Nursing is an extraordinarily broad field to work in—and, as such, it’s one of the most exciting. However, it’s not always a given that nursing students will know exactly what they want to do long-term when first starting a BSN or other degree.
Thankfully, there are a few ways nurses can research and learn more about the different pathways and specialisms that open up to them during study and when first entering the workforce. Let’s break down some of the ways nursing students can find their preferred specialism.
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Network with other nurses and healthcare professionals
One of the best ways to learn more about specific nursing career pathways is to talk to people with abundant experience. For example, it’s always a good idea to talk to other nurses and senior staff on your course or at any hospitals or clinics you attend. It’s also possible to attend healthcare conferences and networking events where you can easily connect with people who took the route you’re considering and who know what it takes to get into their specific field.
You could, of course, get to know specialists working alongside you at a work placement or when visiting certain clinics. There are online video guides and networking opportunities for you to consider, too.
Shadow an expert
When studying to become a nurse, it’s entirely possible you’ll find shadowing opportunities while on placement. It’s here where you will get to see how nursing works up close and will get some hands-on experience with people working as specialists in your desired field. For example, you might be able to interview or shadow a midwife leader for a day so you can learn more about what midwifery entails and what you can do to start pursuing such a career path from a BSN or similar.
It’s always a good idea to book shadowing with the people you wish to work with beforehand. Nurses and their leaders are very busy people—make sure they are expecting you before you appear in the hospital asking for a tour!
Research roles online
The internet is by far your most useful tool when it comes to finding out more about what your desired nursing role entails. For example, you could start by searching for specific nursing jobs in online directories and looking into what’s required.
Mapping out your future as any kind of medical assistant can seem complex at first. After all, you’re diving into a fairly large talent pool with tons of opportunities. Look for content on YouTube and even on social media for insight into the “average day” for a nurse in a variety of potential specialties. There are also plenty of opportunities for you to find webinars and online conferences where you can learn more about specific cases and what you’ll need to do as a specialist nurse.
Accept rotation work
Many nurses who begin hospital work will find they need to work on a rotation basis, which means they might end up working in specialist areas with specific types of patients regularly. Nurses might be able to ask for specific types of rotation and prioritize certain areas of a hospital to work in. Of course, this is by no means guaranteed, as there are matters of current workloads and demands.
Putting yourself forward for rotation across different departments and patient areas, however, shows willingness and flexibility. Again, it’s a good opportunity to start shadowing experienced specialists and to watch how they work. Rotation work isn’t always possible, however, if it arises as a potential opportunity, it’s always good to put your name forward.
Take on further education courses
Perhaps the best way to break into specialist areas of nursing is to educate yourself. Not only will further education give you incredible insight into the specialism you’d like to work in, but it will also provide you with a qualification that proves you are both passionate and knowledgeable.
There are a variety of educational programs to choose from for prospective nurses. Rockhurst online nursing programs are accredited courses that can be taken online, offering students an excellent education with all the flexibility they need to balance study with their personal and professional commitments. Rockhurst University’s variety of programs allow holders of BSN and MSN degrees to explore different avenues of nursing that they can unlock after graduation.
For example, graduate nurses can learn more about becoming family nurse practitioners, or FNPs. They might also choose to take online MSN courses in leadership if they wish to explore ways they can educate and support student nurses in the future.
Further education online allows nurses to learn more about the working world they’re getting into and how they can use their knowledge once they graduate. While those taking these online courses might already have experience, there are many opportunities for graduates to build upon their skills and break into something a little more specialized.
Do all nurses need to diversify?
Not at all—nursing is an exciting career that provides incredible opportunities for you to help people get back on their feet again, no matter your specific role. You don’t have to pursue a specialism unless you feel there is a particular route that most appeals to your skills and your interests. Many nurses continue to enjoy long careers without ever specializing! That said, specializing does have fantastic benefits. It’s great for nurses who excel in a specific line of work, for example, and in many cases, it can provide access to increased salaries. If there’s an opportunity for you to diversify as a nurse and the path interests you, it’s worth grabbing said opportunity with both hands.
Conclusion
Specialization isn’t always easy to plan or consider. That’s why it’s worth looking into different ways you can gain experience and learn how to find your way through different pathways from people with years of training and insight. When considering branching out into a nursing specialty, nurses should always consider further education.
