I think it is great to have an idea of what you want to specialise in when you're studying because sometimes you can request placements on specific wards (or at hospitals that might specialise in the sort of thing you're interested in. Eg, if you're realy into women's health, you could request a placement at the Women's or even the Mercy for Women in Vic). At UniSA (when I did it), there was an opportunity to do a "specialised" subject in 3rd (?) year. Being able to explore those areas of interest whilst you're a student can help form where you might like to do your Grad Year or what requests you'll make for rotations in your Grad Year (hope I make sense!). I went into my degree with an idea of where I wanted to end up and had the opportunity to experience that in my student days... and decided it was great but not enough for me.
Thanks for asking about the new job. It is challenging. I'm still making up my mind as to whether or not I like it. I've always been a believer that the staff make or break a ward and I'm lucky that most of the staff are pretty good and really helpful. But it is a steep learning curve for me as it is so different from what I've been doing. My ward isn't quiet what it is described as on the hospital website which is disappointing, but it is still interesting. I had a patient I've been looking after for the week code twice on Friday and ended up being transferred to ICU only to pass away that night. It was pretty sad and frustrating for various reasons but it is a part of nursing I'm afraid.