There are many different types of nursing and deciding which specialty to pursue can be challenging. Each type of nursing offers its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Nursing is a gratifying profession that provides a unique blend of challenge, compassion, and opportunity. But with so many different types of nursing to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
The Importance of Nurses
Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system. Nurses are the frontline caregivers who provide much of the direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Nurses also serve as patient advocates, educators, and researchers.
With such an important role to play, it’s no wonder that nursing is one of the most popular career choices today. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 3 million registered nurses were working in the United States in 2016. And this number is expected to grow by more than 15 percent over the next ten years.
Types of Nursing Careers
With so many nurses needed to meet the demands of a growing population, there are many different types of nursing careers to choose from. Here’s a look at some of the most popular nursing specialties:
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses are the largest group of healthcare professionals in the United States. RNs can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, home health agencies, and public health organizations. They provide direct patient care, as well as oversee and coordinate the care provided by other members of the healthcare team.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or other healthcare professional. LPNs/LVNs can work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health agencies.
3. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who have completed graduate-level education and training. NPs are licensed to diagnose and treat medical conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide primary and specialty care services.
4. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice registered nurses who have completed graduate-level education and training in a specific area of nursing practice. CNSs use their expert knowledge to improve patient care and outcomes and mentor and support other nurses.
5. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Certified nurse midwives are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary care services to women throughout their lifespan, from adolescence through menopause. CNMs also provide well-woman care, gynecological care, family planning services, and prenatal and postpartum care.
6. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified registered nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who provide anesthesia services for surgical and nonsurgical procedures. CRNAs work in various settings, including hospitals, surgery centers, and dental offices.
7. Nurse informaticist
Nurse informaticists are nurses who have specialized training in healthcare information and technology. They use their knowledge to help improve patient care and outcomes by designing, implementing, and evaluating health information systems.
8. Research Nurse
Research nurses are registered nurses who work in research settings, such as hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and research centers. They play a vital role in clinical trials by providing patient care, collecting data, and coordinating research activities.
9. Nursing Administrator
Nursing administrators are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating nursing care services. They may also be involved in budgeting, marketing, and human resources management. Nursing administrators can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and nursing homes.
10. Nursing Educator
Nursing educators are responsible for teaching nurses at all levels of their careers, from new graduates to experienced practitioners. They may work in nursing schools, hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare organizations.
Types of Nursing Specialties
There are many different types of nursing specialties, each with its own unique set of responsibilities and duties. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular nursing specialties:
1. Pediatric Nursing
If you love working with children and want to make a difference in their lives, pediatric nursing may be the perfect fit for you. Pediatric nurses provide care for infants, children, and adolescents up to the age of 18. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices and may also specialize in specific areas such as oncology or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nursing.
2. Geriatric Nursing
Geriatric nursing is a specialized field that focuses on older adults’ care. Geriatric nurses work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics and often collaborate with other health care professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
3. Psychiatric Nursing
Psychiatric nurses provide care for patients with mental illness or addiction. They work in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices and may also specialize in specific areas such as child and adolescent psychiatry or forensics.
4. Women’s Health Nursing
Women’s health nurses provide care for women throughout their lifespan, from adolescence to menopause. They work in OB/GYN offices, hospitals, clinics, and private practices and may also specialize in specific areas such as high-risk pregnancies or infertility.
5. Neonatal Nursing
Neonatal nurses care for newborn babies, from premature infants to full-term babies. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices and may also specialize in specific areas such as NICU nursing or maternal-child health.
6. Oncology Nursing
Oncology nurses provide care for patients with cancer. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices and may also specialize in specific areas such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
7. Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing
Hospice and palliative care nurses provide comfort and support to patients and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. They work in hospices, hospitals, and private practices and often collaborate with other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
Making the Decision
With so many different nursing careers available, deciding which is right for you can be difficult. The best way to choose a nursing specialty is to consider your interests and goals. If you’re interested in working with a particular population of patients or in a specific type of setting, that can help narrow your choices. You should also think about the kind of work you want to do and the level of education and training you’re willing to complete.
Once you’ve thought about your career goals, it’s time to start exploring the different types of nursing careers available. Talk to nurses you know and ask about their experiences. Attend nursing career fairs and information sessions. And be sure to research to make an informed decision about which type of nursing is right for you.
Final Thoughts
There are many different types of nursing specialties available, each with its own unique set of responsibilities and duties. It can be challenging to decide which is right for you, but the best way to choose a nursing specialty is to consider your interests and goals. You should do your own research to make an informed decision about which type of nursing is right for you.
