Skip to main content
Nurse.com Blog

How Can I Find a Nursing Specialty That Matches My Personality?

Nurse leaning on a wall reviewing a tablet

Question:

Dear Donna,

Do you know of any nursing specialties that are appropriate for an ISTJ personality type? I really like nursing and have tried pediatric oncology/bone marrow transplant/hematology, OB and hospice case management. I liked aspects of all the areas, but I don?t think they fit my personality type and create a lot of stress for me.

Patty

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Patty,

I would not even begin to try to match a personality type with a specialty in nursing, especially because there are so many different types of settings and opportunities within a specialty. And those personality tests offer limited information.

If you?re having trouble figuring out where to go from here, read ?How to Find Your Forte? (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/Forte) and ?How to Change Specialties? (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/ChangeSpecialties). You also would also benefit from reading my book, ?The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career? (www.Nurse.ocm.ce/7250). The book walks you through the process of making the most of your career opportunities. Sometimes it?s not the specialty but the setting that doesn?t fit. Have you explored nontraditional options?

Also, consider working with an RN career coach instead of continuing to jump around. And RN coach is uniquely qualified to help you move forward in your nursing career (non-nurse coaches often are not aware of the unique and diverse skill set of a nurse or the diverse opportunities available). To find an RN career coach, contact your state chapter of the American Nurses Association (www.nursingworld.org), whether or not you are a member, or by asking around. You also can search online for ?RN career coach.?

Best wishes,
Donna