Changing Specialties as a Nurse: When is it Time?

One of the great things about a career in nursing is that there are many options. You may love your current nursing specialty and feel it is the perfect fit. However, at some point, you may decide to branch out and move into a different area of nursing.

Fortunately, as a nurse, you don't necessarily have to stay in the same role. Changing specialties might seem overwhelming, but with a little research and information, you can make the transition and thrive in your new specialty.

But how do you know when the time is right? The answer may be different for everyone. This article looks at some possible signs that it may be time to consider changing nursing specialties and offers tips for making a smooth switch.

Is it Time to Make a Shift?

There's nothing wrong with switching gears and pivoting into a different area of nursing. Maybe you still love being a nurse but are not feeling as fulfilled as you once did. Self-reflection can help you decide if it's time to pursue a new nursing specialty.

Some signs it may be time to make the shift include the following:

• You're not challenged anymore:
  When you first became a nurse, many things may have been challenging, and you were constantly learning. But if you've been in nursing for a while, you may not feel that same challenge and excitement. If you start feeling bored, you may benefit from doing something new.
  
  

• You dread going to work:
  Not everyone is excited to go to work every day. But if you dread going to work, it is a red flag that it might be time for a change. It's important to ask yourself why you feel this way. Is it your particular work environment or supervisor, or is your specialty no longer a good fit? Once you figure out the answer, it can help you determine if it's time for a nursing specialty change.
  
  

• The job is becoming too physically demanding:
  Nursing can be physically demanding at times. This is especially true if you work in areas such as the emergency room or the intensive care unit. For example, you may be on your feet all day performing repetitive motions, such as bending forward or lifting patients, which can lead to injuries and pain. If your current position becomes too physical, moving into something else may be your best bet.
  
  

• You are burnt out from the fast-paced environment:
  If you work in certain areas of nursing, such as the emergency department, intensive care unit, or operating room, it's often a fast-paced environment. If you are feeling a little burnt out from the pace, it may be time for a switch. The opposite is also true: If you're working in a slow-paced environment, you may feel you would thrive in something faster-paced.
  
  

• You want to increase your income:
  You may not choose your career path based on income, but it's definitely a factor you may want to consider. As situations change in life, increasing your income may become a priority. Certain nursing specialties tend to pay higher than others.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Switch

If you decide it's time to make a shift in your nursing career, there are several questions to ask yourself before making your move. Take some time and self-reflect on what you are seeking. Be honest with yourself about your answers. Consider your goals and interests and ask yourself some of the questions below.

• What type of setting am I interested in?
  A large number of nurses work in an acute care hospital. However, you may want to consider several other settings, such as long-term care, subacute, rehabilitation facilities, clinics, and home health. By switching settings, you may not have to work nights or have a more flexible schedule. If this is important to you, it's something to consider.
  
  

• Do I want less or more contact with patients?
  Providing bedside care can be very rewarding but also has its challenges. If you're starting to get a little burnt out, plenty of options do not require as much direct patient interaction. Options include:
  
  

• Occupational nursing

• Case management

• Public health nursing

• Education

• Forensic nursing
  
  

• Do I want to work independently or as part of a team?
  There are all types of specialties in nursing, some of which require a lot of interaction with coworkers. However, certain specialty areas, like home health, allow you to work independently.
  
  

• Can I return to school for additional training?
  You may need further education depending on the specialty area you're interested in. This may range from additional certification courses to advanced degrees. Consider your current situation and be honest about your time to pursue further education.
  
  

• Do I crave a better work/life balance?
  Some areas of nursing may require 12-hour shifts or more. Other types of nursing employment may require weekends, holidays, and working overnights. If this is starting to interfere with your quality of life, you may want to consider a nursing specialty that allows for a better work-life balance.
  

Tips for a Smooth Transition to a New Nursing Specialty

If you have decided it's time to move into a new nursing specialty, there are several things you can do to make it a smooth transition. Consider the following suggestions:

• Do your research:
  Before making the leap to a new nursing specialty, do your research. Check out various nursing publications, nursing blogs, and websites to learn more about the specialty you're interested in. Determine if you need additional training, certifications, or what previous experience you need.
  
  

• Network:
  Talk to anyone with information about the specialty you're interested in. This may include talking with current coworkers or connecting on social media or online platforms.
  
  

• Consider options you may already have:
  Depending on where you work, there may be programs to transition nurses from one area to another. Ask human resources or your nursing supervisor if any programs are available at your workplace.
  
  

• Shadow:
  If possible, consider spending some time shadowing someone working in the specialty you are interested in. You may be able to arrange this at your current workplace or by making a few phone calls to other facilities. Seeing firsthand what the job involves may help you decide if it is the right fit for you.
  
  

• Don't talk yourself out of it:
  Don't listen to any negative self-talk about why you can't make the switch. Focus on your strengths and challenge any negative beliefs about your abilities.
  
  

Conclusion

Everyone's answer to whether or not it's the right time to change nursing specialties is different. Being honest with yourself about your goals and feelings about your current job is vital.

Remember, finding your job challenging and rewarding is important for your overall quality of life. Change can sometimes be overwhelming, but it can also be invigorating and exciting!

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MaryAnn DePietro CRT is a licensed respiratory therapist at a Northern California trauma center. She received a B.S. degree in Rehabilitation from Penn State University and a degree in respiratory therapy from American River College in Sacramento.

MaryAnn has 18 years of clinical experience as an RT in critical care, labor and delivery, and pulmonary rehabilitation specialties.

In addition, MaryAnn has experience as a medical writer for various newspapers, magazines, and health websites. She has written extensively about sleep disorders, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis.