The healthcare industry is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes a demand for more nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 15 percent by 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is partly due to the increasing popularity of preventive care and the aging baby boomer population.
There are many different types of nursing specialties, and each offers its unique challenges and rewards. If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse or are already a nurse and considering a change, choosing a specialty that’s right for you is important.
Read on to explore some of the most popular nursing specialties, and learn more about what they involve.
- Cardiology Nursing
Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the heart. Cardiology nurses care for patients with heart conditions. They work closely with cardiologists to provide comprehensive care for their patients. Cardiology nurses must work well under pressure, often dealing with life-threatening situations. They must be able to think quickly and make decisions in the best interest of their patients.
Professional education requirements for cardiology nurses include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing, although many nurses pursue a master’s degree. For instance, online MSN programs offer a specialization in cardiology nursing.
The courses also provide the opportunity to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The salary range for cardiology nurses is $71,000-$93,000 per year. However, the actual salary will depend on factors such as years of experience, education, and geographic location.
- Critical Care Nursing
Critical care means the medical care of patients with life-threatening conditions. Critical care nurses work in intensive care units (ICUs). They provide care for patients who are critically ill or injured.
Critical care nurses must be able to handle high-pressure situations and make quick decisions. They need to have a strong knowledge of medications and be able to administer them safely while providing emotional support to patients and their families. There are plenty of opportunities for nurses with a critical care specialization, as the demand for ICU nurses is high. The salary range for critical care nurses is $66,000-$83,000 per year. In addition to a regular salary, many critical care nurses also receive shift differentials and bonuses.
- Emergency Nursing
There comes a time in everyone’s life when they need to visit the emergency room. Whether for a minor injury or a major medical event, the ER is where people go when they need immediate medical care. Emergency nurses are the ones who provide that care, and hence they must be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions. They need to be able to handle high-pressure situations and make quick decisions.
Emergency nurses must have a strong knowledge of medications and be able to administer them safely. For instance, patients often come in with life-threatening injuries or illnesses, so nurses need to be able to handle the situation calmly and with a clear head. Emergency nurses often work long hours, which can be physically and emotionally demanding. The salary range for emergency nurses is $64,000-$80,000 per year.
- Neonatal Nursing
Neonatal is a subspecialty of pediatrics centered on medical care for newborns. Neonatal nurses care for newborn infants who are born prematurely or who have medical conditions that require special care.
Nurses who work closely in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) have a strong knowledge of medications and their respective administration. The parents often deal with the stress of a sick or premature baby. The work can be emotionally demanding, as many babies in NICUs are sick or premature. The salary range for neonatal nurses is $60,000-$77,000 per year.
- Oncology Nursing
Cancer is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Oncology nurses are the ones who provide care for cancer patients. Oncology nurses must have a strong knowledge of medications and be able to administer them safely.
The work can be emotionally demanding, as many patients are seriously ill. The salary range for oncology nurses is $61,000-$79,000 annually. In addition to a regular salary, many oncology nurses receive shift differentials and bonuses.
- Pediatric Nursing
The study of pediatrics is about understanding the development of kids needing diagnosis and treatment. Pediatric nurses care for infants, children, and adolescents who are ill or injured and work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. These nurses must have a strong knowledge of medications and be able to administer them safely.
The scope of pediatric nursing includes everything from preventive care to treating chronic and acute conditions. The nurses must possess great patience and the ability to empathize with the young patients and their families. The salary range for pediatric nurses is $58,000-$76,000 per year. They also are entitled to many benefits and bonuses.
- Psychiatric Nursing
The field of psychiatry is dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental illness. Psychiatric nurses are the ones who provide care for patients with mental illnesses. They work with patients with mental illness or substance abuse problems.
Psychiatric nurses must have a strong knowledge of medications and be able to administer them safely. The work can be emotionally demanding, as many patients are seriously ill. Hence, they need to have a good support system. The salary range for psychiatric nurses is $62,000-$81,000 per year. The field can also take a toll on the mental health of the nurses.
- School Nursing
School nurses work in elementary, middle, and high schools. They provide care for students who are ill or injured. School nurses also work with the staff to promote good health and safety practices. School nurses must have a strong knowledge of medications and be able to administer them safely. They also need to be familiar with the immunization requirements for each state. The salary range for school nurses is $50,000-$68,000 per year.
Conclusion
The field of nursing is diverse and offers many different specialties. The most important thing to consider when choosing a specialty is your passion.
There are many different nursing specialties, each with unique challenges and rewards. The best way to find the right specialty for you is to explore all your options and find the one that best suits your interests and skills. Whichever nursing specialty you choose, you can be sure that you will be making a difference in the lives of others.
