12 Common Nursing Specialities (Salaries, Job Description & Education Included)

Nursing is a broad profession that covers an expansive range of roles. This wide span of job titles offers more career prospects for candidates to choose from when deciding where to specialize in this field. Since there are so many kinds of nurses, it can be intimidating for aspirants to choose among them. Reading through this article will simplify things for you.

Common Nursing Specialities

Nurses are entrusted with performing a vast range of functions. Their exact scope of duties will vary depending on certain factors. These are mainly their qualifications, along with the hard and soft skills that they possess. Here are some well-known types of nursing specialties:

1. Oncology Nurse

Education Required:

Associate’s Degree or Bachelor of Science degree, along with being a licensed Registered Nurse.

Average Annual Salary: $109,594 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

Oncology deals with the treatment of cancer. These nurses are highly specialized and well-trained. Their duties also involve educating patients and their families on how to cope with the disease. They must regularly monitor patients and assess their progress. They may even prescribe medications if necessary. The job requires calm nerves, as you deal with critically ill patients.

2. Orthopedic Nurse

Education Required:

Bachelor of Science degree, along with being a licensed Registered Nurse.

Average Annual Salary: $106,741 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

The branch of orthopedics deals with the deformities and disorders of the skeletal system and the elements associated with them, like tendons and ligaments. Common issues these kinds of nurses deal with include osteoporosis, fractured bones, arthritis, joint replacements, etc. They can also help with disease management for illnesses within their scope of knowledge.

3. Pediatric Nurse

Education Required:

Associate’s degree or Bachelor of Science degree along with being a licensed Registered Nurse.

Average Annual Salary: $62,238 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

Pediatric nurses focus on specialized care for children. Their services span from infants to adolescents. Their range of duties includes diagnosing illnesses, creating treatment plans, conducting physical examinations, etc. It is a role that suits medical aspirants who are good at dealing with kids.

4. ER Nurse

Education Required:

Associate’s degree or Bachelor of Science degree along with being a licensed Registered Nurse

Average Annual Salary: $103,408 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

They typically work as part of a team in the emergency rooms. They perform a range of duties after evaluation, ensuring the patient has reached a stable state. ER nurses are also entrusted with medicine administration and reviewing medical charts. They also tend to basic ailments and wounds when needed. To be in this job, you need to be able to deal with high-pressure situations. Hence, it is not for the faint-hearted.

5. Labor And Delivery Nurse

Education Required:

Associate’s degree or bachelor of science degree along with being a licensed Registered Nurse.

Average Annual Salary: $119,919 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

This form of nursing specialization focuses on taking care of pregnant women. It even involves assistance during labor and delivery, along with prenatal appointments. Their responsibilities continue even after successful childbirth, as they have to counsel and educate new mothers on how to take care of their children.

6. Nursing Administrator

Education Required:

Bachelor of Science degree, along with being a licensed Registered Nurse.

Average Annual Salary: $105,977 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

The position is similar to being a Nurse Manager but on a larger scale. Their primary duties involve overseeing nursing units and teams. They play a crucial role in ensuring the organization runs smoothly and effectively. This role requires candidates to possess good people skills while also being comfortable with leadership and making decisions.

7. Travel Nurse

Education Required:

Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, along with being a licensed Registered Nurse.

Average Annual Salary: $106,946 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

This job is a bit different from most jobs, as these nurses do not operate in a fixed workplace for the most part. This can make it a bit unsettling. It has its positives, though, as you get to explore and see different places and familiarize yourself with new cultures. Apart from just a base of medical knowledge and skills, you also have the mental resolve to deal with the constant travel.

8. Nurse Practitioner

Education Required:

Relevant Master’s degree or a Doctor Nursing Practice degree (DNP). They are classified as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

Average Annual Salary: $132,687 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

They must possess a wide range of abilities and be capable of serving both as primary and specialty care providers. Some of their common duties include performing physical exams, ordering tests, prescribing medications, etc. It is a role that suits ambitious individuals with an appetite for learning.

9. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Education Required:

Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN). They are classified as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

Average Annual Salary: $126,512 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

They are well-trained in offering primary healthcare services to individuals of all ages. Some of their routine duties include physical exams, diagnostic testing, prescribing medications, treating illnesses, etc. They also educate and guide patients and their families on how to manage their illness better.

10. Mental Health Nurse

Education Required:

Master’s degree. They are classified as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

Average Annual Salary: $101,513 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

These nurses specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. Offering counseling services to patients is an essential part of this job. This job requires good communication skills along with empathy and understanding. Good technical knowledge in subjects like psychology is a must too.

11. Clinical Nurse Specialist

Education Required:

A relevant master’s degree. They are classified as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

Average Annual Salary: $103,477 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

They provide patient care by working with other nurses and staff to help provide better results for the organization and improve the patient experience. They may be required to occupy leadership roles along with educating and advising other nursing staff. This role is a good fit for candidates who are responsible and can lead others.

12. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Education Required:

Relevant master’s degree (MSN) along with one year of experience in an acute care setting. They are classified as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

Average Annual Salary: $216,662 (Source: GlassDoor)

Job Description:

These nurses are highly qualified and well-trained nurses who assist with anesthesia during surgeries. They are among the highest-paid nursing specialities in the medical industry. This is due to their high demand in surgical settings. It is a good option for those with an interest in surgery but who do not want to physically perform the cutting and stitching duties.

Final Thoughts

The medical industry plays an important role in the community. It is a service that is in demand everywhere you go and is, hence, a crucial sector of the job market. Nursing does offer a financially stable career path. Individuals can make some seriously good money by working in some of thehighest-paying nursing jobs.

However, ultimately, the most important element is providing quality service to patients and helping them improve their health. Hence, aspirants need to evaluate where their abilities lie so they can provide the best possible service to patients. This will also help them hold on to the job for longer periods.

Lastly, it is very important not to neglect the human side of this profession. Working in the medical industry is an important service for the well-being of individuals and the community. Helping save lives or improving health can be immensely satisfying on a personal level and motivate individuals to keep working and giving their best.