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Find a Nursing Specialty
Jennifer LeClaire / Monster Contributing Writer
Externships Offer Hands-on Experience
New Jersey-based Atlantic Health System offers its Hire Learning program to place new graduates in different divisions within the medical/surgical floors of its hospitals, such as oncology, surgical, renal and telemetry.
“We provide new nurses with medical/surgical training to ease their transition from a student nurse to a nurse graduate role, and then we link that training to a specific specialty they are interested in,” says Corky Holm, manager of strategic recruitment at Atlantic Health System. “Meanwhile, our eight-week summer externship programs allow student nurses to experience different types of specialties.”
Nurse recruiters recommend new nurses begin on a medical/surgical floor before venturing into a specialty. With that experience under your belt, it will be easier to choose a specialty that matches your interests.
You have many options for a career in nursing.


nursekc1
9 months ago
4 comments
Is it really necessary to do med surg right out of school now? I am in an LPN program and many hospitals do not advertise the jobs for LPNs. Being that I love the elderly and a slower more laid back pace, would a nursing home be for me? If so what could I do to keep my skills up? Nurses in a nusring home are like charge nurses.
ksnurse08
9 months ago
2 comments
I graduated a year ago and so wanted to work in a hospital setting, this setting I found to be long 12 hours shifts at a rate of pay only 1.50 more than I made as a CNA, this was not what I went to school for as an lpn I currently work in long term care at a nursing and rehab facility. This was not what I bargained for either straight out of school yet the money is well worth it! To NuLpn check out local nursing homes, I know Fla pays lpn's about 22.00 an hour even fresh out of school in nursing homes. Until I get my rn which I start back to school this summer, nursing homes are the place to be. 8 hours shifts too!
NuLpn
9 months ago
4 comments
I'm a newly grad (LPN) in Miami. So far along with most of my classmates are having problem finding jobs. 16 out of 20 got licensed as of Nov 2008, yet only 4 got jobs. Are we NOT good enough or need further training? Someone please help? Thanks.
saqer
9 months ago
12 comments
i am warking as endoscopy technotion i likit tomutch i like to go farther to laern abut this topic
niki1122
about 1 year ago
4 comments
This article deffinatly helped me to find direction with my nursing schooling/career. I get more excited just learning these things.
didirn04
about 1 year ago
26 comments
I worked for about 2yrs on a Medical stepdown/tele floor. Now I'm in the ICU (which I never thought I'd be. lo.) But I like it alot. I eventually down the road would like to work a little bit with Dementia clients. I'm looking now in concentrating my education in geriatrics and dementia. Anyone have info?
Romine
about 1 year ago
2 comments
What are the most lucrative specialities for and the future of wound care?
armstrongcj
about 1 year ago
7334 comments
This article was very informative. I will think about the different options that I have to be a nurse.
Done
about 1 year ago
362 comments
Take advantage of as many clinical opportunites while in school, especially in critical care- the addage of "paying your dues on med/surg units" is outdated, due to RN shortages many hospitals are now offering internship programs in specialties...if your up to the challange, take it!
Account Removed
about 1 year ago
i have completed 2 yrs of medsurg experience and i want to try some speciality. i like critical care nursing,besides that i want to pursue higher education.but i am confused. i like forensic nursing,nurse anesthetist,nurse councelling or i wanted to do something that is different challenging anf interesting.could you please suggest me the available masers programs and the schools i can apply. btw i live in california
sikckb
about 1 year ago
38 comments
I am interested in woring in an ICU and find it very helpful to know that starting on a med/surg floor has valuable experience. Also I find it very comforting hospitals are taking timid unsure nursing students and helping them ease their transition to the professional side.
gospellove772003
about 1 year ago
650 comments
No matter what i plan on rolling with the punches no matter what comes i have the drive to do this
verri14a
about 1 year ago
14 comments
im geting in to this
nancyharrelson
about 1 year ago
8 comments
This is very informative information.
nancyharrelson
about 1 year ago
8 comments
This is very informative information.