Time to change your specialty? From earning more to working a different shift, there are lots of reasons why nurses switch specialties. If you’re looking for info on how to change nursing specialties, we’ve got a rundown of what you should know, along with a few tips for doing it right.
> Looking for a new nursing job? You’ll find the best opportunities at the HealthTrust jobsite
How to Change Nurse Specialties (and Why You Should Do It)
Can nurses change specialties to find different jobs? The short answer is yes! Many nurses change specialties over the course of their careers, and for a number of very good reasons.
For example, some nurses change specialties to earn more money in a higher-paying setting, while others may want to work somewhere slower paced or more predictable.
Or, maybe you want to add a new specialty to your resume to make yourself more appealing to employers, or eligible for more types of travel nursing jobs. Maybe you want to be able to work in float pools or split shifts at a time when more employers are hiring nurses to do just that.
Some nurses change specialties because they want to treat different types of patients. Or maybe you have access to free CE courses, or the chance to earn new certifications, and you want to use it to develop your career.
8 Tips for Changing Nurse Specialties
Whatever your reason for changing nurse specialties may be, we have some good news. As a nurse, you have more career flexibility than most other jobs. In fact, you may already be eligible to work in a different setting based on your certifications and past experience.
Before you make the switch, though, consider these 8 important tips.
#1: Update Your Resume
The first step to making any career change is to figure out exactly where you’re at now. Take stock by updating your resume with your current job, plus any new skills, certifications, or education.
Even if you've worked the same job for years, you're still building experience. For instance, you're constantly developing not just your core strengths but teamwork, tech skills, EHR expertise and other traits employers love. And you should keep your resume updated to reflect that experience.
#2: Explore Options You May Already Have
Many nurses can change specialties without having to go back to school. For example, a telemetry nurse can work in any other type of progressive care. Some employers already hire nurses to work split shifts in both med/surg and progressive care, for example.
And if you have experience and certifications in a certain area like cardiovascular care, those skills can be used across many different settings, too. If you’re not sure, check with a recruiter to see where else they may be able to fit you in.
#3: Research
Maybe you already know what kind of specialty you want to switch to, but aren’t 100% sure if it's a good fit. What certifications are needed? What hours will you work? How many opportunities exist? Don’t make assumptions — do your research!
How? Ask nurses you know who work in that setting what they think of their job. Or, check out LinkedIn or online journals to read up on that specialty — the pay, the challenges, the rewards, and the demands you’ll face on a day-to-day basis.
#4: Be Ready to Go Back to School
Some nurses may want to change specialties because they want to do more with their skills. In that case, going back to school for an advanced degree can open up the door to many more job opportunities. However, it can also take time and money. So, if you’re going this route make sure you’re ready for the commitment — and that you’ve considered the cost.
#5: Be Ready to Adapt and Learn
Even if you already have the experience and certifications you need to work in a new specialty, it’s important to make the switch with an open mind, and a willingness to learn.
Never assume that you already know everything there is to know, or that your past experience is all you need to succeed. In any setting, the most successful nurses are those who can adapt to change — and who can show managers and employers that they can learn on the fly.
#6: Take Advantage of Associations, Events & Networking Opportunities
From the Emergency Nurses Association to the Society of Pediatric Nurses, there's a professional association for every specialty, and sometimes several.
Joining one of these groups is a great way to learn more about a specialty, meet people in that field, and find career opportunities. There's usually a yearly event for even more chances to network and find jobs, too. You can see a full list here.
#7: Find a Specialized Recruiter
Some jobs may have experience requirements that are a little out of reach — but with the help of a skilled recruiter, you may still have a chance to land it.
If a job requires a year in the OR, ask your recruiter if your ER or ICU experience is okay. Especially if you have a good work history and references, a recruiter with exclusive connections to employers may be able to land you a job that might otherwise be out of reach.
> Looking for a new recruiter? Apply for a position at the HealthTrust jobsite to connect to some of the industry’s best!
#8: Try Traveling or Working Per Diem
Changing specialties sometimes requires getting some experience first. And a great way to do that is with travel nursing or per diem jobs, some of which can be worked on a part-time basis while you continue at your current role. See a sample of what's available: check out our current list of travel and per diem jobs here.
We Make Changing Nurse Specialties Easy
Changing nursing specialties doesn’t have to be stressful! When you apply for a job at HealthTrust, you’ll join a network of amazing recruiters and colleagues who are dedicated to your success. In addition, you’ll also get full transparency into every aspect of each job, plus priority access to certain assignments.
It only takes a minute to apply, so don’t miss your chance to find a great new job. Check out our jobsite to see what’s available — and click the apply button to get the ball rolling!
