There are various types of nursing, each with its own distinct focus and requirements. Different types of nurses include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Nursing specialties can range from pediatrics to oncology, and require specialized training and education to provide expert care in their respective areas.
As a career rooted in long-term, and sometimes multigenerational patient relationships, Family Nurse Practitioners are among the most compassionate and intimately connected providers in all of healthcare. FNPs are the people you’ll likely see most throughout your medical life, and are leaned on by both patients and doctors to provide individualized healthcare insights, and support. If you enjoy working with patients every day, and building meaningful relationships, earning a nurse practitioner degree, and becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner may prove to be an extremely rewarding career.
A Gerontological Nurse Practitioner is a multi-disciplined primary healthcare provider who helps patients manage the physical, mental, and social effects of aging.
Labor and delivery is emotionally and physically intense for any mother, no matter how many times they’ve been through it, the birth plan they’re following, or the unforeseen choices they may have to make. As a Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurse, you’ll help care for mothers and newborns before, during, and after the birth. Your patients will look to you for information, reassurance and guidance in handling a delicate new life, new family member, and entirely new experience. It’s on you to meet their emotions with compassion, address their questions with a calm and honest attitude, monitor their pain with proper treatment and support, and prioritize the health and safety of their newborn.
Oncology refers to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. As an Oncology Nurse, you’ll be a crucial member of cancer care teams, providing expertise and support to individuals with a scary diagnosis. Because of the nature of these diagnoses, being an Oncology Nurse requires a strong capacity for compassion and an ability to function at a high level in emotionally stressful settings. While this may seem disheartening, it’s important to note that your service as an Oncology Nurse provides your patients with a valuable base of support in their fight to overcome the odds and exit a survivor. Not all superheros wear capes… some wear scrubs.
An Orthopedic or Orthopaedic Nurse takes care of people with musculoskeletal diseases and disorders, like arthritis, fractures, broken bones, joint replacements, and osteoporosis.
A Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse works with children under the age of eighteen who have endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, and pituitary problems.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) focus on the care of children from infancy to early adulthood. Because of this, PNPs take on the role of caretaker and educator, ensuring that their patients and their families are fully informed and supported during the many stages that occur throughout young lives. In many states, PNPs can function without a physician’s oversight, allowing them to serve their patients as a primary care provider and run their own practice. If you’re looking for a career in medicine where you not only can diagnose and treat patients independently, but also serve as a trusted ally and educator to them and their families, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner may prove to be a rewarding path.
Perioperative nursing—also referred to as operating room (OR) or surgical nursing—specializes in patient care before, during, and after surgical and invasive procedures. Find out more about nursing career opportunities within this specialty here.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are crucial members of any surgical care team. As a CRNA, you’re responsible for bringing stellar communication skills, quality patient care, and a high level of scientific skill to each of your cases, likely to range across all disciplines.
As a Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurse, you’ll help care for mothers and newborns before, during, and after the birth. Your patients will look to you for information, reassurance and guidance in handling a delicate new life, new family member, and entirely new experience.
Take our quiz to see what nursing specialty is a good match for you.
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