How to Become a Specialized Registered Nurse

Registered nurses are in high demand, but what may be in even higher demand are specialized registered nurses. Registered nurses who have specialized training or experience will be at the top of the list for new jobs being offered in their specialty, and their pay is likely to be higher than non-specialized registered nurses. If you want to become a specialized registered nurse, here's how you should proceed.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Get an RN license if you don't already have one. You will need to attend an accredited educational program, submit an application to your state board of nursing, and pass a licensing exam before you will be granted an RN license.

2. Decide which nursing specialty you are interested in. Popular choices include fields such as labor and delivery, nurse anesthesia, pediatrics, renal health, oncology or surgical nursing. The right choice will depend heavily on your interests. Joining a temporary nursing agency may give you the opportunity to try working in different departments to find which one best suits you.

3. Seek an entry-level position working in the department in which you wish to specialize. In the United States, most registered nurses specialize by gaining experience in a field rather than getting specific credentials. However, looking for continuing education courses related to your desired specialty can help you get an employer's attention.

4. Gain certifications that are related to your desired specialty. If you are already employed in your desired specialty, these can boost your salary and job security--and if you're not already employed in your desired specialty, these can boost your odds of getting a job in it. For example, if you want to specialize in maternity nursing (labor and delivery), consider getting certifications as a lactation educator.

5. Pursue higher education whenever possible. Nurses who have a BSN will frequently be more attractive to employers than nurses who hold only an associate's degree. If you are working on your BSN, look for opportunities to build your resume in your field of desired specialty, such as by seeking internships in the department of your interest.

6. Become a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. This involves seeking a graduate degree in nursing practice or the area of nursing you are most interested in. You don't need to have a graduate degree to work in your desired specialty most of the time, but if you obtain a graduate degree, you may be able to work as an independent practitioner with a higher salary and more responsibility than a nurse with a lower degree.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for opportunities to distinguish yourself on your resume. Jobs in some specialties are more competitive than others, so anything you can add to your resume when you're trying to break in can be helpful. Write articles for nursing magazines or seek special projects you can lead, for example.
• Make sure that any certifications or higher educational programs you seek are properly accredited.

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