Gain Specialized Experience:**
- Transition to a role within your chosen specialty. This often involves finding a job in a hospital or healthcare facility that specializes in the area you're interested in.
**8. Network and Seek Mentorship:**
- Connect with nurses already established in your chosen specialty. They can provide guidance, insights, and mentorship to help you succeed.
**9. Stay Informed and Engaged:**
- Nursing is an evolving field. Stay up-to-date with the latest research, technologies, and best practices within your specialty.
**10. Embrace Continuing Education:**
- Many nursing specialties require ongoing continuing education to maintain certifications or licensure. Stay current in your field to provide the best care to your patients.
**11. Pursue Leadership Opportunities:**
- As you gain experience and expertise, consider advancing into leadership roles within your specialty. This could involve becoming a charge nurse, clinical coordinator, or even a nursing director.
**12. Advocate for Patients:**
- Regardless of your specialty, always prioritize patient advocacy and high-quality care. A strong commitment to patient well-being is at the core of nursing.
Remember that each nursing specialty has its own unique requirements, so research your chosen field thoroughly and seek guidance from professionals within that specialty. Entering a nursing specialty can be a rewarding journey that allows you to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives while advancing your career in healthcare.
Char R.
Registered Nurse
67
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Bell,
Once you graduate nursing school and get a nursing license, you can choose any specialty that you want as long as you have the right degree and certificates to work in that specialty.
There are four types of nursing degrees:
Associates Degree (2 years)
Bachelors Degree (4 years)
Masters Degree (6 years)
Doctorate Degree (8 years)
Many nursing specialities only require either a 2 or 4 year degree.
Some specialities require a special certificate (outside of nursing school). For example, nurses who want to take care of people with heart problems have to take an exam to get a special "cardiac" certificate before they can start working in this specialty. The good thing is, many certificates don't take long to get (sometimes it's just a one-day class).
Keep in mind that in some specialties, they don't hire new nurses. Once you graduate, look for jobs that will hire you even though you are new. Then you can switch to your desired specialty after you've gotten some experience!
The great thing about nursing is you can work in multiple specialties! You're not stuck working in one specialty your whole life. You can work with adults for a few years then work with children later. You can work at a hospital first, then switch to a clinic later. There's so many opportunities out there!
Once you graduate nursing school and get a nursing license, you can choose any specialty that you want as long as you have the right degree and certificates to work in that specialty.
There are four types of nursing degrees:
Associates Degree (2 years)
Bachelors Degree (4 years)
Masters Degree (6 years)
Doctorate Degree (8 years)
Many nursing specialities only require either a 2 or 4 year degree.
Some specialities require a special certificate (outside of nursing school). For example, nurses who want to take care of people with heart problems have to take an exam to get a special "cardiac" certificate before they can start working in this specialty. The good thing is, many certificates don't take long to get (sometimes it's just a one-day class).
Keep in mind that in some specialties, they don't hire new nurses. Once you graduate, look for jobs that will hire you even though you are new. Then you can switch to your desired specialty after you've gotten some experience!
The great thing about nursing is you can work in multiple specialties! You're not stuck working in one specialty your whole life. You can work with adults for a few years then work with children later. You can work at a hospital first, then switch to a clinic later. There's so many opportunities out there!