If you have worked in nursing for a few years, you may have started considering your next move. With so many options open to you it can be difficult to know what that move should be and how to make sure you are successful once you have made the choice. You may be unsure of what career path to take but to help you decide, here are the top 9 reasons for a nurse to specialize.
Focus on Your Strengths
What if you went into work one morning and your supervisor told you not to worry about the jobs you disliked and to concentrate your efforts on the things you enjoy doing most? That sounds like your idea of a dream day, right? Well, if you specialize this could be what every day will look like. Sure, you might have to do some mundane tasks and there will be days where you will be pleased to get home but overall, if you can concentrate on the things you enjoy and know you are good at, you will have a much better day. Specializing in an area of nursing you like the best will enable you to do this.
Promotion Prospects
There are far more people in general nursing than those who have specialized. Therefore, every time there is a promotion opportunity in general nursing, there will be a lot of applicants. You may be up against people who have more experience and better qualifications than you have, and it may feel like you will never get the promotion you want. That can be disheartening.
If you choose a specialism, you do not have as much competition for promotions. The job specification will list what qualifications and experience you need, and this will rule out a lot of your competition as they won’t have the required skill set. Promotions may not come up as often, but you are more likely to get one when it does, and you only need one job.
Career Satisfaction
If you have been in the same job for a while, you might be getting a little bored. Getting your teeth stuck into a new challenge could give you a whole new lease of life and you may be joyful at the thought of getting up and going to work in the morning. Even if a specialism doesn’t come up straight away, having a new goal to work towards will keep you focused and motivated.
Knowledge
If you enjoy learning new things, then deciding to specialize could give you the new challenge you have been looking for. You do not have to wait until you have started your new role either as getting the ball rolling now will help you to increase your knowledge and open new doors for you. For example, by taking one of the BSN accelerated programs from Baylor University, you will receive a great qualification to put on your CV and talk about in your interview. It will also stand you in good stead when a promotion opportunity arises.
Status
There is a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that you are well respected within the nursing industry for being an expert in your field and you will increase your status by specializing. Your colleagues will know that you are the best person to speak to about nursing in a specialized ward or department and this will make you feel good. Your new status will give you the confidence you need to carry on doing a great job and learn as much as you can about your role. Specializing in one area could give you a lot of job satisfaction.
Personal Satisfaction
Personal satisfaction is important. You want to know that you have worked hard and achieved your goals as this gives you the motivation to carry on and set new goals. Thus, achieving heights you never thought possible. If specializing is one of your goals, then why not go for it? You can achieve anything you want to if you put your mind to it.
Schedule
General nursing is a 24-hour a day job. You might find yourself on nights one day, mornings another, and working afternoons somewhere in between. If you have been living this lifestyle for a while, you may be feeling tired and in need of a change. Specialising can give you that change. Many departments work regular office hours so depending on what type of nursing you want to specialize in could make the difference between shift work and permanent days. This could give you more time to enjoy life outside of work and catch up on some much-needed sleep. You are likely to feel better if you aren’t working shifts as you will have more energy and are less likely to suffer from colds and ailments that are common if you are not feeling great anyway.
Salary
Although nursing is a vocational career, we could all use a little extra in our pay packets at the end of the month. If you have been feeling the strain, then deciding to specialize could come with a pay rise. You will have the qualifications, experience, and status that are demanded by many health care organizations and your salary will rise accordingly. If you have been asking for a pay rise but don’t feel as if you will get one easily if you stay where you are then specializing could solve your problem.
To Shape the Future
As a specialist, your opinions will be sought and listened to by those around you. This could give you a great platform if you want to make changes in your department or shape the future of the industry. You could find yourself getting involved in anything from research to budgeting and you will be respected for letting your voice be heard. If you want to make a big difference in people’s lives, then specializing is a great way to do it.
These are nine great reasons why you should consider specializing. Now all you have to do is decide what area you want to specialize in.
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