Becoming a skilful and confident registered specialty nurse can take some time, a lot of hard work and serious dedication. Therefore, even contemplating the idea of pivoting into something new can feel a little daunting. But change can be good and, in some cases, might be necessary for a whole range of reasons. At VNS, we support your aspirations and are here to offer opportunities across an abundance of specialties, from critical care to mental health nursing. Let’s explore why you may consider changing your nursing speciality while working with us at, what challenges you may encounter and how you can make the switch.
When is a good time to switch?
Deciding on when to change your nursing speciality will be different for everyone. Some nurses may crave a change of pace, post working through the pandemic and are drawn to roles in hotel quarantine, drive-thru testing centers and COVID related clinics - all of these working opportunities offered to our agency nurses here at VNS. Others may want to challenge themself or feel inspired to study again and can’t wait to sink their teeth into new learning. Then there will be some looking for a role which opens the door to a pay increase and attractive incentives. All of which you can have while working with us at VNS.
Changing the direction of your nursing career might be because you want to contribute more to the healthcare industry and make a greater impact than you already are. In some instances, if a nurse feels they have plateaued, a change of pace may be exactly what is needed. But that is also the great part about being an agency nurse, you have the chance to work in many different settings and locations!
What are the challenges to switching?
Once you’ve investigated, but before you officially commit to education, consider shadowing a nurse in your desired area. Volunteer to do a few shifts in that space to gain real hands-on experience and insights. It might be helpful, and great for your confidence, if you continue to pick up the odd shift with VNS in an area that’s familiar too. Transitioning slowly may be a helpful approach. Be kind to yourself during this process as it can be tiring and lengthy, but well worth it in the end.
If changing your nursing speciality sounds like the right step for you, we would recommend you check out some of the jobs on our job board and identify the requirements. If you decide that changing your nursing speciality is right for you, you can continue working with us while you study. Then, when you’re finished you can work with us in a full-time capacity. Is it time to get your head in the books and study? You can find some great courses with our education partners here.
Though changing your nursing speciality can be full of excitement, it’s worth considering the complexities you may encounter so you can prepare.
Study demands and lifestyle restraints/interruptions are often the major sticking points affecting nurses who return to university to obtain a new qualification. Do you remember when you first achieved your current certification? What challenges did you face then? Are they the same or different now? It’s a good idea to start putting strategies in place in order to set yourself up to be successful - think childcare, transportation, equipment/office set up, academic support, etc. This is where being an agency nurse is fantastic as you can create your own schedule and therefore work when you are able to, around your studies and personal life. At VNS we offer great flexibility, so if you have exams coming up you can block that out of your availability to focus.
The third and arguably the most discussed challenge is being a graduate again. It will be totally strange to be a student again, viewed as a “newbie,” but don’t let that deter you. Think of the end goal, how fulfilling it will be to complete and how much more you can offer to your patients as their nurse.
How to make the switch as an agency nurse?
Your desired future speciality will dictate next steps. For example, if you’re interested in becoming an intensive care nurse you will need to obtain a post graduate certification at university. However, for others, you may be able to take a short course from one of our educational partners, Australian Healthcare Academy (AHA) or ETC4Health and increase your skills in areas such as advanced life support, anaesthetics, recovery nursing or mental health.
During this stage it’s important to:
Once you’ve investigated, but before you officially commit to education, consider shadowing a nurse in your desired area. Volunteer to do a few shifts in that space to gain real hands-on experience and insights. It might be helpful, and great for your confidence, if you continue to pick up the odd shift with VNS in an area that’s familiar too. Transitioning slowly may be a helpful approach. Be kind to yourself during this process as it can be tiring and lengthy, but well worth it in the end.

If changing your nursing speciality sounds like the right step for you, we would recommend you check out some of the jobs on our
job board and identify the requirements. If you decide that changing your nursing speciality is right for you, you can continue working with us while you study. Then, when you’re finished you can work with us in a full-time capacity. Is it time to get your head in the books and study? You can find some great courses with our education partners
here.