Career Ideas.
Inpatient
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Outpatient
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Remote
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Travel
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Trauma
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Leadership
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Legal
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Inpatient + Outpatient + Remote + Travel + Trauma + Leadership + Legal +
Let’s find a career that works for you.
Hello to my future and fellow nurses! Whether you're just starting out in your nursing journey or considering a career pivot, this is the perfect place to investigate your options. As someone who's been in the field for over 10 years and has explored about a dozen different specialties so far (and counting!), I know how important it is to find a specialty that not only fits your interests but also supports a healthy work-life balance.
Preventing burnout is KEY to a long and fulfilling career in nursing!
In this FREE guide, we'll explore over 35 nursing specialties and career options. From the fast-paced world of flight nursing to the serene environment of remote nursing, there's a niche for everyone.
We’ll look at what each specialty entails, the skills required, and consider how they might align with your lifestyle and personal goals.
Let’s get started.
What do you want your life to look like?
Finding the right specialty is a journey, and it’s okay to take your time exploring your options. The goal is to find a path that brings you joy, fulfillment, and balance.
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What aspects of nursing do you enjoy the most? Patient interaction, technical skills, teaching, or research? Do you hate dealing with bodily fluids, enjoy the rush of an emergent situation, or love technology? I promise, there is a specialty for you.
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Think about the work environment and schedule that suits you best. Do you thrive in high-pressure situations, or do you prefer a more predictable routine? Do you like working three 12 our shifts or do you prefer bankers hours? Balancing work with your personal life is crucial for long-term success in this career.
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Reflect on your strengths and skills. Are you good at quick decision-making and handling emergencies? Or do high-pressure life-or-death situations give you high anxiety? Do you excel in organization and administrative tasks? Or do you prefer to consider the ethics and legality of unique patient care situations?
You know yourself best, and what's desirable by your peers might not be the best fit for you.
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Learn about so many unique nursing fields below! Follow-up your reading by looking up different job postings, reading those job descriptions, and find the nurses who do these specialties in real life! Don't be afraid to send out emails to these nurses and ask to shadow them or hop onto a video call for 30 minutes to further understand what they do day-to-day! So many people are happy to explain what they actually do. Plus, this will give you a clearer picture of what to expect in all these different roles.
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Where do you see yourself in the future? Some specialties offer more opportunities for advancement, specialization, or even transitioning into different roles like administration or education. Others can give you a better opportunity to be home more often, and more present with your kids.
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Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from mentors, colleagues, or career counselors. They can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision. If you are afraid of colleagues being upset that you are "shopping elsewhere" remember that you owe it to yourself to cultivate the life that YOU want and need.
Nursing Careers + Specialties
Click on each area of nursing to explore what each specialty entails, the skills required, and consider how they might align with your lifestyle and personal goals.
Most Common
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What it Entails: Critical care nurses work in ICU settings, providing intensive care to patients with life-threatening conditions. They monitor complex medical equipment, administer potent medications, and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
Skills Required:
Advanced clinical skills and critical thinking
Proficiency with complex medical equipment
Ability to handle high-stress situations
Strong patient and family communication
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who thrive in high-acuity, fast-paced environments. ICU nurses often work 12-hour shifts, which can provide more days off but require resilience to handle long, demanding hours.
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What it Entails: Emergency nurses work in the ED, providing rapid assessment and treatment for patients with acute illnesses and injuries. They handle a wide variety of cases, from minor ailments to critical emergencies.
Skills Required:
Rapid decision-making and triage skills
Ability to stay calm under pressure
Strong multitasking abilities
Excellent teamwork and communication
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who enjoy unpredictable, fast-paced work. Shifts can be irregular, including nights and weekends, which may appeal to those who prefer fewer, longer shifts.
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What it Entails: Labor and delivery nurses assist mothers through the childbirth process, providing care during labor, delivery, and postpartum. They monitor fetal and maternal health and support families through childbirth.
Skills Required:
Strong assessment and critical thinking skills
Compassion and patient advocacy
Ability to handle high-stress, emotional situations
Proficiency in neonatal resuscitation and emergency procedures
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who enjoy working with expectant mothers and newborns. Shifts can be long and require the ability to handle both joyous and stressful situations.
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What it Entails: Medical-surgical nurses care for adult patients with a wide range of medical conditions and post-surgical needs. They work in various units, including general surgery, orthopedics, oncology, neurology, and nephrology.
Skills Required:
Broad clinical knowledge
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Proficiency in patient education and discharge planning
Adaptability to different patient needs
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for nurses who enjoy variety in their work and have strong organizational skills. Shifts can be demanding, but this specialty offers a stable and predictable schedule.
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What it Entails: Neonatal nurses work in the NICU, providing specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, and support families during difficult times.
Skills Required:
Proficiency in neonatal care and resuscitation
Compassion and family-centered care approach
Attention to detail and strong assessment skills
Ability to handle high-stress situations
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who are passionate about caring for newborns. Shifts can be long and emotionally challenging but rewarding for those who want to make a difference in the lives of infants and their families.
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What it Entails: Pediatric nurses care for infants, children, and adolescents in various settings. They focus on growth and development, preventive care, and treating illnesses and injuries specific to younger patients.
Skills Required:
Strong understanding of child development
Patience and excellent communication skills with both children and parents
Compassion and empathy
Ability to educate and reassure families
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who love working with children and families. Pediatric nursing can be demanding but fulfilling, offering a predictable schedule in most settings.
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What it Entails: Perianesthesia nurses care for patients before and after anesthesia. They prepare patients for surgery, monitor them during recovery, and manage pain and complications post-operatively.
Skills Required:
Strong assessment and monitoring skills
Proficiency in pain management
Ability to quickly respond to emergencies
Excellent communication and patient education
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who prefer a structured environment with predictable shifts. This specialty offers a balance of critical care and patient interaction.
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What it Entails: Telemetry nurses monitor patients' heart rhythms using specialized equipment. They care for patients with cardiac conditions, administer medications, and respond to cardiac emergencies.
Skills Required:
Proficiency in cardiac monitoring and interpretation
Strong clinical assessment skills
Ability to respond quickly to emergencies
Patient education and support
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who have an interest in cardiac care and prefer a setting that combines monitoring and direct patient care. Shifts can be long but often follow a predictable schedule.
More Specialized
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What it Entails: Burn nurses care for patients with severe burns, providing wound care, pain management, and emotional support. They work in specialized burn units and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Skills Required:
Expertise in wound care and pain management
Compassion and emotional resilience
Ability to handle complex and long-term care
Strong patient and family communication
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who are passionate about wound care and long-term patient relationships. This specialty can be emotionally challenging but highly rewarding.
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What it Entails: Camp nurses provide healthcare for children and staff at summer camps. They handle minor injuries, illnesses, and manage chronic conditions while promoting a healthy camp environment.
Skills Required:
Broad clinical skills
Ability to work independently
Strong first aid and emergency response skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Lifestyle Suitability: Perfect for those who enjoy working with children in an outdoor, community setting. Camp nursing offers a unique work environment with seasonal flexibility.
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What it Entails: Cath lab nurses assist in cardiac catheterization procedures, including angioplasties and stent placements. They prepare patients, monitor them during procedures, and provide post-procedure care.
Skills Required:
Proficiency in cardiac care and monitoring
Strong procedural and technical skills
Ability to respond quickly to emergencies
Patient education and support
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who enjoy procedural work and a fast-paced environment. Shifts can be long and may include on-call hours, requiring flexibility and dedication.
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What it Entails: Case management nurses coordinate patient care, ensuring efficient and effective treatment plans. They work with patients, families, and healthcare teams to manage resources and improve outcomes.
Skills Required:
Strong organizational and communication skills
Ability to navigate healthcare systems and resources
Proficiency in patient advocacy and education
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who enjoy coordinating care and working behind the scenes. This role offers a more predictable schedule and less direct patient care.
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What it Entails: Nurse expert witnesses provide specialized knowledge in legal cases involving medical issues. They review case materials, prepare expert reports, and testify in court as expert witnesses.
Skills Required:
Extensive clinical experience and expertise
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
Ability to explain complex medical information clearly
Excellent communication and public speaking abilities
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those with significant clinical experience who are interested in legal matters. This role can offer flexibility and often involves working on a case-by-case basis.
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What it Entails: Flight nurses provide critical care to patients during air transport, often in emergency situations. They work on helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft, stabilizing patients en route to medical facilities.
Skills Required:
Advanced clinical skills and critical thinking
Ability to work in high-stress, unpredictable environments
Strong assessment and stabilization skills
Excellent teamwork and communication
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who thrive in high-adrenaline environments and enjoy travel. This specialty requires flexibility and resilience to handle irregular hours and emergency situations.
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What it Entails: Forensic nurses care for patients who are victims of trauma, abuse, or violence. They collect evidence, provide medical care, and often work closely with law enforcement and legal systems.
Skills Required:
Strong clinical and forensic skills
Compassion and emotional resilience
Attention to detail and documentation
Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those interested in the intersection of healthcare and the legal system. This role can be emotionally demanding but rewarding for those passionate about advocating for victims.
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What it Entails: Home health nurses provide care to patients in their homes, managing chronic conditions, administering medications, and offering education and support. They often work independently, traveling to different patients' homes.
Skills Required:
Strong clinical and assessment skills
Ability to work independently
Excellent communication and patient education
Organizational and time-management skills
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who prefer a more autonomous work environment and enjoy one-on-one patient care. This role offers flexibility and a more personalized approach to nursing.
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What it Entails: Hospice nurses provide end-of-life care, focusing on comfort, pain management, and emotional support for patients and their families. They work in homes, hospice facilities, and hospitals.
Skills Required:
Strong palliative care skills
Compassion and empathy
Ability to handle emotionally challenging situations
Excellent communication and family support
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who are passionate about providing compassionate end-of-life care. This role can be emotionally demanding but profoundly fulfilling.
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What it Entails: Informatics nurses integrate nursing with information technology to improve patient care. They work on electronic health records (EHR), data analysis, and system implementation.
Skills Required:
Strong IT and analytical skills
Understanding of clinical workflows
Ability to train and educate staff
Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who enjoy technology and data analysis. This role offers a more predictable schedule and less direct patient care.
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What it Entails: Infusion nurses specialize in administering intravenous medications and therapies. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home care settings, managing infusions and monitoring patients for reactions.
Skills Required:
Proficiency in IV insertion and maintenance
Strong assessment and monitoring skills
Attention to detail and patient safety
Excellent communication and patient education
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who enjoy procedural work and patient interaction. This role offers a predictable schedule with a focus on specialized care.
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What it Entails: Interventional radiology nurses assist with minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging technology. They prepare patients, monitor them during procedures, and provide post-procedure care.
Skills Required:
Strong procedural and technical skills
Ability to work with imaging technology
Proficiency in patient monitoring and sedation
Excellent communication and teamwork
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who enjoy procedural work and technology. Shifts can be long and may include on-call hours, requiring flexibility.
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What it Entails: Lactation consultants specialize in breastfeeding support and education. They assist new mothers with breastfeeding techniques, address challenges, and promote successful breastfeeding.
Skills Required:
Strong knowledge of breastfeeding and lactation
Patience and excellent communication skills
Compassion and empathy
Ability to educate and support families
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those passionate about maternal and child health. This role offers flexibility and the opportunity to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice.
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What it Entails: Legal nurse consultants (LNCs) assist attorneys in understanding medical records and healthcare issues related to legal cases. They analyze medical documents, provide expert opinions, and may testify in court.
Skills Required:
Strong clinical and analytical skills
Excellent understanding of medical terminology and legal processes
Attention to detail and critical thinking
Effective communication and report-writing abilities
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those interested in the intersection of healthcare and law. This role offers a more predictable schedule with opportunities for remote work and consulting.
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What it Entails: Missionary nurses provide healthcare services in underserved or remote areas, often as part of humanitarian missions. They offer medical care, health education, and support to communities in need.
Skills Required:
Broad clinical skills
Adaptability and cultural sensitivity
Strong problem-solving abilities
Compassion and dedication
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who are passionate about global health and helping underserved populations. This role often involves travel and working in challenging environments.
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What it Entails: Mental health nurses care for patients with psychiatric disorders, providing therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community settings.
Skills Required:
Strong understanding of psychiatric disorders
Compassion and patience
Excellent communication and therapeutic skills
Ability to handle high-stress situations
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who are passionate about mental health and enjoy working with patients over the long term. This role can be emotionally demanding but deeply rewarding.
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What it Entails: Military nurses provide healthcare services to military personnel and their families. They work in various settings, including military hospitals, clinics, and field operations.
Skills Required:
Strong clinical skills
Adaptability and resilience
Ability to work in diverse environments
Excellent teamwork and leadership
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who are interested in serving their country and enjoy working in a structured, disciplined environment. This role often involves travel and relocation.
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What it Entails: Nurse educators teach and train nursing students and practicing nurses. They work in academic settings, hospitals, and training programs, developing curricula and providing instruction.
Skills Required:
Strong clinical and teaching skills
Ability to develop and deliver educational content
Excellent communication and mentoring abilities
Passion for lifelong learning
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who are passionate about education and mentorship. This role offers a more predictable schedule and the opportunity to shape the future of nursing.
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What it Entails: Nurse midwives provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. They also offer gynecological care, family planning, and education.
Skills Required:
Strong clinical and obstetric skills
Compassion and patient advocacy
Ability to handle high-stress situations
Excellent communication and patient education
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those passionate about maternal and women's health. This role can be demanding with irregular hours but is highly rewarding.
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What it Entails: Nurse leaders oversee nursing staff and manage healthcare units or departments. They ensure quality patient care, manage budgets, and implement policies.
Skills Required:
Strong leadership and management skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
Ability to handle administrative tasks
Problem-solving and decision-making skills
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who are interested in leadership and improving healthcare systems. This role offers a more predictable schedule but requires flexibility and dedication.
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What it Entails: Pain management nurses specialize in assessing and managing chronic and acute pain. They work in hospitals, clinics, and pain management centers, developing treatment plans and providing patient education.
Skills Required:
Strong assessment and pain management skills
Compassion and patient advocacy
Ability to develop and implement care plans
Excellent communication and patient education
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who are passionate about improving patients' quality of life. This role offers a predictable schedule with a focus on specialized care.
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What it Entails: Perioperative nurses assist in surgical procedures, providing care before, during, and after surgery. They ensure a sterile environment, prepare patients, and support surgeons.
Skills Required:
Strong procedural and technical skills
Proficiency in sterile technique and infection control
Ability to handle high-stress situations
Excellent teamwork and communication
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who enjoy procedural work and a structured environment. Shifts can be long and may include on-call hours, requiring flexibility.
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What it Entails: Plastic surgery nurses assist with cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. They provide pre- and post-operative care, patient education, and support during recovery.
Skills Required:
Strong procedural and technical skills
Proficiency in wound care and pain management
Compassion and patient support
Attention to detail
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who are interested in surgical care and patient transformation. This role offers a predictable schedule with a focus on specialized care.
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What it Entails: Prison nurses provide healthcare services to inmates in correctional facilities. They manage chronic conditions, administer medications, and respond to medical emergencies.
Skills Required:
Strong clinical and assessment skills
Ability to work in a secure, structured environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
Compassion and patience
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those interested in public health and underserved populations. This role offers a predictable schedule but requires resilience and adaptability.
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What it Entails: Risk management nurses identify and mitigate risks in healthcare settings. They investigate incidents, develop safety protocols, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Skills Required:
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and documentation
Knowledge of healthcare regulations and safety standards
Excellent communication and teamwork
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those interested in improving healthcare safety and quality. This role offers a more predictable schedule with a focus on administrative tasks.
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What it Entails: Rehab nurses work in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), providing care to patients recovering from surgery, injury, or illness. They develop rehabilitation plans and support patients' recovery.
Skills Required:
Strong assessment and rehabilitation skills
Compassion and patience
Ability to develop and implement care plans
Excellent communication and patient education
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who enjoy long-term patient relationships and supporting recovery. This role offers a predictable schedule with a focus on patient-centered care.
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What it Entails: School nurses provide healthcare services to students, managing chronic conditions, administering medications, and responding to health emergencies. They also promote health education and wellness.
Skills Required:
Strong clinical and assessment skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
Ability to work independently
Compassion and patience
Lifestyle Suitability: Ideal for those who enjoy working with children and promoting health education. This role offers a predictable schedule aligned with the school calendar.
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What it Entails: Travel nurses take short-term assignments in various locations, providing care in different healthcare settings. They fill staffing gaps and gain diverse clinical experiences.
Skills Required:
Strong clinical and adaptability skills
Ability to quickly integrate into new environments
Excellent communication and teamwork
Flexibility and resilience
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those who enjoy travel and variety in their work. This role offers the opportunity to explore new places and gain diverse experiences.
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What it Entails: Wound and ostomy nurses specialize in caring for patients with wounds, ostomies, and continence issues. They provide assessment, treatment, and education to promote healing and quality of life.
Skills Required:
Expertise in wound and ostomy care
Strong assessment and treatment skills
Compassion and patient advocacy
Excellent communication and patient education
Lifestyle Suitability: Suitable for those passionate about wound care and for those who can handle the various sights and smells that go along with changing dressings. This role offers flexibility and the opportunity to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice.