Nursing Specialties To Consider

The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field is estimated to grow by 13 percent between 2021 and 2031. The growth could open numerous job openings within this timeframe.

Furthermore, there is an increase in annual wages for healthcare practitioners, including registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Additionally, some individuals earn even more with specialized skills. 

There is a growing demand for nurses, which is continually evolving. Additionally, nurses can specialize in a specific area of interest. It helps them expand their skill, salary scope, and more. 

Are you a nursing student? Or need to know what specialties to take? Read below as we list the six best nursing fields based on various scopes. 

Six Best Nursing Specialties To Consider

Cardiac Nurse

There has been a major rise in heart patients in recent years, and it is also one of the leading causes of death. With the rising number of cardiac patients, there is a demand for cardiac nurses. The role of this specialty is to assist in surgical procedures, such as pacemaker implantation, angioplasty, and bypass surgery.

Its expected job growth rate has increased to 16 percent, while the median annual salary, as per the 2020 report, is $75,330. With great tasks comes bigger responsibility. Choose this field only if you are interested in heart-related issues and enjoy assisting in various surgical procedures.

Here is some general information about cardiac nurses:

• Education Requirement: One should have an Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) and hold a Registered Nursing License.
• Required Certification: Must have a State Nursing License.
• Expected Job Posting: Rehab centers, hospitals, and In-home care.

CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist)

It’s a type of APRN that deals directly with patients along with other staff and nurses. A CNS focuses on the quality of care for its patients and primarily serves as a leader, providing guidance and advice to fellow nursing staff.

This specialty would be ideal if you are interested in management or leadership in the nursing field. You can take care of the staff while practicing medicine simultaneously. The average annual salary is expected to be around $94,483 and has seen a 15 percent increase in job growth.

Here is some general information about Clinical Nurse Specialists:

• Education Requirement: A Master’s degree is required, with a Doctorate preferred.
• Required Certification: Not Applicable
• Expected Job Posting: In-home healthcare services, hospitals, and physicians’ offices.

Nurse Anesthetist

This kind of nursing specialty requires highly trained nurses. It administers pain medication and anesthesia and observes patients during surgeries and in the recovery phase as well. These APRNs record a patient’s history before surgery and provide information about the types of anesthesia suitable for a particular surgical procedure. It’s among the highest-paying salaries within nursing specialties, with an average annual paycheck of up to $195,610. 

Let’s take a look at some general information about Nurse Anesthetist:

• Education Requirement: You must have a BSN degree, an RN (Registered Nurse) license, and a year in an Acute Care Setting. 
• Required Certification: CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) certification.
• Expected Job Posting: Surgical centers, hospitals, and specialty doctors’ offices. 

Mental Health Nurse 

The job growth rate of mental health nurses is estimated to grow by 31 percent. There is a massive scope if you’re interested in this field. Your role in this specialty is treating patients’ psychological disorders. Additionally, counseling is essential in this line of work. With an expected annual salary of $64,500, this is an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy forming emotional bonds with patients. 

Here is what you need to know about Mental Health Nurses:

• Education Requirements: You should hold an MSN degree and be a Registered Nurse (RN) licensed. 
• Required Certification: Not Applicable
• Expected Job Posting: Psychiatric facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.

Critical Care Nurse

It’s closely similar to that of registered nurses in terms of education level. The key difference is that critical care nurses are primarily trained to handle emergency cases or situations. Your job is to monitor patients and take care of their wounds in a critical environment. It can be stressful, but it comes with a good annual salary package of up to $77,180. Even the expected job growth, with a 19 percent increase, shows excellent scope in this field.

Here is what you need to know if you are interested in this nursing specialty:

• Education Requirements: One must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and be a registered nurse (RN).
• Required Certification: You must have a Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. 
• Expected Job Posting: Doctors’ offices and Hospitals.

Nurse Midwife

This type of nurse specializes in caring for pregnant women, postpartum recovery, childbirth, and parental care. Nurse-midwives also assist with prenatal appointments, delivery, and labor. They also provide care and counsel to new mothers, offering guidance on how to care for newborns. According to the latest update, the average annual median salary is $100,600.

Here is some general information if you plan to specialize in Nurse Midwife:

• Education Requirements: You must hold a BSN degree and an active RN license.
• Required Certification: One must hold certification from the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
• Expected Job Posting: Doctor’s clinics and hospitals. 

These are some of the nursing fields to consider if you’re still undecided about your career path. It’s up to an individual to choose which area to go for, but pick one that interests you.