- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Why specialize?
Why specialize as a nurse?
Once you’re a Registered Nurse you can take your career in so many new directions by specializing in an area you really enjoy.
Boost your career in every way
Specializing will give you greater responsibilities and a potentially higher salary, and you’ll have a new level of confidence and go even deeper into what you love to do.
Did you know?
97%
Specialized nurses who say they feel more confident in their clinical abilities.
Source: Working Nurse, The Power of Nursing Specialty Certifications
Source: Working Nurse, The Power of Nursing Specialty Certifications
86%
Nurse managers who prefer to hire a specialized nurse.
Source: Working Nurse, The Power of Nursing Specialty Certifications
Source: Working Nurse, The Power of Nursing Specialty Certifications
90%
Nurses who agree that specialization enhances credibility.
Source: Working Nurse, The Power of Nursing Specialty Certifications
Source: Working Nurse, The Power of Nursing Specialty Certifications
Here’s where to start
With over 90 specialties, you’ve got a lot to choose from. We’ve divided them into categories to help you narrow down the ones that might intrigue you the most.
Treat, educate, and help improve the well-being of people in a certain areas.
- Ambulatory care nurse: An ambulatory care nurse provides pain management and general health education to patients, in non-emergency situations, outside of a hospital environment.
- Camp nurse: A camp nurse takes care of people at camps and retreats that are often located far from a hospital or healthcare facility.
- Correctional nurse: A correctional nurse delivers evidence-based nursing to protect, promote, and optimize health and abilities; prevent illness and injury; facilitate healing; and alleviate suffering through diagnosis and treatment with care and respect. A correctional nurse advocates for individuals and populations under the jurisdiction of the justice system.
- Domestic violence nurse: A domestic violence nurse works with patients who are victims of physical or emotional abuse.
- Flight nurse: A flight or transport nurse takes care of patients who are being taken to hospitals or trauma centers on civilian and military aircraft.
- Forensic nurse: A forensic nurse cares for patients who have been victims of sexual abuse, violence, and assault.
- Home health nurse: A home health nurse cares for patients in their homes, helping them with tasks they can’t do themselves due to injury or disease, and providing relief to family members who may be primary caregivers.
- Hospice nurse: A hospice nurse takes care of terminally ill or injured patients at the end of their lives.
- Independent nurse contractor: An independent nurse contractor is their own boss, working on a contractual basis instead of being employed directly by a healthcare facility.
- International travel nurse: An international travel nurse works temporary assignments in global healthcare settings, adapting to different systems and cultures while often filling critical staffing gaps.
- Military nurse: A military nurse is a member of the armed forces who cares for patients in the military around the world and for veterans in the US.
- Missionary nurse: A missionary nurse works through a religious non-profit or humanitarian group, providing physical care and spiritual support to patients in underdeveloped areas of the world.
- Nurse writer, author, or historian: A nurse writer, author, or historian creates educational materials, articles, historical books, and even television or movie scripts related to nursing.
- Occupational health nurse: An occupational health nurse protects the safety and health of people who work in hospitals, businesses, and other organizations.
- Parish nurse: A parish or faith community nurse cares for patients within their religious community.
- Research nurse: A research nurse works with patients during clinical trials, recording and managing data to help discover better ways to provide care.
- Rural nurse: A rural nurse helps patients living in geographically and culturally isolated areas who may have limited access to healthcare.
- School nurse: A school nurse takes care of students from pre-K through college who become sick or injured in an academic setting.
- Supplemental nurse: A supplemental or agency nurse works independently as a freelancer, providing extra nursing support to healthcare facilities during staffing shortages.
- Transcultural nurse: A transcultural nurse provides culturally sensitive care to patients from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds around the globe.
- Travel nurse: A travel nurse works short-term assignments in different locations, filling staffing gaps while gaining diverse clinical experience.
- Urology nurse: A urology nurse cares for patients with diseases of the urinary system, such as bladder infections and kidney stones.
- Wound, ostomy, and continence nurse: A wound, ostomy, and continence nurse cares for patients with wounds caused by medical treatments, diseases, or injuries.
Care for patients in life-threatening situations caused by trauma or injury.
- Burn care nurse: A burn care nurse treats patients who have been burned by fire, hot water, oil, chemicals, or electricity.
- Critical care nurse: A critical care or ICU nurse takes care of patients who are in critical condition or recovering from serious medical conditions.
- Emergency nurse: An emergency nurse takes care of patients in a wide range of situations, from fevers to minor injuries and major trauma.
- Poison information specialist: A poison information specialist is a further specialized toxicology nurse, trained to help people who have accidentally ingested poison or who are seeking information about poisons.
- Telephone triage nurse: A telephone triage or telehealth nurse helps patients over the phone or via video chat.
- Toxicology nurse: A toxicology nurse takes care of patients who have swallowed poison, come into contact with toxins, been bitten by a snake, or been stung by a bee or wasp.
- Trauma nurse: A trauma nurse works in fast-paced emergency settings, providing specialized care to patients with severe or life-threatening injuries.
Look after expectant mothers, babies, children, and the elderly.
- Certified nurse midwife: A certified nurse midwife is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in women’s reproductive health and childbirth.
- Family nurse practitioner (FNP): A family nurse practitioner provides long-term, personalized healthcare, often building lasting relationships with patients across the lifespan.
- Genetics nurse: A genetics nurse works with people who have, or are at risk for, hereditary diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
- Geriatric nurse: A geriatric nurse assists doctors in caring for the mental and physical health of older patients who are at greater risk of injury and disease.
- Gerontological nurse practitioner: A gerontological nurse practitioner is a multidisciplinary primary healthcare provider who helps patients manage the physical, mental, and social effects of aging.
- Labor and delivery (L&D) nurse: A labor and delivery nurse provides care to women during labor and childbirth and supports maternal and newborn health.
- Lactation consultant: A lactation consultant helps new mothers breastfeed their babies and resolve challenges that may arise.
- Neonatal intensive care nurse: A neonatal intensive care nurse cares for premature and critically ill newborns in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.
- Obstetrics nurse: An obstetrics or OB/GYN nurse cares for women during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and other reproductive health issues.
- Oncology nurse: An oncology nurse provides specialized care to patients with cancer, supporting them through treatment, education, and recovery.
- Ophthalmic nurse: An ophthalmic nurse cares for patients with eye injuries or diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
- Orthopedic nurse: An orthopedic (or orthopaedic) nurse specializes in caring for patients with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
- Otorhinolaryngology nurse: An otorhinolaryngology, or ear, nose, and throat nurse, cares for patients with conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck.
- Pain management nurse: A pain management nurse cares for patients who are experiencing or are debilitated by chronic pain.
- Pediatric endocrinology nurse: A pediatric endocrinology nurse works with children under the age of 18 who have endocrine disorders such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, and pituitary conditions.
- Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP): A pediatric nurse practitioner focuses on the care of children from infancy through early adulthood, serving as both caregiver and educator for patients and families.
- Perinatal nurse: A perinatal nurse cares for women through preconception, pregnancy, and the weeks following childbirth.
- Reproductive nurse: A reproductive or fertility nurse treats and advises individuals and couples on fertility, conception, and reproductive health.
Provide care for patients with chronic conditions and diseases.
- Cardiac care nurse: A cardiac care nurse treats patients with heart diseases and conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and recovery after cardiac surgery.
- Dermatology nurse: A dermatology nurse treats patients with skin conditions and diseases and assists with cosmetic and dermatologic procedures.
- Developmental disability nurse: A developmental disability or special needs nurse cares for patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism.
- Diabetes nurse: A diabetes nurse supports patients in managing diabetes, including insulin use, blood sugar control, and lifestyle education.
- Gastroenterology nurse: A gastroenterology or endoscopy nurse works with patients who have digestive system and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Hematology nurse: A hematology nurse cares for patients with blood disorders and diseases such as hemophilia and leukemia.
- HIV/AIDS nurse: An HIV/AIDS nurse supports patients in the treatment and long-term management of HIV and AIDS.
- Holistic nurse: A holistic nurse combines conventional medical care with complementary and integrative approaches to treat the whole person.
- Infusion nurse: An infusion nurse administers medications and fluids through intravenous lines, ports, or venous access devices.
- Medical-surgical nurse: A medical-surgical nurse provides broad-based care to adult patients on hospital medical-surgical units.
- Nephrology nurse: A nephrology nurse cares for patients with kidney disease, impaired kidney function, or those at risk of renal failure.
- Neuroscience nurse: A neuroscience nurse helps patients who experience brain and nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, strokes, and brain injuries, recover from or learn to manage their condition.
- Nurse practitioner: A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides comprehensive patient care, including diagnosis, treatment, and care management.
- Patient blood management nurse: A patient blood management nurse focuses on optimizing patient blood health through evidence-based practices such as anemia management and blood-loss prevention.
- Psychiatric nurse: A psychiatric or behavioral health nurse cares for patients with mental health conditions, including mood disorders, addiction, and substance use disorders.
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner: A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner provides advanced mental health care, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric conditions.
- Public health nurse: A public health nurse promotes and protects community health through education, prevention, and population-based care.
- Pulmonary care nurse: A pulmonary or respiratory nurse treats patients with lung and respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pneumonia.
- Radiology nurse: A radiology nurse cares for patients undergoing diagnostic imaging and radiation-based procedures.
- Rehabilitation nurse: A rehabilitation nurse supports patients with chronic illness or long-term disabilities in regaining function and independence.
- Rheumatology nurse: A rheumatology nurse helps patients manage autoimmune and inflammatory conditions affecting joints and muscles, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Subacute nurse: A subacute nurse provides short-term, 24-hour care to patients recovering from serious illness or injury.
- Substance abuse nurse: A substance abuse or addiction nurse supports patients recovering from drug, alcohol, and substance use disorders.
- Telemetry nurse: A telemetry nurse monitors patients with cardiac conditions using specialized electronic equipment in progressive or intermediate care settings.
- Veterans affairs nurse: A veterans affairs nurse provides care to patients who have served in the US military.
Work towards quality, efficiency, and excellence in the practice of healthcare.
- Case management nurse: A case management nurse creates and coordinates long-term care plans to help patients achieve the best possible health outcomes.
- Clinical nurse leader: A clinical nurse leader coordinates patient care and works with healthcare teams to improve outcomes and care delivery.
- Clinical nurse specialist: A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice nurse with in-depth expertise in a specific clinical specialty.
- Health policy nurse: A health policy nurse researches, develops, and advocates for healthcare policies that improve patient care and public health.
- Infection control nurse: An infection control nurse works to prevent and control infections within healthcare settings to improve patient and staff safety.
- Informatics nurse: An informatics nurse uses healthcare data and information systems to improve patient care and clinical workflows.
- Legal nurse consultant: A legal nurse consultant serves as a medical expert in legal cases, helping attorneys understand healthcare-related issues.
- Long-term care nurse: A long-term care nurse provides ongoing care to patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities over extended periods.
- Managed care nurse: A managed care nurse helps patients navigate healthcare systems and access services, often within government-funded programs.
- Nurse advocate: A nurse advocate supports patients by helping them understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and healthcare decisions.
- Nurse attorney: A nurse attorney combines nursing expertise and legal training to work at the intersection of healthcare and law.
- Nurse educator: A nurse educator teaches and trains nursing students and healthcare professionals in academic and clinical settings.
- Nurse entrepreneur: A nurse entrepreneur uses nursing knowledge and experience to create and manage healthcare-related businesses.
- Nurse executive: A nurse executive leads healthcare organizations, overseeing operations, strategy, and nursing practice.
- Nurse life care planner: A nurse life care planner develops comprehensive, long-term care plans for patients with serious injuries or chronic conditions.
- Nurse manager: A nurse manager supervises nursing staff and oversees daily operations within a healthcare unit or organization.
- Quality improvement nurse: A quality improvement nurse focuses on improving patient care quality and safety within healthcare facilities.
Care for patients before, during and after medical procedures.
- Cardiac cath lab nurse: A cardiac cath lab nurse cares for patients undergoing catheter-based procedures to diagnose and treat heart conditions.
- Nurse anesthetist (CRNA): A certified registered nurse anesthetist administers anesthesia and manages patient pain before, during, and after surgical procedures.
- Perianesthesia nurse: A perianesthesia or recovery room nurse cares for patients as they enter and emerge from anesthesia or sedation.
- Perioperative nurse: A perioperative nurse provides care to patients before, during, and after surgical and invasive procedures.
- Plastic surgery nurse: A plastic surgery nurse cares for patients undergoing cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures.
- Transplant nurse: A transplant nurse supports patients who are donating or receiving organs or tissues through transplant procedures.
Which specialty is a good match for you? Take our quiz to find out.
No matter how far you are in your nursing journey, there’s a specialty to suit you. Take our quiz and find out which nursing specialty is right for you.
In their own words
Hear from these nurses about what it has meant for their careers to pursue a path toward a particular nursing speciality.
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Every day that I go home, I know I have impacted someone’s life in a positive way. I love knowing that I have been there for my patients, from those who are toddlers to those who are geriatrics. I help to alleviate their fears and be with them during a frightening experience in their lives.
Thomas, PhDNurse anesthetist
Specialties in demand
With increased expertise and skills, you’ll enjoy more opportunities, higher earnings and the chance to do work that’s meaningful to you. Here are some of the most in-demand nursing specialties:
Cardiac care nurse
A cardiac care nurse cares for patients with heart diseases or conditions, from coronary artery disease to heart failure and recovery from bypass surgery.
Certified nurse midwife
A certified nurse midwife is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who is specialized in women’s reproductive health and childbirth.
Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
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.
Emergency nurse
An emergency nurse takes care of patients in a wide range of situations, from fevers, to minor injuries and major trauma.
Home health nurse
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.
Hospice nurse
A hospice nurse takes care of terminally ill or injured patients at the end of their lives.
Neonatal intensive care nurse
A neonatal intensive care nurse cares for premature and critically ill newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital.
Nurse practitioner
A nurse practitioner provides primary and specialty care, helping patients holistically through diagnostics, treatment and education.
Obstetrics nurse
An obstetrics or OB/GYN Nurse cares for women during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and other reproductive health issues.
Oncology nurse
Oncology nurses specialize in caring for patients with cancer, providing treatments, monitoring symptoms, and coordinating care plans tailored to each individual. They play a critical role in both the clinical and emotional aspects of cancer care, supporting patients and their families throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Perioperative nurse
A perioperative or surgical nurse cares for patients before, during, and after surgery, and other invasive procedures.
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are certified advanced practice professionals responsible for the care of patients diagnosed with mental disorders and behavioral problems.
Telemetry nurse
A telemetry nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in monitoring and caring for patients who require continuous cardiac and vital sign monitoring but do not require intensive or critical care.
Find out more about the different nursing specialties.
Begin your nursing journey by finding information on over 90 nursing specialties including job characteristics and career paths for each type of nursing.