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

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

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

A military nurse is a member of the armed forces who cares for patients in the military all over the world and veterans in the U.S.

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.

A nurse writer, author or historian writes and contributes to educational materials, articles, historical books, even television or movie scripts about nursing.

An occupational health nurse is charged with protecting the safety and health of people who work in hospitals, businesses, and other organizations.

A parish or faith community nurse cares for patients within their religious community.

A research nurse is a scientist who works with patients during clinical trials, recording and managing data with the intent of discovering newer, better ways to provide care.

A rural nurse helps patients living in geographically and culturally isolated areas, who may have limited access to healthcare.

A school nurse takes care of students from pre-K school to college, who get sick or injured in an academic setting.

A supplemental or agency nurse works independently as freelancer, providing extra nursing help to hospitals and other healthcare facilities when their staffing is low.

A transcultural nurse provides culturally sensitive care to patients from different ethnicities and backgrounds around the globe.

A travel nurse works for an independent staffing agency, filling temporary positions from eight to thirteen weeks in the U.S. and one to two years abroad.

A urology nurse cares for patients with diseases related to the urinary system, such as bladder infections and kidney stones.

A wound, ostomy, and continence nurse cares for patients with wounds caused by medical treatments, diseases or injuries.