Nursing Specializations

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare as the nursing field intersects with all areas of healthcare. As a nurse, it is important that you understand the various specialization options available before venturing into any. This will help you to pick the one that best suits your passions and goals.

Aspiring nurses should note that these specializations each have their own unique focus, and some require more educational training than others. Some of these specializations are also more financially rewarding than others. Understanding these differences can help you identify your desired career pathway before making arrangements to study for an advanced degree at a reputable institution such as Carson-Newman University Online. This will allow you to join some of the highest-paid nurse practitioners, doing a job you love without compromising on life’s comforts.

If you are still in the processing of determining your desired career pathway, this article will highlight some of the possible nursing specializations and the perks that they offer:

Family nurse practitioner (FNP)

Family nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in delivering family-focused care. These nurses play an important role in the healthcare industry as they provide primary health services to people of all ages. FNPs focus on monitoring the health of the individual and often their family for a long period while working to prevent and manage diseases.

To become an FNP, you need to first earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a registered nurse (RN). You also need to earn a master’s degree in nursing (MSN). Due to the intense focus on training in this specialty, FNPs have responsibilities that range from assessment to treatment. FNPs in the United States have a high level of autonomy and are well respected. Their exact responsibilities depend on the state regulations where they intend to practice.

Specializing as a family nurse practitioner is very lucrative. The job includes numerous benefits, such as paid time off, vacation, health insurance and professional liability coverage. The financial incentive is also one of the reasons that many nurses choose this career pathway.

Cardiac nurse

Cardiac nurses are specialized APRNs who work with cardiologists and other staff to provide care for people suffering from cardiovascular disorders. Cardiac nurses possess a high level of autonomy that allows them to monitor, diagnose, manage and treat people suffering from heart disease. They also provide patients with all the education and support they need during treatment.

Cardiac nurses often work in the post-op or ICU wards of cardiac hospitals. They may also work in in-home care and rehabilitation centers. To become a cardiac nurse, you must be a licensed registered nurse in your state. Cardiac nursing is also a very lucrative career as you’ll enjoy health insurance, paid time off and other perks.

Critical care nurse

Critical care nurses provide intensive care to severely ill and critically injured patients. They help to assess patient conditions, check vital signs, set up intravenous drips and administer medications. Critical care nursing focuses on patients who are in their worst state physically, mentally and emotionally. These nurses are trained to empathize, support and monitor the healing process of their patients.

To become a critical care nurse, you must first be a registered nurse. You can then move into this specialization by obtaining a state license to practice. Critical care nurses enjoy many opportunities to work with up-to-date medical equipment. They also have the opportunity to earn a high salary depending on their level of education.

Geriatric nurse

Geriatric nurses, also known as gerontological nurses, are nurses who specialize in managing the health of aging patients. These nurses learn how to care for elderly people and have a thorough understanding of their unique health needs. Geriatric nurses are trained to implement preventive measures that help manage conditions that can lead to life-threatening diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease in adults. They may work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, individual homes and hospitals. If you are a geriatric nurse, or an aspiring one, here are a few suggestions that can help your patients.

Geriatric nurses are expected to be licensed registered nurses. After obtaining certification as an RN, they are expected to work for two years with adult patients. This will allow them to earn a gerontological nursing certification, so they can work as professional geriatric nurses. Due to the high demand, becoming a geriatric nurse offers stable job security and good pay.

Oncology nurse

Oncology nurses are professionals trained in caring for cancer patients and people who are at increased risk of developing cancer. They work with doctors and other medical staff to prevent, run tests, manage and treat any symptoms of cancer. They are also in charge of administering medications to these patients.

Oncology nurses are responsible for helping their patients manage the side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy. Aside from administering medications, they also provide emotional support to patients in their lowest times.

Certified oncology nurses enjoy numerous benefits that range from a higher salary to various bonuses. To become an oncology nurse in the US, you must first have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). You are also expected to pass the mandatory NCLEX exam and gain experience in oncology nursing.

Nurse anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who specialize in administering anesthesia to patients. This medication is typically administered before, during and after the surgical process. Nurse anesthetists also constantly monitor every biological process going on in the patient’s body during the surgical process. They work in surgical clinics, the military, ERs and hospitals.

Becoming a nurse anesthetist is very profitable as the position is in high demand in the US. To become a nurse anesthetist, you must first be a licensed registered nurse and then complete advanced training to become an APRN.

Conclusion

It is important that all aspiring nurses understand the various specializations available within nursing. Hopefully, this article will help you determine which specializations might suit your interests.