Discover the Importance of Choosing the Right Nursing Specialty

Selecting a nursing specialty is one of the most pivotal decisions a new nurse will make. The right choice can greatly impact job satisfaction, quality of patient care and long-term career success. At Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), we understand the importance of this decision and are committed to providing resources and guidance to help nurses align their career paths with their passions and goals.

Aligning your nursing specialty with personal interests is essential. “It’s important for new nurses to choose a specialty that aligns with their passions,” says Heather Faust, Director of 4T-Trauma Recovery Unit and 6 Tower, Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Muhlenberg. “When new nurses are in a specialty they enjoy, it fuels their focus and determination, making those first one to two years not only manageable but inspiring.” Faust emphasizes that being excited or passionate about their area of nursing can help new nurses navigate the early challenges and motivate them to pursue additional educational opportunities.

Christine Hartner, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at LVH–Muhlenberg and LVH–Hecktown Oaks, echoes this sentiment. “Loving your specialty will bring both personal joy as well as provide a positive patient experience for those they care for,” she says. Hartner also highlights that finding satisfaction in a specialty can positively impact patient safety, further underlining the importance of finding the right fit.

During nursing school, students are exposed to a broad spectrum of specialties, gaining practical insights into various health care fields. “The best insight nursing schools provide is in the clinical experiences offered to nursing students,” Faust says. “Ideally, these experiences should be diverse, allowing students to explore the many possibilities within the nursing profession."

Hartner agrees, emphasizing that nursing students benefit greatly from their clinical rotations. “These rotations allow nursing students to see which specialty they find most interesting and where they would want to start their career. Whether it’s post-acute care, medical-surgical, critical care or behavioral health, these experiences help students identify where their passions and skills are best suited.”

Internships and externships are key experiences that help students solidify their interest in particular specialties. Faust describes internships as providing “an authentic nursing experience,” where students can engage in the fast-paced environment and interdisciplinary collaborations that are integral to hospital settings. “It’s also so important for new nurses to ensure this is an environment they want to engage in upon completion of nursing school,” she adds.

Hartner advises that students should complete their internships in the specialty they feel most drawn to. “They will not only gain knowledge and experience but will be better equipped with the tools they need to be successful when they begin their nursing career.”

Navigating the decision to choose a specialty can be daunting, but with the right support and mentorship, new nurses can make confident, informed choices. Both Faust and Hartner highlight the importance of mentorship in this process. Faust emphasizes the role of nurse mentors and professors, noting that they were key to guiding her own career decisions. Hartner points out that experienced nurses at LVHN act as invaluable mentors, offering insight and support to students as they navigate these critical career choices.

Nursing is a dynamic and diverse field, offering a wide range of specialties. LVHN recognizes that career interests may evolve, and the organization offers nurses the flexibility to switch specialties as they grow in their profession. While it’s encouraged to stay in one area for at least a year before transitioning, switching specialties is straightforward at LVHN. “Nursing has so many great opportunities and specialties that we see many nurses switch specialties and departments throughout their career,” Hartner says.

Once a nurse selects a specialty, LVHN provides comprehensive training to ensure they are well-prepared for their new role. “Each specialty is unique, and orientation can last weeks to months,” Faust explains. Hartner adds that highly specialized areas, such as ICU or ER, require additional education and training beyond foundational nursing skills, ensuring that nurses are equipped to excel in their chosen fields.

Selecting the right nursing specialty is a decision that resonates throughout a nurse’s entire career. It enhances job satisfaction and personal fulfillment, leading to better patient care and outcomes. LVHN is committed to supporting its nurses in making these critical decisions by providing comprehensive training, mentorship and flexibility in career progression.