How To Switch Specialties

The nursing profession is so versatile that nurses can one day work in the operating room and one day decide they want to try home care. Not many professions have this flexibility, but before making the specialty switch, understand why you want to make the switch and what the new transition may entail. Here are a few suggestions for switching nursing specialties the right way.

Perform a Self-Evaluation

Making sure of what you want to do is important before making any big decisions. When considering switching nursing specialties, you should self-evaluate why you want to switch. 

Ask yourself the following questions before making specialty moves:

• What's the reason I want to change specialties?

• Was a disagreement at work the reason for my change?

• Have I lost interest in caring for patients at the bedside and want to explore beyond the bedside options? 

• Will changing nursing specialties require me to relocate? If so, will this impact my current lifestyle, and how?

• Do I want to learn additional skills I may not be exposed to in my current role? 

For example, if you work in the medical-surgical environment, do you want to try the intensive care unit or surgical services?

Assess Additional Education Requirements

Before changing specialties, ensure you have the education and experience required for the job. 

For example, if you want to become a wound care nurse, consider obtaining a wound care certification or experience in the specialty. Usually, each specialty has an association that provides learning opportunities, continuing education credits, and also posts certification courses with discount codes, so make sure to navigate these online resources.

Is the cost of the additional education affordable and doable for you? Remember, choose a program that works with your lifestyle and personality so that learning is also a fun experience.

Do Your Research

Doing your research beforehand prevents the "oh, my, what did I do?" reaction. Although some specialties can be a smooth transition from your current role, others are not as easy, so you must research and make sure:

• You find out what the job requirements are

• There are opportunities for growth

If you live an active lifestyle, is the new role flexible enough to allow you to continue to live that lifestyle? Make sure to reach out to nurses in those roles and ask them questions to help guide your decision for change.

Don't be afraid to join social media groups related to your specialty of interest; see what they are saying and ask questions. For example, if you want to be an infusion nurse, check to see if there are any infusion committees you can be a part of. 

Network, Network, Network

Knowing people in the specialty you are interested in is a great way to get a better sense of what the job entails. Networking can open up other opportunities, such as shadowing experiences that will allow you to experience a day in the life. Make sure to create a LinkedIn profile, as this is a great way of making connections with those in the specialty or industry that you are interested in. Making these connections can often help you find a job quicker, as nurses can sometimes break into new specialties by the recommendations of other nurses.

Although changing specialties can be challenging and scary at first, do not be afraid to try new things. Nursing is a versatile profession that allows you to spread your wings. 

The point of it all is to not be scared to take the leap, but take it for the right reasons and with a positive mindset. And remember - if it does not work out, you can always move on to the next specialty.