Nursing specialties

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

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.

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

A medical-surgical nurse has extensive knowledge that can assist doctors on the medical-surgical floor of a hospital.

A nephrology nurse works with patients who have kidney diseases, abnormal kidney functions or are at risk of kidney problems.

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.

A nurse practitioner provides primary and specialty care, helping patients holistically through diagnostics, treatment and education.

A patient blood management nurse is part of the multidisciplinary care team focused on preserving and optimizing patient blood health through Patient Blood Management (PBM). PBM is a patient-centered, evidence-based approach that emphasizes anemia management, prevention of blood loss and bleeding, and prioritizes patient safety and empowerment.

A psychiatric or behavioral health nurse cares for patients with psychiatric disorders such as mental illness, eating disorders, addiction, and substance abuse.

Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are certified advanced practice professionals responsible for the care of patients diagnosed with mental disorders and behavioral problems.

A public health nurse promotes and protects the health of people within a community.

A pulmonary care or respiratory nurse treats patients who are suffering from lung and respiratory conditions.

A radiology nurse takes care of patients who are undergoing ultrasounds, MRIs, X-rays and radiation treatments.

A rehabilitation nurse cares for patients who have chronic illnesses or long-term disabilities.

A rheumatology nurse helps patients with rheumatic diseases that affect the joints and muscles, such as lupus, fibromyalgia, myositis, spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and Lyme disease.

A subacute nurse looks after seriously ill or injured patients who require 24-hour care for a short period of time.

A substance abuse or addiction nurse helps patients who are addicted to drugs, alcohol and other substances.

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. Telemetry refers to the transmission of data from the patient to a central monitoring station, allowing telemetry nurses to track patients’ conditions in real-time.

A veterans affairs nurse takes care of patients who have served in the U.S. military.