The nursing profession comes with near endless opportunities to specialize. Whether you’re new to the scrubs or you’ve been in the profession for decades, the options for growth are always there. In our new Nursing Specialties Guide, you’ll get an outline of daily duties, average salary, required education, and the type of nurse who’d be a good fit for nine popular nursing specialties.
We hope you can use this nursing specialties guide as a leaping-off point for the next stage of your nursing career.
Download the Guide to Nursing Specialties
Cardiac nurse
Cardiac nurses work with patients experiencing acute and chronic heart conditions. Often, they work with cardiologists and cardiac nurse practitioners. Cardiac nurses are trained in the use of tools like defibrillators for use in cases of acute heart failure, heart attacks, or cardiac arrest. The role of a cardiac nurse is best suited to:
- Detail-oriented individuals who can remain calm under pressure
- Those interested in heart health and cardiovascular medicine
- People who enjoy working with technology and medical equipment
What to expect in a typical day
- Monitoring patients’ heart rhythms and vital signs
- Administering cardiac medications and treatments
- Educating patients about heart health and lifestyle changes
Required education for cardiac nurses
- Associates Degree or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) if working with the pediatric patient population, the certification is recommended
Critical care nurse
Critical care nurses deal with some of the sickest patients. They often specialize in a specific critical care area. For example, intensive care units are often divided by specialties including trauma, burns, neurological, cardiac, and medical. The role of a critical care nurse is best suited to:
- Quick thinkers who thrive in high-stress environments
- Those who enjoy challenging, fast-paced work
- Individuals with strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
What to expect in a typical day
- Managing complex medical equipment (ventilators, monitors, multiple IV pumps)
- Providing intensive care to critically ill patients
- Collaborating closely with physicians and specialists
Required education for cardiac care nurses
- Associates or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification recommended
Recommended: Critical Care/Emergency Specialty CE Courses for Nursing Professionals
Emergency department nurse
Emergency department nurses are versatile, great under pressure, and have excellent critical thinking skills. Nurses in the emergency department can see patients with everything from the flu to a mental health crisis to severe traumas. The role of an emergency department nurse is best suited to:
- Adrenaline junkies who work well under pressure
- Those who enjoy variety and unpredictability in their work
- Individuals with strong communication and teamwork skills
What to expect in a typical day
- Triaging patients with varying levels of urgency
- Performing rapid assessments and interventions
- Adapting quickly to unpredictable situations
Required education for emergency department nurses
- ADN/ASN or BSN
- Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Certifications Recommended or Required: Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
Flight nurse
Flight nurses, also called aircraft, helicopter, or transport nurses, are RNs who provide medical care as they transport patients in either helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. These nurses have many of the same responsibilities as registered nurses. With additional training, they also have the option of pursuing a military or civilian career. The role of a flight nurse is best suited to:
- Adventure-seekers who can handle high-stress situations
- Those comfortable with air travel and changing environments
- Individuals with strong physical stamina and mental resilience
What to expect in a typical day
- Providing critical care during air medical transport
- Working in confined spaces with limited resources
- Performing advanced medical procedures in challenging environments
Required education for flight nurses
- ADN/ASN or BSN
- Registered Nurse (RN) license
- 3-5 years of critical care or emergency nursing experience
- Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)
- Certifications Recommended or Required: Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
Geriatric nurse
Geriatric nursing is by far the most common nursing specialty. Like critical care, geriatric nursing includes sub-specialties like medical-surgical nursing, oncology, rehabilitation, long-term care, and more. Nurses working in geriatric units are often experts in wound care, medication administration, and helping patients manage chronic conditions. The role of a geriatric nurse is best suited to:
- Patient and empathetic individuals who enjoy working with older adults
- Those interested in long-term care and chronic disease management
- People with strong communication skills and cultural sensitivity
What to expect in a typical day
- Managing multiple chronic conditions in elderly patients
- Providing compassionate care and emotional support
- Collaborating with families and caregivers
Required education for geriatric nurses
- ADN/ASN or BSN
- Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Certifications Recommended or Required: Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC)
Recommended: Geriatric Specialty CE Courses for Nursing Professionals
Obstetric nurse
Obstetric nurses specialize in the care of women prior to conception, during pregnancy and childbirth, and immediately after the baby is born. They help assess, monitor, treat, and provide other types of support to both mother and child under the supervision of an obstetrician. Some obstetric nurses also provide care for the newborn after delivery. The role of an obstetric nurse is best suited to:
- Those who are passionate about maternal and infant health
- Those who can remain calm and focus in high-stress situations
- People with strong interpersonal skills, a calm demeanor, and a compassionate nature
What to expect in a typical day
- Monitoring pregnant women and assisting during labor and delivery
- Providing postpartum care for mothers and newborns
- Educating patients on pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care
Required education for obstetric nurses
- ADN/ASN or BSN
- Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Certifications Recommended or Required: Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) certification, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Pediatric nurse
Pediatric nurses provide specialized care for children, typically in a setting that primarily provides pediatric care. These nurses are very knowledgeable about growth and development and often collaborate with the patient’s family to provide care for the child. The role of a pediatric nurse is best suited to:
- Those who love working with children and have a playful nature
- Individuals with patience and the ability to communicate effectively with both children and parents
- People interested in child development and family-centered care
What to expect in a typical day
- Providing age-appropriate care to infants, children, and adolescents
- Administering medications and treatments for various pediatric conditions
- Educating families on child health and development
Required education
- ADN/ASN or BSN
- Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Certifications Recommended or Required: Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification
Recommended: Pediatric Continuing Education for Nursing Professionals
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
A SANE is specially trained to examine and care for survivors of sexual assault. These nurses play an important role in not only addressing the physical needs of the patient but also in helping them work through the psychological effects of sexual assault. In addition, these nurses collect evidence to help identify the person who assaulted the patient. SANEs also work with law enforcement. The role of a SANE is best suited to:
- Compassionate individuals with strong emotional resilience
- Those committed to advocating for sexual assault survivors
- People with attention to detail and the ability to maintain objectivity
What to expect in a typical day
- Conducting forensic examinations for sexual assault victims
- Providing emotional support and crisis intervention
- Collaborating with law enforcement and legal professionals
Required education
- ADN/ASN or BSN
- Registered Nurse (RN) license
- SANE certification (requires additional specialized training)
Surgical nurse
Surgical or operating nurses help set up operating rooms for surgery, position the patient for their procedure, gather necessary supplies, and document everything that happens during surgery. These nurses also care for patients before and after their surgeries. They also play an important part in making sure that the patient is kept safe from surgical errors, allergic reactions, and dangerous infections. The role of a surgical nurse is best suited to:
- Detail-oriented individuals who work well in team settings
- Those interested in surgical procedures and medical technology
- People with strong organizational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure
What to expect in a typical day
- Preparing patients for surgery and assisting during procedures
- Managing surgical instruments and maintaining a sterile environment
- Monitoring patients’ vital signs and recovery post-surgery
Required education
- ADN/ASN or BSN
- Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Certifications Recommended or Required: Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) certification
