Some years ago, the number of nursing specialties was quite limited. Today there are more than 100, ranging from ambulatory care to wound care. Nurses work in both inpatient and outpatient settings, hold managerial and executive positions, work in research environments and establish private practices. With so many types of nursing, how does one decide which nursing specialty is the best fit?
How to Decide on a Clinical Specialty or Role
It is not necessary to decide on the right nursing specialty early on in your nursing education, but it is helpful to take several things into consideration when narrowing the list. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my interests?
- With whom do I enjoy working? Adults? Children? Immigrant populations? Women?
- Am I able to work in a chaotic or fast-paced environment, or do I prefer less stress, a slower pace and spending in-depth time with patients?
- Am I comfortable working in non-traditional settings?
- How much training will I need after obtaining my registered nurse license?
- Does the specialty in which I am interested require additional certifications or an advanced degree?
According to the American Nurses Association, there will be more registered nurse jobs available through 2022 than any other profession in the United States, and the U.S Department of Health and Human Services reports that significant nursing shortages have created a long-term crisis in healthcare. With such a high demand for nurses, it’s important to position yourself thoughtfully and according to your own goals. Familiarizing yourself with the specialties in the nursing field can help you plan your focus in school and your career path once you graduate.
New Programs Help Nurses Choose Specialties
Hospitals nationwide are offering programs that help nurses test different specialties before making a commitment. For example, there are internships that allow new graduates to learn technical skills and experience clinical cultures before choosing a nursing specialty. During the internship, nurses receive full salary and benefits, classroom instruction and clinical rotations that provide contacts that can lead to a permanent job.
Other employers help new graduates make the transition to staff nurse by placing them in different clinical areas for several weeks so they experience a variety of specialties. After this, the programs link graduates with a specific specialty of their choosing.
Check Geographic Areas and Specialties with the Most Shortages
Nursing shortages are predicted to by 2030, but some geographic areas are in even greater need than others of nurses with certain clinical specialties. There is a high demand for nurses in specialties that require high levels of nursing skills and technological abilities — and this skills gap is creating a dire situation in the healthcare industry. Shortages exist most acutely in critical care settingsand emergency rooms, both of which require learning-intensive nursing specialties and have fewer individuals who are qualified to fill the positions.
For a satisfying and fulfilling career, it is important to choose the right nursing specialty. This requires thought and planning, but the time and effort are well worth it.
Learn more about The University of Texas at Arlington’s Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online program.
