How does an RN enter a specialty?

How does an RN enter a specialty? Do you have to go to school to specialize? Last edit by nurturer on Apr 8, '08 : Reason: spelling
Most specialities have on-the-job training, and some course work on the side. For example an OR Nurse might go through an orientation that would include some classwork, but most of it's learned on the job. Some specialties have experience requirements, such as to work in ICU they require a year of med-surg.
Quote from TweetyMost specialities have on-the-job training, and some course work on the side. For example an OR Nurse might go through an orientation that would include some classwork, but most of it's learned on the job. Some specialties have experience requirements, such as to work in ICU they require a year of med-surg.
People generally have an idea where they want to go, for example many people prior to nursing school just know they are going to do pediatrics, or delvering babies and others geriatrics. However, the rest of us usally find an area of interest while we are in school getting clinical experience. I myself was pretty undecided and decided to go to a general medical floor when I graduated and moved around since then. Specialties don't have to be decided until you graduate and even then the good thing about nursing is you can always change your mind on down the line.