22 Nursing Specialties Explained: Plan Your Career Today!

Working as a registered nurse (RN) means you can dedicate your time to helping people through direct patient care, education, and more. To make your healthcare career even more rewarding, you can choose a nursing specialty. RN specialties allow you to focus on providing care for certain patient populations or handling other aspects of nursing that you have a strong interest in. Knowing more about different kinds of nursing specialties can help you understand just how many options you have.

Nursing Specialties

Nursing specialties provide a great way to build a nursing career that you’re passionate about. Keep in mind that different specialties have different requirements in terms of education and training. Depending on the nursing specialties you choose, you might need to earn a certificate or advanced degree. For example, an advanced practice RN must have a master’s or doctoral degree. Although there are no guarantees that you can work in your desired specialty, having a goal in mind with the right training and education can help get you there.

1. Cardiac Nurse

Cardiac nurses provide care for patients who have heart problems, such as heart failure. These nurses have a wide range of duties, including monitoring patients’ heart activity, doing stress-test evaluations, giving medication, and monitoring heart tests, such as electrocardiograms. They also educate patients on heart health to help them manage their conditions. Cardiac nurses work in cardiovascular clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities and typically need to have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

2. Dialysis Nurse

Dialysis nurses, also known as nephrology nurses, help patients with kidney problems, such as abnormal kidney function or renal failure. These nurses evaluate patients’ kidney function, work with physicians to come up with treatment plans, and provide dialysis services. Dialysis nurses also provide patient education, such as helping diabetic patients learn to manage kidney-related symptoms. These nurses work in dialysis clinics, hospitals, patients’ homes, and other healthcare settings. Dialysis or nephrology nurses usually need an ADN or BSN degree.

3. Home Health Nurse

Home health nurses provide care in patients’ homes rather than in a hospital or other healthcare facility. These nurses have a varied work environment that involves traveling to and from different patients’ homes. Home health nurses offer acute care in the home as needed and help patients manage chronic conditions. Some of their duties include giving medication, caring for wounds, educating patients and family members about their conditions and treatment plans, and monitoring patients’ progress. Home health nurses typically need an ADN or BSN degree.

4. ICU Nurse

Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses or critical care nurses work in ICU and other critical care units and provide care for patients who are critically ill or in recovery. These nurses must be comfortable making decisions on the spot about care in situations where patients have potentially life-threatening illnesses or injuries. ICU nurses evaluate patients’ conditions, operate life support systems, and keep family members updated. ICU nurses typically need to have an ASN, BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

5. Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients undergoing medical procedures, such as invasive surgery. These nurses are trained to administer anesthesia in different ways, such as intravenously and intramuscularly. Nurse anesthetists also handle anesthesia-related tasks before, during, and after procedures. These nurses can earn certification to become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA). Work environments for these nurses include hospitals, clinics, physician offices, emergency rooms, and other medical facilities. Nurse anesthetists need to have an MSN or DNP degree.

6. Nursing Informatics

Informatics nurses develop technology systems to improve patient care. These are research-oriented nursing specialties that involves studying medical data and having technical knowledge. Informatics nurses work in hospitals, long-term care centers, and other healthcare facilities to educate staff on the use of new technology systems. Some work for nursing schools, healthcare consulting firms, and IT companies. Informatics nurses usually need a BSN degree.

7. Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses work with patients who have cancer, which includes keeping track of their progress throughout treatment, giving medication, administering treatment, and providing education and support. This includes educating family members on the patient’s condition and treatment. Oncology nurses work as part of a team with other nurses, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals in hospitals and medical facilities that provide cancer care. Oncology nurses usually need to have an ADN or BSN degree.

8. Radiology Nurse

Radiology nurses provide care for patients undergoing radiation treatments or imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs. These nurses work with radiology technicians and radiologists in hospitals, diagnostic imaging facilities, outpatient care centers, and other medical facilities. Radiology nurses assess patients prior to radiation treatment or tests, educate patients on what to expect, and operate radiology machines. These nurses generally need an ADN or BSN degree.

9. Nurse Educator

Nurse educators specialize in teaching nursing students and preparing them for nursing careers. These nurses evaluate the curricula for nursing degrees and certificate programs and update them as needed. They also teach students in classrooms at community colleges, universities, technical schools, and trade schools. Some nurse educators teach in clinical settings at long-term care centers, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. These nurses typically need an MSN degree.

10. Nursing Administrator

Nursing administrators are responsible for supervising and training nursing staff, evaluating staff performance, managing nursing budgets, updating medical records, and handling other leadership duties. Nursing administrators work in various medical facilities, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and long-term care centers. They work with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, on a regular basis. Nurse administrators usually need an MSN degree.

11. Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses promote health and wellness in communities. They devise plans and programs to educate the public about health issues, such as disease prevention, and help communities learn more about developing healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods and getting enough physical activity. Public health nurses work for county and city health departments, federal health organizations, and mobile healthcare service units. These nurses often need an ADN or BSN degree.

12. Orthopedic Nurse

Orthopedic nurses provide care for patients who have musculoskeletal injuries or conditions, such as fractures or osteoporosis. They help patients improve their range of motion and build strength as they recover from an injury or manage a chronic condition that affects their musculoskeletal system. They also assist orthopedic surgeons during surgical procedures, such as joint replacement, treat injuries, and educate patients about managing their condition or recovering from an injury. Orthopedic nurses work in hospitals, orthopedic clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They typically need an ADN or BSN degree.

13. Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses provide patient care for children. This type of care can range from conducting general wellness exams to diagnosing and treating diseases and medical conditions. Pediatric nurses educate children and their families on improving health and wellness or managing chronic conditions. They work closely with pediatricians and other pediatric healthcare professionals. These nurses work in pediatric offices and clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Pediatric nurses usually need a BSN degree.

14. School Nurse

School nurses provide care for students who are injured or become ill in school settings. In addition to acute care or first aid, these nurses often conduct required tests for students, such as vision and hearing tests. They also educate students on the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle habits through nutrition, exercise, and stress management. School nurses work in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as daycare centers and universities. These nurses often need an ADN or BSN degree.

15. Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who provide preventive care and other healthcare services for patients of all ages, including care for chronic and acute conditions. These nurses monitor the health of their patients on a long-term basis and work with physicians and other healthcare professionals. Family nurse practitioners work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, community centers, and other healthcare settings. They typically need an MSN or DNP degree.

16. Midwife

Nurse midwives provide care for patients throughout pregnancy and during childbirth and the postpartum period. They also provide family planning and gynecological services. These nurses monitor the development of the fetus during pregnancy, assist with labor and delivery, and provide postpartum care, such as help with breastfeeding. Nurse midwives work in patients’ homes, hospitals, outpatient facilities, and other healthcare facilities. They usually need an MSN degree and certification.

17. Ambulatory Care Nurse

Ambulatory care nurses provide acute care for patients in non-emergency medical situations. These nurses come up with treatment plans for chronic conditions and injuries, educate patients on their treatment plans, and monitor their progress. Ambulatory care nurses also help patients manage pain. Rather than providing care in hospital settings, these nurses work in community clinics, schools, patients’ homes, and other healthcare environments. They often need an ADN or BSN degree.

18. Psychiatric Nurse

Psychiatric nurses provide patient care for individuals experiencing mental health disorders, such as severe depression, substance use disorders, or eating disorders. These nurses work with psychiatrists and other mental health professionals to create and carry out treatment plans. They also evaluate patients with mental health disorders and provide emotional and practical support, such as helping patients set goals. Psychiatric nurses work in mental health facilities, hospitals, rehab centers, private practices, and other healthcare facilities. They typically need an ADN or BSN degree.

19. Hospice/Palliative Care Nurse

Hospice or palliative care nurses provide care for patients who have a terminal illness or condition. They usually offer this care in non-hospital settings, such as in patients’ homes, hospice care centers, or nursing homes. This type of nursing involves helping patients remain as comfortable as possible at the end of their lives and providing family members with emotional support. Hospice or palliative care nurses usually need an ADN, BSN, or MSN degree.

20. ER Nurse

Emergency room (ER) nurses provide care for patients who have injuries or illnesses that require immediate care. These nurses work in fast-paced healthcare environments caring for multiple patients, making quick decisions, and handling a wide range of tasks. ER nurses work with other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care under challenging conditions in hospital emergency departments, triage centers, urgent care centers, and other medical settings. They typically need an ADN or BSN degree.

21. Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric nurses are nurses who provide patient care for elderly individuals. They treat a wide range of conditions that older patients are at increased risk for, such as joint problems and chronic diseases. They also educate patients and family members on their conditions and offer guidance on health and well-being so that these patients can remain independent. These nurses work in retirement centers, outpatient care centers, nursing homes, patients’ homes, and other healthcare environments. Geriatric nurses often need an ADN or BSN degree.

22. Travel Nurse

Travel nurses go to areas where nurses are needed, such as hospitals that have vacant positions. These nurses provide temporary help in these settings before going to another area to work. Travel nurses carry out RN duties, such as treating patients, giving medication, and educating patients on their health. They work in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities where additional nursing staff is needed. Travel nurses usually need an ADN or BSN degree.

Unlock Your Potential in Nursing with Bryant & Stratton College

Are you passionate about healthcare and looking to make a difference? Whether you’re aspiring to become a Registered Nurse or aiming to advance your existing nursing career, Bryant & Stratton College has the perfect program for you.

We offer a range of nursing programs tailored to your career goals:

1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Start your journey to becoming an RN
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Gain advanced skills for a broader range of nursing roles
3. Practical Nursing Diploma: Prepare for a rewarding career as an LPN
4. RN to BSN Program: Take your nursing career to the next level

Our expert faculty, modern facilities, and hands-on clinical experiences will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for personalized guidance and detailed information about the programs that interest you. Let Bryant & Stratton College be your partner in building a successful nursing career.