Different Nursing Specialties and What They Do

If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse, you might be wondering what kind of nursing specialty is right for you. There are so many options to choose from, and each one has its own perks and challenges.

Pursuing a nursing specialty can provide opportunities for career advancement, as well as the chance to develop specialized skills and knowledge in a particular area of healthcare.

Hey BFF’s, now we’ll give you a brief overview of some of the different nursing specialties and what they do, so you can get a better idea of what suits your interests and skills. Here are some common nursing specialties and the unique skills and responsibilities required for each.

Emergency Nurse: If you love adrenaline and can handle high-stress situations, emergency nursing might be your calling. Emergency nurses work in the ER, where they deal with patients who have life-threatening injuries or illnesses. They have to act fast, think on their feet, and be prepared for anything. Emergency nurses also need to have excellent communication and teamwork skills, as they work closely with doctors, paramedics, and other nurses.

Pediatric Nurse: If you enjoy working with children and have a lot of patience and compassion, pediatric nursing might be a good fit for you. Pediatric nurses care for children of all ages, from newborns to adolescents.  They help with routine check-ups, vaccinations, developmental screenings, and education. They also provide support and comfort to children who are sick or injured, and their families. Pediatric nurses need to have a good rapport with children and be able to adapt to their needs and preferences. They may work in areas such as neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric oncology, or general pediatrics. Pediatric nurses must have strong communication skills to interact with children and their families, as well as knowledge of child development and growth.    

Critical Care Nursing: Critical care nurses work in intensive care units (ICUs) and provide care to critically ill patients with complex medical conditions. They must have in-depth knowledge of advanced life support technologies and be able to interpret and respond to complex medical data.

Oncology Nurse: If you have a passion for helping people who are facing cancer, oncology nursing might be your specialty. Oncology nurses provide care and support to patients who have cancer or are at risk of developing it. They administer chemotherapy, monitor side effects, educate patients about their condition and treatment options, and coordinate care with other health professionals. Oncology nurses also need to have strong emotional resilience, as they deal with challenging situations and cope with loss. Oncology nurses must have knowledge of cancer treatments and side effects, as well as strong communication and emotional support skills.  

Psychiatric Nurse: If you are interested in mental health and want to make a difference in people’s lives, psychiatric nursing might be the specialty for you. Psychiatric nurses work with patients who have mental disorders or substance abuse problems. They assess their mental status, provide counseling and therapy, administer medication, and help them cope with their symptoms and challenges. Psychiatric nurses also need to have good interpersonal skills, as they build trust and rapport with their patients and their families.

Travel Nurse: If you love adventure and variety, travel nursing might be the specialty for you. Travel nurses work in different locations across the country or around the world, depending on the demand and availability of nursing jobs. They fill in temporary positions in hospitals, clinics, or other health care settings, where they provide care to diverse populations and cultures. Travel nurses also need to have flexibility and adaptability, as they adjust to new environments and situations.  

Geriatric Nursing: Geriatric nurses specialize in caring for older adults, who may have complex medical conditions and require specialized care. They must have knowledge of geriatric syndromes and age-related changes in health, as well as strong communication and patient education skills.  

Public Health Nursing: Public health nurses work in community settings, such as schools, clinics, or public health agencies, and focus on preventing illness and promoting health in populations. They must have knowledge of population health, epidemiology, and health promotion strategies.  

Perioperative Nursing: Perioperative nurses work in surgical settings and are responsible for coordinating patient care before, during, and after surgery. They must have knowledge of surgical procedures and anesthesia, as well as strong assessment and communication skills.   These are just some of the many nursing specialties that you can choose from. There are also specialties in fields such as surgery, cardiology, geriatrics, neonatology, hospice, public health, and more. No matter what kind of nursing specialty you choose, you can be sure that you’ll have a rewarding and meaningful career that makes a positive impact on people’s health and well-being.              

These are just a few examples of nursing specialties, and there are many more available depending on your interests and career goals.