Complete Guide to Nursing Specialties

Registered Nurse (RN)

A registered nurse is a health professional who provides and coordinates care for individuals in a hospital, nursing home, or other institution. They work with patients, doctors, and other health professionals to treat illnesses and injuries. Registered nurses also help plan patient care, monitor patients' progress, and provide support during treatments.

• Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in nursing or an associate degree in nursing
• Expected Job Growth: 15%
• Employment Locations: Residential care facilities, hospitals, etc.
• Relevant Certifications: State nursing license
• Average Salary: $60,000 to $75,000

Cardiac Nurse

A cardiac nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in providing care to patients with heart disease. They work with doctors and other health professionals to monitor patients' symptoms, treatments, and progress. They may also provide support during procedures such as surgery.

• Education Requirement: Registered nursing license (RN) plus an associate degree or Bachelor of Science degree in nursing
• Expected Job Growth: 16%
• Employment Locations: In-home care, hospitals, rehabilitation centers
• Relevant Certifications: State nursing license
• Average Salary: $67,000

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Clinical nurse specialists are nurses who have completed an advanced degree in nursing and have specialized in one or more clinical areas. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and private health-care organizations. A CNS provides patient care by working with physicians and other health professionals to plan and carry out treatments and evaluations. They also work with patients and their families to help them understand and manage their disease or condition.

• Education Requirement: Master's or doctoral degree in nursing
• Expected Job Growth: 15%
• Employment Locations: Health-care facilities, patients' homes, physicians' offices
• Relevant Certifications: Vary by specialty
• Average Salary: $85,000

Critical Care Nurse

A critical care nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in providing care for patients who are critically ill. These nurses work in hospitals and clinics and often work alongside doctors and other medical professionals to help patients with medical emergencies. They are responsible for overseeing the care of patients who are in serious condition and may also be responsible for providing comfort and support to the patients and their families.

• Education Requirement: Associate degree or bachelor's degree in nursing
• Expected Job Growth: 19%
• Employment Locations: Hospitals and health-care facilities
• Relevant Certifications: Certification in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
• Average Salary: $70,000

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is a registered nurse who has completed additional training in anesthesia. They work in hospitals and other medical facilities, providing care for patients undergoing medical procedures or treatments requiring anesthesia. CRNAs are responsible for the safe and effective administration of anesthesia and for monitoring patients during the course of the procedure. They are also responsible for educating patients and their families about the risks and benefits of anesthesia.

• Education Requirement: Masters's degree, RN license, and one year of experience in an acute care setting
• Expected Job Growth: 16%
• Employment Locations: Hospitals, specialized clinics, surgical centers
• Relevant Certifications: CRNA certification
• Average Salary: $150,000

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

A family nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who specializes in providing primary care for families. They work with patients of all ages and may have special training in certain areas, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or women's health. They can provide comprehensive care for patients, including conducting physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, and prescribing medications.

• Education Requirement: Masters's degree in nursing and RN license
• Expected Job Growth: 16%
• Employment Locations: Hospice facilities, doctors' offices
• Relevant Certifications: At least 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours
• Average Salary: $100,000

Perioperative Nurse (Surgical/OR Nurse)

A perioperative nurse is a registered nurse who provides care and support to patients during surgical procedures. They work in the operating room at a hospital. Perioperative nurses are responsible for monitoring a patient's vital signs, assisting surgeons during procedures, and providing instructions to patients after surgery.

• Education Requirement: RN license and an associate or bachelor's degreee
• Expected Job Growth: 16%
• Employment Locations: Surgical centers, hospitals, and outpatient facilities
• Relevant Certifications: CNOR and Certified Nurse First Assistant certifications
• Average Salary: $64,000

Geriatric Nurse

A geriatric nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for older adults, often those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. They work with patients to help them maintain their quality of life and manage their medical conditions. Geriatric nurses also provide support and education to family members and caregivers.

• Education Requirement: RN license and an associate or bachelor's degree
• Expected Job Growth: 19% to 26%
• Employment Locations: Nursing homes, doctors' offices, and hospitals
• Relevant Certifications: Certification in geriatric nursing
• Average Salary: $66,000

Other Nursing Specialties

The medical field covers a wide range of specialties, and nurses are present in every one. Other nursing specialties include:

• Mental health nurse
• Nurse educator
• Nurse manager
• Nurse midwife
• Nurse practitioner
• Emergency room nurse
• Nursing administrator
• Oncology nurse
• Orthopedic nurse
• Pediatric nurse
• Public health nurse
• Travel nurse

Additional Resources

• Nursing Specialties in the Medical Profession
• Types of Nursing Careers and Specialties
• Guide to Nursing Specializations and Concentrations
• What Are All of the Types of Nurses? Complete List of Nursing Careers and Specialties
• Discover Nursing Careers and Specialties
• Different Types of Nursing Specialties
• Occupation Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses
• What it Takes to Be a Cardiovascular Nurse
• What Is Cardiac Care Nursing?
• Be a Nurse Anesthetist
• Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
• What Is a Clinical Nurse Specialist?
• Clinical Nurse Specialist: All You Need to Know
• What Is a Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Why Do You Need One?
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Critical Care Nursing
• Critical Care Nurse (CCN)
• Emergency Nursing: Is it Right for You?
• Are You Considering a Career as a Family Nurse Practitioner?
• Average Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salary
• What Is a Geriatric Nurse?
• Training for Geriatric Nurse Practitioners
• What Is Perioperative Nursing? A Career Guide
• About Psychiatric Nursing
• Seven Things You Should Know About Mental Health Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• The Role of Nurse Educators
• Essential Facts About Midwives
• Highlights of Being a Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• What it's Like to Be an Oncology Nurse
• Three Things You Should Know About Oncology Nurses
• What Does an Orthopedic Nurse Do?
• Nurse Continuing Education
• Why Should You Be a Pediatric Nurse?
• Pediatric Nurse Job Description