If you’re a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program or are considering earning your BSN, you may be wondering what career path to take next. There are a variety of specialties within the field of nursing that you can pursue, each with its own set of unique responsibilities, challenges, and rewards.
In this article, let’s look at six of the best nursing specialties you can take up on completing your BSN degree, including the typical duties, qualifications, and job outlook for each. Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced environment of emergency care or the more personal interactions of hospice nursing, there’s sure to be a specialization that’s a perfect fit for you.
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5 Proven Steps to Make a Career as a Registered Nurse
1. Nursing Administration
Nurses specializing in administration must manage their department’s daily operations, including scheduling, budgeting, and staffing.
Nursing Administration is a specialty that involves managing and leading nursing teams, departments, and even entire healthcare organizations. They also play a key role in developing policies and procedures and ensuring that their department complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
One of the key qualifications for a career in nursing administration is a BSN degree and several years of experience working as a registered nurse. Many nurses also pursue a Master’s degree in Nursing Administration or a related field to gain the additional knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this specialty.
The job outlook for nursing administrators is quite positive. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, there is an increasing need for skilled and experienced leaders to manage the complex and ever-changing healthcare environment.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment in the US of medical and health services managers, including nursing administrators, is projected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031.
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2. Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nursing is a specialized field that focuses on treating infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric nurses work with a wide range of patients, from premature infants to teenagers, providing care and support to patients and their families.
They are responsible for administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and performing routine checkups and exams. They also educate parents and caregivers on caring for their children at home and help them navigate the complex healthcare system.
Pediatric nursing is a great choice for those who want to take their career to new heights with nursing specialties. Pediatric nursing is a rewarding career, as it allows nurses to impact the lives of young patients and their families positively. It is also constantly evolving as medical technology and treatments improve, allowing pediatric nurses to provide even better patient care.
3. Cardiovascular Nurse
Cardiovascular Nursing focuses on the care and treatment of patients with heart and blood vessel conditions. Cardiovascular nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
They provide care and support to patients recovering from heart attacks, surgeries, and other cardiovascular procedures. In addition, they are responsible for administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and educating patients on how to manage their condition and prevent future complications.
To become a cardiovascular nurse, one must have a BSN degree and be licensed as a registered nurse (RN). Cardiovascular nurses also must have a certification in cardiovascular nursing, which is obtained by passing an examination after completing a certain number of hours of practice.
It is also an excellent opportunity for nurses to expand their skills, expertise, and knowledge in a desired area of healthcare. Along with the continuous growth in the healthcare industry, the demand for experienced and skilled cardiovascular nurses will also rise.
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4. Nurse Educator
Nurse Educator is a nursing specialty that involves teaching and training, future nurses and healthcare professionals. They are responsible for designing and delivering educational programs and assessing and evaluating student progress. They also act as mentors and role models for nursing students, providing guidance and support as they progress through their education and training.
Nurse Educator is a challenging and rewarding career, as it allows nurses to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals. The average salary of nurse educators in the US is $105,963, as per Salary.com.
It is also a constantly evolving field as medical technology and treatments continue to improve, allowing nurse educators to provide even better education and training to their students.
Nurse Educator is a great choice for those with a passion for teaching and a strong desire to impact the future of nursing and healthcare positively. It is also an excellent opportunity for nurses to expand their knowledge and skills in a specific area of healthcare.
5. Emergency Room Nurse
As clear from its name, ’emergency room,’ the nursing field focuses on the care and treatment of patients who require immediate medical attention. ER nurses work in emergency departments of hospitals and are responsible for assessing, stabilizing, and providing care to patients with a wide range of injuries and illnesses.
They must think and act quickly in high-stress and fast-paced environments, making critical decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.
ER nurses are responsible for administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and performing diagnostic tests. They also play a critical role in triage, determining the priority of patient needs and ensuring that the most critically ill patients receive immediate attention. ER nurses also work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients.
6. School Nurse
In nursing school, nursing focuses on the care and treatment of students in educational settings, such as elementary, middle, and high schools. In addition, school nurses are responsible for promoting the health and well-being of students and ensuring that they receive appropriate medical care.
They work closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to provide comprehensive care to students, including administering medication and providing health education.
School nurses are also responsible for creating and implementing emergency care plans, providing first aid, and responding to emergencies. They also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide screenings, assessments, and referrals to community resources as needed.
Being a school nurse is a better option for female candidates when compared to male candidates. As per Zippia, over 25,155 school nurses are currently employed in the US, of which 93.7% are women. Hence, this nursing specialty is being dominated and a good option for females.
Pursuing a Specialty Can Be Rewarding
The six specialties discussed in this article include nursing administration, pediatric nursing, cardiovascular nurse, nurse educator, emergency room nursing, and school nursing. Each of these specialties offers a unique and challenging opportunity for nurses to impact the lives of patients and their families positively.
It’s important to research and explore the different nursing specialties available to you and consider your interests, strengths, and goals. Pursuing a specialty can lead to a more rewarding and fulfilling career, as well as expanded knowledge and skills in a specific area of healthcare.
