Right now, careers in healthcare are offering unprecedented growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is expected to be a 15% increase in healthcare roles before 2029. And, the high demand for healthcare professionals has led to an increase in specialized nursing career options for both registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses. There is a variety of different specialty areas available that provide very competitive salaries and a fulfilling work experience. They allow nurses to focus on a particular patient population or area of practice by gaining relevant work experience and the required education and certifications. Nurses who pursue the most in-demand specialties can find employment with more autonomy and responsibility, higher salaries, and more career advancement opportunities. Here are some of the nursing specialties that are definitely worth considering.
Trauma or Acute Care Nurse
Trauma nurses work in critical care nurses, emergency rooms, or as a part of an emergency medical response team to provide care to patients who are in life-threatening, unstable and critical conditions. Registered trauma or acute care nurses need to receive specialist training to work alongside doctors to treat and stabilize these patients who are often in a very bad way. Roles include administering emergency medications, blood transfusions and IV fluids, caring for wounds, monitoring vital signs, and operating life-saving equipment. To become a trauma nurse, you will be required to have at least two years’ experience as an RN. You can then go on to get a Certified Trauma Nurse certificate from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing.
Trauma nurses may also be interested in becoming an advanced practice nurse in their field, by taking one of the acute care nurse practitioner programs offered by Baylor University.
Neonatal Nurse
Neonatal nursing is a specialty area that is in very high demand. These advanced registered nurses have received special training to work in intensive care units that are designed for babies born at risk of complications that need highly specialized care in the first few days, weeks or months of their life. Neonatal nurses spend their time caring for babies who have been born premature or born with issues such as drug dependency, genetic conditions, or birth defects. To become a neonatal nurse, you will need to have a BSN and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification. There are opportunities for further career progression including working as a neonatal nurse practitioner.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Working as a nurse practitioner is a worthwhile specialty area to get into. Family nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses that work with patients of all ages in family practice and clinical settings. It is the most popular role for advanced practice registered nurses. A family nurse practitioner will examine, diagnose, and treat their patients. In twenty-two US states, they are permitted to do this without the supervision of a medical doctor, allowing them to start and run their own clinical practice. To become a family nurse practitioner, you will need a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing.
Nurse Anesthetist
The role of a nurse anesthetist involves administering pain medication and anesthesia to patients. They are responsible for making adjustments when necessary, along with monitoring patients and observing vital signs of patients both during surgical procedures and in the recovery process. A nurse anesthetist will work with patients of all ages for both emergency surgical procedures and scheduled operations. To work in this nursing specialty, you will need at least an MSN degree with a specialization in anesthesiology. You will also be required to obtain a specialized certification and a state license to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
A psychiatric mental health nurse is another advanced practice registered nursing role where you will be working with patients to assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness and disorders. Psychiatric mental health nurses work with patients from all walks of life and of all ages who are suffering from conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and dementia. They will also work closely with patients who are suffering from addiction and substance abuse issues. To work in this role, you will be required to gain at least an MSN and a valid license to practice as an advanced practice nurse in your state.
Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nursing is becoming more popular as many nurses find that being able to make a difference to the lives of the youngest patients is extremely rewarding. Pediatric nursing focuses on the healthcare needs of children of all ages, from birth right up to young adulthood. Pediatric nurses can provide both preventative and primary healthcare depending on their level of training.
Career advancement opportunities are also available including roles as a pediatric nurse practitioner which involves more examinations, diagnosis and treatment of patients. You can become a pediatric nurse with a BSN and RN license, or work as an advanced practice pediatric nurse with a minimum of an MSN degree.
Oncology Nurse
The role of an oncology nurse involves caring for patients who are receiving treatment for various stages of cancer. Typically, oncology nursing allows nurses to further specialize in a subfield of oncology such as breast cancer, hematology, or pediatric cancer. Oncology nurses are tasked with identifying symptoms, administering treatments such as chemotherapy, and monitoring the progress of patients. They also play an important role in ensuring that the patient is in a supportive and comfortable environment while receiving care. To work as an oncology nurse, you will be required to have a BSN degree and an RN license. Advanced clinical roles are also available for nurses with an MSN or other advanced degree with an oncology specialization. Some states require nurses to gain an Oncological Certified Nurse certificate.
Within nursing, there are several specialty areas that allow nurses to work in a role that they enjoy the most and are most interested in. From working with different patient populations to treating patients with specific conditions, these are just some of the most in-demand specialisms for nurses worth considering.
