In this solo episode of My Nurse Specialty, I talk about one of the biggest questions nurses face: how do you know which specialty is right for you? I share why so many nurses end up in roles by circumstance instead of true fit, and why that uncertainty is not a personal failure, but a predictable part of how nursing careers often begin.

I also walk through four practical questions to help you better understand how you are wired, what kind of work energizes you, and what direction may be worth exploring next. This episode is about moving from confusion to clarity so you can make more intentional career decisions.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why many nurses end up in specialties by default instead of alignment
• Four questions to help you identify what kind of nursing work fits you best
• How reflection, networking, and strategy can help you explore your next move

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In this episode of My Nurse Specialty, I talk with Jessica Nelson, an ICU nurse and educator with 24 years of experience in critical care. She shares what ICU nursing is really like, what nurses should know before pursuing this path, and why strong support and education matter so much in this specialty.

Jessica also talks about the best ways to prepare for ICU, including building experience in step-down or med-surg, learning from mentors, and continuing to study outside of orientation. We also discuss certifications, the emotional side of critical care, and the many ways ICU experience can open doors later in a nursing career.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What ICU nursing is really like day to day
• How nurses can prepare for a future in critical care
• Why support, mentorship, and knowing your why matter in ICU nursing

About Jessica Nelson:
Jessica Nelson has 24 years of nursing experience, with most of her career spent in neuro critical care. Her background also includes eight years in interventional radiology, leadership as manager of a Neuro ICU and Neuro Step-Down Unit, and her current role as Clinical Nurse Educator for three high-acuity critical care units. She continues to work bedside twice a month and is passionate about supporting nurses, strengthening clinical judgment, and creating learning environments where nurses feel confident and capable.

Stay Connected:

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Get the FREE guide here on how to choose your specialty!

In this solo episode of My Nurse Specialty, I talk about one of the most overlooked parts of building a nursing career: networking.

Many nurses work hard, gain experience, and still feel stuck when it comes to moving into a new specialty. Often, the difference is not talent or effort. It is relationships. In this episode, I share why networking is not about using people or self-promotion, but about building genuine connections that can open doors, offer insight, and help you move forward with more clarity.

I also walk through a simple, realistic way to start building your network as a nurse, even if it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why networking often makes the difference in who gets access to new nursing opportunities
• How nurses can build genuine professional relationships without feeling fake or self-promotional
• A simple, practical way to start reaching out and growing your network over time

Stay Connected:

Learn how we can work together

Apply to be on the Podcast

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Get the FREE guide here on how to choose your specialty!