If you plan to take up a Nursing degree, or are already in Nursing School, you may have to start thinking about choosing a nursing specialization. Thinking about what’s next after finishing your nursing degree can help you be more prepared when it will be time to decide on specializing in a certain field.

Consequently, not everyone who wants to wear a nurse’s cap becomes an accomplished nurse immediately after graduation. Certain considerations must be taken, especially if you want to make your nursing career enjoyable and fulfilling. One of these considerations is choosing a nursing specialization.

So how do you go about choosing among the different fields? Here are some tips that can help you enjoy the noble, passionate profession you’ve chosen.

Think about what you enjoy.

Reminisce your clinical training. What area of nursing gives you the most pleasant feeling? When you were in Emergency nursing, did you enjoy the excitement of the rush to care for a patient? Or do you prefer helping people stay healthy and safe at the workplace? Whatever field you find exciting and satisfying would be a good baseline to consider where to go next.

Consider what fits your personality.

If you care a lot for children and find it rewarding to calm kids during treatment sessions, Paediatric nursing may be for you. If you’re one to dive nose-first into paperwork and love discovering new information according to the latest trends, then Nursing Research is a good bet. Remember that your personality holds a good foundation in your decision making.

Decide on what can help you for a living.

While a huge portion of Nursing is about passion, significantly, the nursing field is quite a well-paying career. According to the blog created by Sophie Cresswell last 2014, the top 10 highest paid nurses are the following: (1) Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist; (2) Certified Nurse Midwife; (3) Nurse Researcher; (4) Orthopaedic Nurse; (5) Paediatric Endocrinology Nurse; (6) Gerontological Nurse Practitioner; (7) Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner; (8) Nurse Practitioner; (9) Neonatal Nurse and; (10) Clinical Nurse Specialist. This list can be a guide as well when deciding on a field to specialize in. Bear in mind, however, that happiness in a career doesn’t solely depend on salary alone.

Choose what is realistically possible.

There are certain fields where training may not be available in your area. In some instances, training for certain nursing fields may also be expensive and require various resources like a lengthy time-frame and finances. Choosing to become a specialist ICU nurse, for example, requires intensive training and experience, and if resources do not permit such an arrangement, you can consider other options. Additionally, you may also have to know about any educational requirements needed.

Consider your skills.

What are your strong points? Are you tech-savvy? Are you a good communicator? Do your friends describe you as the epitome of compassion? Knowing your skill strengths can help you decide which nursing specialty will best suit you.

Think about your ideal work setting.

Do you love a fast-paced, stimulating environment? Or is a structured, predictable day more your type? Do you love spending as much time with each patient, or do you prefer working with as many patients as you can help? Considering the type of day at work you would look forward to can help you narrow down your options for specialization.

Nursing is a great calling! It takes a lot of hard work and passion to pursue this field, and deciding to take up a specialization in the future is yet another step to remaining dedicated to your craft. Whatever specialization you choose, keep in mind that deciding to become a nurse is truly a noble decision in itself!