Several subfields within nursing have become increasingly viable career options in recent years. By gaining a speciality, nurses can pursue careers in areas of care that genuinely excite them. Certain regions of nursing offer more income and job security than others, but all require specialized education and experience. Use our guide to discover which nursing subfields have the highest potential for advancement, whether you’re just starting out or already have years of experience. Here are 4 top specialty careers in nursing you can pursue.
Diagnose, monitor, and treat sick people of all ages, shapes, and sizes using their additional expertise in nursing techniques as family nurse practitioners. The primary focus of family practice is primary care. FNPs handle the most common medical issues that patients in any clinic or hospital in the nation may have, such as upper respiratory ailments and urinary tract infections. They provide routine exams to identify issues early on and manage and maintain chronic illnesses like diabetes and cirrhosis. They also provide care for all patient populations as trustworthy and knowledgeable healthcare experts. During their daily duties, family nurse practitioners collaborate closely with regular nurses, doctors, and other experts, including medical sonographers and lab technicians.
A bachelor’s degree in nursing and current RN certification are prerequisites for admission to a women’s health nurse practitioner program. A licensed nurse-midwife career may be a good choice if you want to help women throughout their lives, from adolescence to menopause. Enrolling in DNP nurse midwife programs online is an excellent move if your goal is to further your career as a nurse-midwife. You might be interested in studying to become a nurse midwife, but a traditional university program is not feasible right now. Do not give up if this sounds familiar. Several online PhD programs exist for nurses interested in specializing as midwives.
Care and treatment of persons in later adulthood and beyond is the specialty of adult gerontological nurse practitioners. Since the human body stops developing once it reaches maturity, this aging group has specific requirements. The body’s resilience and capacity to repair both diminish with age. Gerontological nurses strive to give the best possible care to their elderly patients. The primary concerns of gerontological nurses are those of their elderly patients, including their preservation, repair, and enhancement. Preventing and treating illness and injury, relieving disease symptoms, and advocating for the health of the elderly are all part of this care.
Experienced nurses who have taken courses in various specializations accept temporary jobs in different parts of the country. Travel nurses are in great demand due to shortages in certain areas and high-demand specialties. As a result, they earn significantly more than their full-time permanent counterparts. It is common practice for travel nurses to fill in for absent staff members in healthcare facilities. There is little to no context for care, yet facilities demand them to do all the duties of a regular nurse. Due to this, travel RNs must learn to thrive in high-pressure situations. A neonatal critical care facility needing a travel nurse might hire one.
Nursing is a rewarding and fulfilling career with many specialties that offer excellent opportunities for advancement. Whether you’re just starting out or already have experience, consider pursuing one of these four top specialty careers in nursing to reach your full potential.