Nursing specialties

An ambulatory care nurse provides pain management and general health education to patients, in non-emergency situations, outside of a hospital environment.

A burn care nurse treats patients who have been burned by fire, hot water, oil, chemicals, or electricity.

A camp nurse takes care of people at camps and retreats that are often located far from a hospital or healthcare facility.

A cardiac care nurse cares for patients with heart diseases or conditions, from coronary artery disease to heart failure and recovery from bypass surgery.

A cardiac cath lab nurse works with patients who have catheters inserted into the heart for cardiac conditions or defects.

A case management nurse creates and coordinates long-term care plans for patients to help them be as healthy as possible.

A certified nurse midwife is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who is specialized in women’s reproductive health and childbirth.

A CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) administers and provides anesthesia-related care to patients before, during, and after surgery. CRNAs work with various medical practitioners, such as surgeons, dentists, and podiatrists, and act as a liaison between the patient and their leading care provider.

A clinical nurse leader creates and coordinates long-term care plans for patients and the medical teams they work with.

A clinical nurse specialist has advanced knowledge and hands-on expertise in a chosen specialty.

A correctional nurse delivers evidenced-based nursing to protect, promote, and optimize health and abilities; prevent illness and injury; facilitate healing; alleviate suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response with care and respect. A correctional nurse advocates for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations under the jurisdiction of the justice system.

A critical care or ICU nurse takes care of patients who are in a critical condition or recovering from a serious medical condition.

A dermatology nurse treats and cares for patients who have skin diseases and conditions, or undergo cosmetic surgery.

A developmental disability or special needs nurse takes care of patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities, such as Down Syndrome and Autism.

A diabetes nurse looks after patients with diabetes, a disease that stops the body from producing or absorbing enough insulin.

A domestic violence nurse works with patients who are victims of physical or emotional abuse.

An emergency nurse takes care of patients in a wide range of situations, from fevers, to minor injuries and major trauma.

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) specializes in the primary and specialty care of patients of all ages. In general, FNPs focus on preventive care, monitoring their long-term health, and assisting physicians with any issues that might arise. This is an extremely rewarding position, both professionally and personally, and requires a clear and compassionate communicator for all aspects of the job.

A flight or transport nurse takes care of patients who are being taken to hospitals or trauma centers on civilian and military aircrafts.

A forensic nurse cares for patients who have been the victims of sexual abuse, violence and assault.

A gastroenterology or endoscopy nurse works with patients who have illnesses or disorders related to the digestive system or gastrointestinal tract.

A genetics nurse works with people who either have, or are at risk for hereditary diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer.

A geriatric nurse assists doctors in taking care of the mental and physical health of older patients who are at greater risk of injuries and diseases.

A gerontological nurse practitioner is a multi-disciplined primary healthcare provider who helps patients manage the physical, mental, and social effects of aging.

Health policy nurses support the research, development, and implementation of healthcare policies. They advocate for patients and providers by shaping legislation, improving healthcare access, and communicating public health needs to government and policy leaders.

A hematology nurse takes care of patients with blood disorders or diseases, such as hemophilia and leukemia.

An HIV/AIDS nurse helps patients with the treatment and management of this immunodeficiency disease.

A holistic nurse uses medical knowledge plus complementary, alternative and integrative methods to care for the patient as a whole.

A home health nurse cares for patients in their homes, helping them with tasks that they can’t do themselves due to injury or disease, and providing relief to family members who may be primary caregivers.

A hospice nurse takes care of terminally ill or injured patients at the end of their lives.

An independent nurse contractor is their own boss, working on a contractual basis instead of being employed directly by a healthcare facility.

An infection control nurse, also known as an infection prevention nurse, helps prevent and identify the spread of infectious agents like bacteria and viruses in a healthcare environment.

An informatics nurse or nurse informaticist develops communication and information technologies, using medical data to improve patient care.

An infusion nurse administers medication and fluids through an intravenous (IV) line, ventral line or venous access port.

An international nurse travels the world, taking care of patients in other countries and working in nations where their skills are needed most.

Labor and delivery nurses are pivotal in supporting mothers and newborns through the birthing process, offering guidance and expert care during this delivery experience. They also care for mothers and newborns after the birth.