Nursing Career Paths – 86 Types of Nurses to Know About

Nursing Career Paths

Are you thinking of becoming a nurse? 

Maybe you’ve been researching… and you’ve come to realize that there are SO many different types of nurses! 

Not all nurses work in hospitals… Some provide home health care, some can work in schools, some can work in the military, some can work as entrepreneurs, etc. 

There are a LOT of options. 

But all these choices can be overwhelming. I mean, how are you supposed to decide which to choose when there are just so many nursing career paths?

Well, that’s why we’re here! 

We want to give you important information about ALL the types of nurses so that you can make a more informed decision on which nursing career path you want to take. 

We’ll discuss what each type of nurse does, where they usually work, how to become one, and how much they earn. 

Although your interests may change later on, it’s still good to have a basic start-off point and goal. 

We have a lot to discuss, so let’s dive right in! 

Nursing Career Paths – Your Options 

There are four main types of nurses: 

  • Clinical Nurse Assistants (CNAs)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
  • Registered Nurses (RNs)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

However, there are subspecialties (particularly for RNs and APRNs) as well as alternative and less conventional types of nurses. This expands your choices from 4 to about 70 or more! 

Let’s discuss the various types!

Type of Nurse #1: Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) is the fastest way to become a nurse, but it also offers you the lowest pay and level of responsibility. 

  • What they usually do: CNAs help patients with activities of daily living (such as making patients’ beds, feeding patients, bathing and changing patients, etc.). They also monitor how the patients are doing and report this to higher nurses. 
  • Where they usually work: CNAs are mostly found in nursing homes and residential care facilities, but sometimes work in hospitals as well.
  • How to become one: In most states, you are only required to take a 4-12 week course to be qualified for a license. You can then take the state certification exam. 
  • How much they earn: In 2021, the median salary of CNAs was $30,290.

Since becoming a CNA is the fastest and cheapest way to become a nurse, some decide to use this as a stepping stone. They want to work as CNAs before upgrading their license later on. 


Type of Nurse #2: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are also called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in some states. They are a step higher than CNAs but still lower than RNs.

  • What they usually do: LPNs are qualified to do everything a CNA does, plus they can also perform more complex tasks like changing bandages, administering medicines, collecting blood and urine samples, etc. They also report how the patient is doing to RNs and doctors.  
  • Where they usually work: LPNs can work in many settings, such as nursing homes and physician’s offices. You can also find a few LPNs in hospital settings. 
  • How to become one: In most states, the requirement to become an LPN is 12-18 months of an LPN course + passing the NCLEX-PN exam (a national exam for aspiring LPNs). 
  • How much they earn: In 2021, the median salary of LPNs was $48,070.

Some people think of becoming an LPN as a stepping stone to becoming an RN later on. Some schools offer accelerated courses for LPNs to quickly become RNs.


Type of Nurse #3: Registered Nurse (RN)

Usually, when we think of a “nurse”, we are thinking of Registered Nurses (RNs). They are the most common type of nurses, and they are the ones we usually see in hospitals. 

  • What they usually do: RNs can perform all the tasks of an LPN, plus they can create patient care plans, monitor patients, assist doctors with procedures, answer the questions of patients, provide emotional support and health education to patients and the public, and guide LPNs or CNAs on what to do
  • Where they usually work: RNs can be found in almost any healthcare facility, most commonly in hospitals. They can also work in schools, clinics, the military, or private homes. 
  • How to become one: There are two main ways to become an RN – through an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (which takes about 2 years to complete) or through a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (which takes about 4 years to complete). After graduating from an ADN or a BSN, you also need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam (which is a national exam for all aspiring RNs). 
  • How much they earn: In 2021, the median salary of RNs was $77,600

Although becoming an RN through the ADN route is faster and cheaper, you may miss out on some opportunities later on. Most hospitals prefer to hire BSN-RNs. Also, if you’re planning to pursue advanced practice, most programs require a BSN as your minimum educational background.  


Type of Nurses #4: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

From the term itself, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have to be RNs first (usually BSN-RNs). They then have to take a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) to be qualified to become an APRN. 

In some states, APRNs may have an independent practice (not under the supervision of a physician) and may also prescribe medications. 

The most common types of APRNs are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Clinical Nurse Practitioners (CNPs), and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs). 

Let’s discuss each in more detail.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) 

  • What they usually do: Provide anesthesia-related care for patients before, during, and after medical procedures. 
  • Where they usually work: CRNAs are often found in hospitals and surgical clinics to help ensure the patient is properly anesthetized. They are also commonly found in offices of physicians or other health practitioners (such as dentists). 
  • How to become one: You need to be an RN with a BSN degree. You will then need to pursue higher education. By 2025, all aspiring CRNAs will be required to hold a doctoral degree in nursing practice. All aspiring CRNAs must also pass a national certification exam. 
  • How much they earn: The median annual wage for CRNAs is $195,610.

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)

  • What they usually do: Assist women throughout their pregnancy, delivery, and care of newborn infants. They can also advise women on gynecological care throughout their lifespan. 
  • Where they usually work: CNMs usually work in offices of physicians, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you need to take an MSN or DNP for nurse-midwifery. You will also need to take a national certification exam (although this is optional for some states). 
  • How much they earn: The median annual wage for Nurse Midwives is $112,830.

Clinical Nurse Practitioners (CNPs)

  • What they usually do: Nurse practitioners are primary and specialty care providers. They can perform physical examinations, order tests, and interpret results to diagnose the patient’s condition. They can also create patient care plans and prescribe medications for treatment. In some states, they can have their own clinics. 
  • Where they usually work: Nurse practitioners usually work in offices of physicians or other health practitioners, hospitals, and outpatient care centers.
  • How to become one: If you are already an RN, then you can take an MSN or a DNP for nurse practitioners. There are many kinds of nurse practitioners, however. So the exact program and national certification exam you take will depend on what kind of nurse practitioner you want to be. 
  • Possible NP titles:
  • Acute Care Adult NP
  • Acute Care Pediatric NP
  • Adult NP
  • Family NP
  • Gerontological NP
  • Neonatal NP
  • Pediatric NP
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health NP
  • Women’s Health NP
  • Critical Care NP
  • Emergency NP
  • Oncology NP
  • Pediatric Critical Care NP
  • Perinatal NP
  • School NP
  • How much they earn: In general, the annual mean wage for nurse practitioners is $120,680. The exact wage will depend on your specialization and the state you are in. 

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)

  • What they usually do: Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) may provide direct patient care, but they are often focused on coordinating patient care among the healthcare workers and improving the healthcare system. They are usually seen in leadership and administrative roles.
  • Where they usually work: CNSs are usually seen in hospitals, physician’s offices, in-home healthcare services, and more. 
  • How to become one: Just like the other APRNs, you first need to become an RN before you can become a CNS. You will need to take an MSN or a DNP for the specific type of CNS you want to become. You will also need to take a national certifying exam. 
  • Possible CNS titles:
  • Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Maternal-Child Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Family Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Women’s Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Medical-Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Psychiatric/mental Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Cardiovascular Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Emergency Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Home Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • How much they earn: CNSs earn a median salary of $114,377

Type of Nurses #5: Other Nursing Specialties that Don’t Require You to Become an APRN 

To be called an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, or nurse specialist) you need to take a master’s or a doctorate AND apply for an APRN license. 

However, other nursing specialties don’t necessitate an MSN or DNP or don’t require an APRN license. These specialties will still require more training and experience and even certifications, but they are not as high-level as APRNs. 

Here are some specialties you can look into: 

Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse

  • What they usually do: Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses perform non-surgical procedures and therapies for patients who want to feel and look better. Some procedures they focus on include anti-aging fillers and injectables, acne treatments, laser removal, etc. They also assess how the patients respond to the treatment and teach them how to do after-care. 
  • Where they usually work: Aesthetic nurses usually work in outpatient clinics, private offices, or medical spas. You don’t usually find them in hospitals, but they still need to know how to deal with occasional emergencies or adverse reactions to treatments. 
  • How to become one: You first need to become an RN before you can practice as an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse. Certification is also not required, but it would help to boost your practice. You can gain certification through the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB). 

Ambulatory Care Nurse

  • What they usually do: Ambulatory care nurses provide care for non-emergency patients in outpatient care settings, such as medical offices, clinics, etc. They see a variety of patients with various conditions, but they may also specialize in specific population groups or diseases. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in medical offices, government institutions, health centers, home healthcare agencies, community health clinics, etc. They can also provide telehealth care through remote means such as call centers, emails, etc. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you can apply for an ambulatory care nurse position and gain experience. After about 2 years, you can aim to get the Ambulatory Care Nurse Certification Exam offered by the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing.

Bariatric Nurse 

  • What they usually do: Bariatric nurses provide care for patients who undergo bariatric surgery. This surgery is usually done for patients suffering from obesity, who need to undergo weight loss. Bariatric nurses assist in the preparation and recovery of these patients and help minimize complications. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals and specialty clinics. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain experience working with obese patients and those undergoing bariatric surgery (pre-operative, per-operative, or post-operative). After 24 months of work experience, you can aim for the Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) credential offered by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery.

Burn Care Nurse

  • What they usually do: Burn care nurses provide care for patients with burn injuries and other kinds of trauma that usually go with burns. They provide critical care, help manage pain, treat burn wounds, and help with emotional and psychological trauma
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in the Burn Care Unit (BCU) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of hospitals. They may also be found in Emergency Rooms, Trauma Centers, and outpatient facilities that provide ongoing care for recovering patients. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain experience working in critical care or with other traumas. Some certifications that may be required or advantageous for you to take include Basic Life Support, Advanced Burn Life Support, and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. 

Cardiac Care Nurse

  • What they usually do: Cardiac care nurses provide care for patients with different kinds of heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or those recovering from surgeries. They work closely with cardiologists to ensure quality of care for heart patients.
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, focusing on cardiac patients. But they can also work in cardiovascular centers, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, correctional facilities, the military, etc. 

Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Nurse

  • What they usually do: Cardiac catheterization laboratory nurses care for patients with heart diseases by assisting in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). PCI is used to diagnose and treat myocardial infarction and may include placing stents in coronary arteries. They monitor the patients, look out for complications, administer medications, etc. for patients who undergo this procedure.  
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, but may also work in outpatient clinics. 

Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) Nurse

  • What they usually do: Cardiovascular Operating Room nurses assist with open-heart (cardiovascular) surgeries. They make sure everything is sterile, that the equipment and medications are available for the operating team, and that the patient is safe and taken care of. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospital operating rooms, focused on cardiovascular surgeries. 

Charge Nurse

  • What they usually do: Charge nurses are those that are in charge of a specific ward in the hospital or facility during their shift. They have some supervisory duties (such as delegating tasks, preparing schedules, and monitoring admissions and discharges), but they also provide patient care during their shifts. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, but can also work in other healthcare facilities such as medical clinics, nursing homes, etc. They may also be asked to attend meetings. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain clinical experience. Since charge nurses have some supervisory role, they should be experienced in the field. Certifications are not always required but can boost your chances of being assigned to the position. If you are the charge nurse of a specific unit, you may want to gain certifications for that specialty area. 

Chief Nursing Officer

  • What they usually do: Chief Nursing Officers (or ‘Chief Nurse Executives’) are at the top of the nursing management positions within a healthcare organization. They oversee and coordinate the day-to-day nurse and patient care activities within the nursing department. They also need to manage budgets, fix schedules, and advocate for the concerns of the nursing staff, while ensuring that the department is delivering quality patient care and is adhering to healthcare standards and guidelines. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, clinics, group physician practices, rehabilitation facilities, government agencies, or healthcare system corporate offices. 
  • How to become one: You first have to become a BSN-RN and gain work experience. More and more, gaining an MSN, an MBA, or a DNP is becoming the standard if you want to achieve leadership roles within the healthcare system. You can also aim for other certifications, such as the Nurse Executive certification (NE-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the Certification in Executive Nursing Practice and Management and Leadership (CNML) from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), and the certifications offered by The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

Dermatology Nurse

  • What they usually do: Dermatology nurses provide care for patients with various kinds of skin diseases and conditions, such as psoriasis, skin cancer, burn wounds, acne, etc. They may also specialize in cosmetic dermatology to be able to perform procedures such as laser treatments. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in private clinics, dermatology practices, plastic surgeon’s offices, and burn units of hospitals. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain experience working in dermatology. After a minimum of two years of work experience, you can also aim for the Dermatology Nursing Certification Examination offered by the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.

Developmental Disability Nurse

  • What they usually do: Developmental disability nurses (or ‘special needs nurses’) provide care for patients with disabilities such as autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc. They aim to give these patients a good quality of life and as much independence as possible.
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in clinics, community centers, government agencies, with families, group homes, or institutional settings. 

Director of Nursing

  • What they usually do: Directors of nursing seek to develop the organizational structure and standards of care of a healthcare facility. They mediate between the nursing staff, the doctors, and the management to address concerns and improve the system. They are involved in writing and rewriting policies and objectives, giving input on budget matters, and supporting the staff.
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in an office setting, although their work hours may be irregular. They can be found in hospitals, physicians’ clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies, healthcare system corporate offices, etc. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, it is important to gain work experience before you can be considered for a director of nursing position. Increasingly, employers are looking for MSN or DNP graduates for this position. You may also get a master’s degree in a related field, such as public health or business administration. You can also look into additional certifications such as the Director of Nursing Services (DNS-CT) through The American Association of Directors of Nursing Services (AADNS). 

Domestic Violence Nurse

  • What they usually do: Domestic violence nurses provide care for patients who are victims of domestic violence. They help patients cope with the physical, mental, and emotional damages caused by domestic violence. They also document and keep records that may be used in court hearings, and may be asked to testify in court. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, but can also be found in community clinics, public health agencies, support groups, shelters for victims, etc. 
  • How to become one: During your nursing education days, you can already prepare to become a domestic violence nurse by taking courses in forensic nursing, forensic evidence collection, forensic preservation, etc. After becoming an RN, you should gain experience in relevant work settings and you may eventually wish to gain a Certification in Forensic Nursing (CFN). You may also become certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), focusing either on adults and adolescents or on pediatric patients.  

Emergency Room Nurse

  • What they usually do: Emergency room nurses have to deal with all types of patients with all types of conditions. They perform triage of the patients that come in, evaluate the patient’s condition, and seek to stabilize the patient’s condition. Tasks may range from more simple ones (like icing a swollen ankle) to more complex and life-saving ones (like performing CPR). Other common tasks may include administering medication, fluid resuscitation, blood transfusions, wound care, etc. 
  • Where they usually work: They work in the emergency room and triage area of hospitals. Almost every hospital (no matter how small or large) will have an emergency room. Although more complex procedures may be referred elsewhere, the emergency room nurse makes sure to stabilize the patient for transport.
  • How to become one: After becoming a licensed RN, you should gain experience in emergency care before taking the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification, which is a nationally accepted certification for ER nurses. 

Enterostomy Nurse

  • What they usually do: Enterostomy nurses (sometimes called ET or stoma nurses) provide care for patients who need enterostomy procedures. This is a procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen or another part of the intestines to divert the bowels or eliminate waste. Patients who undergo this procedure need continual care and proper cleaning to avoid infections or improper elimination. The enterostomy nurse should also educate the patient and his/her family on how to continue care at home. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, but can also be found in outpatient clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities, hospice centers, and home health care services. They may also be hired by companies that produce medical devices. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you can gain experience working with ostomies and wound care. You can also gain the CWOCN (Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse), CWON (Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse), or COCN (Certified Ostomy Care Nurse) offered by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB).

Fertility Nurse 

  • What they usually do: Fertility nurses (or ‘reproductive nurses’) help patients and couples that want to conceive. They educate and counsel patients about fertility (such as fertility treatments, conceiving issues, etc.). They also help women who are undergoing menopause. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, reproductive clinics, egg donation centers, OB practices, etc. 
  • How to become one: You should first become an RN and gain experience. You can then seek to be certified through the National Certification Corporation which offers certifications in areas such as neonatal care, obstetrics, and gynecology. You can also be trained in reproductive endocrinology and infertility through a certification course offered by the Nurses’ Professional Group (NPG): A Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Gastroenterology Nurse

  • What they usually do: Gastroenterology nurses (or ‘gastrointestinal nurses’) provide care for patients with problems related to the GI tract. Some of the diseases they have to deal with include constipation, acid reflux, Chron’s, celiac disease, IBS, food allergies, and cancers of the various parts of the GI tract. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, private clinics, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and surgery centers. 
  • How to become one: Once you become an RN, it would be good to gain relevant experience and aim for certification. You can go for the Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) certification program offered by the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN).

Geriatric Nurse

  • What they usually do: Geriatric nurses provide care for aging and elderly patients. They focus on age-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, cancer, stroke, dementia, arthritis, impaired mobility, incontinence, etc. Aside from physical problems, geriatric nurses have to deal with mental health problems and issues of loneliness, depression, abuse, neglect, and isolation common to elderly patients. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, retirement centers, outpatient ambulatory care clinics, etc. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you can gain experience in geriatric nursing, such as in skilled nursing facilities or geriatric-centered hospital units. After gaining appropriate experience, you can gain certification in gerontological nursing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Genetic Nurse

  • What they usually do: Genetic nurses provide care for patients who may be at risk for diseases involving genetics, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, etc. They do a risk assessment and provide counseling for patients to prevent conditions they are at higher risk for, as well as conditions they may already have. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in specialty clinics, prenatal and reproductive specialty centers, hospitals, cancer centers, and specialty medical practices. Some genetic nurses may also want to focus on genetics education or research and may find employment in research centers, academic institutions, or biotechnological industries. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN (preferably a BSN-RN), you can work as an entry-level nurse in hospitals, genetics laboratories, clinics, cancer centers, etc. However, if you want to go further in your career, you may need to proceed with a Master’s degree in genetic nursing. 

Holistic Nurse

  • What they usually do: Holistic nurses (or ‘complementary health nurses’) care for patients as a whole, rather than just treating the symptoms that the patients are experiencing. They make use of alternative forms of medicine to complement traditional Western medicine. The treatments they may give include diet, therapeutic massage, breathing work, meditation, etc. They seek to employ the mind, body, spirit, and emotions of the patients in attaining health. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in private practice establishments, birthing centers, or patients’ homes. Occasionally, you can also find them in traditional hospital settings. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you can find entry-level work as a holistic nurse. However, it would be best to gain certification through the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation. You may also want to gain additional certification in complementary treatment techniques, such as acupuncture. 

Hospice Nurse

  • What they usually do: Hospice nurses care for patients who are already facing the end of their lives. They usually work with terminally ill patients to make their remaining days as comfortable, pain-free, and functional as possible. They are not focused on curing the patient, but on improving their quality of life and providing emotional support.
  • Where they usually work: Since hospice patients usually have a life expectancy of 6 months or less, hospice nurses tend to work where the patient lives. This can be in the patient’s home or family’s home, at a hospice center, at a skilled nursing facility, at a geriatric nursing home, or a hospital

ICU or Critical Care Nurse

  • What they usually do: Intensive care or critical care nurses care for patients with life-threatening conditions or injuries of all ages. They can also specialize in a specific age group or demographic if they want. Since ICU nurses work with patients who have serious illnesses, they need to provide intensive and frequent assessments, monitoring, and nursing care. They also need to know how to deal with emergencies.
  • Where they usually work: They work in the intensive care units of hospitals.
  • How to become one: If you are still a nursing student who is interested in working as an ICU nurse in the future, you can take a Nursing Student Externship program which is available for senior nursing students. This will allow you to assist RNs in the ICU. If you are a new RN, hospitals usually offer an Internship program for new RN graduates. If you are an experienced RN already who wants to work in the ICU, you can apply for the position and engage in a training program. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) also offers many certifications. 

Infection Control Nurse

  • What they usually do: Infection Control Nurses seek to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and dangerous outbreaks. They also educate others on how to prevent and contain outbreaks and prevent further incidents from occurring.
  • Where they usually work: Infection control is needed in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care, hospices, emergency preparedness, public health, behavioral health, etc. 

Infusion Nurse

  • What they usually do: Infusion nurses administer medications and fluids to patients through an intravenous (IV) line, a central line, or a venous access port. They should have steady hands and keen eyes because starting an infusion may be challenging and frustrating in some cases. They also monitor and respond to any problems throughout the infusion therapy. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain clinical experience in various types of infusion therapy. Areas that can help improve your infusion skills include pediatrics, geriatrics, cancer, ICUs, etc. After gaining appropriate experience, you can aim for the Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI) program.

Labor and Delivery Nurse

  • What they usually do: Labor and delivery nurses work with women of different childbearing years and different health conditions to ensure the successful and safe delivery of babies.
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, birthing centers, and community clinics. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, it would be good to gain experience working with postpartum women, before seeking to become a labor and delivery nurse. You should also gain certifications in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. You can also gain certifications from the National Certification Corporation (NCC), as well as the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) certification. 

Long-term Care Nurse

  • What they usually do: Long-term care nurses help patients who have illnesses or conditions that require care for a long period. They often work with the elderly or with patients with disabilities. They assist patients with tasks of daily life and with therapies and exercises. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you can seek to be employed as a long-term care nurse. To boost employment opportunities, you can take additional courses in gerontology and get a Gerontological Nursing Certification.

Managed Care Nurse

  • What they usually do: Managed care nurses work with patients to ensure they receive quality, cost-effective healthcare. They try to keep costs down for patients and insurance companies by focusing on preventive healthcare. They also work as go-betweens between patients, insurance companies, government agencies, and healthcare providers. They should have a good understanding of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Plans (PPOs), or government-funded healthcare assistance programs like Medicare and Medicaid. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work for HMOs, PPOs, government agencies, or social services programs. But you can also find them in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain experience working in clinics or private practices. You can also gain experience in social work or social services. After gaining experience, you can aim for the Certification in Managed Care Nursing credential administered by the American Board of Managed Care Nursing.

Medical-Surgical Nurse

  • What they usually do: Medical-surgical nurses provide care for a wide range of patients in surgical operating rooms. They may deal with critical cases or with more stable conditions, but they can expect to have an unpredictable and busy work environment. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in the operating rooms of hospitals, but can also work for inpatient clinics, HMOs, outpatient or ambulatory care, home health care, nursing homes, and the military.
  • How to become one: Newly graduated RNs can already find internship programs for the medical-surgical specialty at most hospitals. They can also aim to get the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) certification after about two years of employment. 

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse

  • What they usually do: NICU nurses provide care for newborn infants who may need intensive care, such as those who are born premature, have cardiac malformations, have dangerous infections, and have other functional problems. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in the neonatal intensive care units of hospitals, but they can also work in community health organizations, home health services, etc. 
  • How to become one: You first need to become an RN (preferably a BSN-RN). Certification is not required, but they must meet a minimum number of years of clinical experience. You can also gain certification from (NCC) specific for neonatal intensive care. 

Nephrology Nurse

  • What they usually do: Nephrology nurses care for patients with kidney problems or those who are at risk of developing kidney diseases. Some kidney diseases they deal with include End Stage Renal Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), renal cysts, kidney transplants, and kidney stones.
  • Where they usually work: They can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, home healthcare agencies, etc. 
  • How to become one: To become a nephrology nurse, you can be a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse, but you will have different scopes of practice depending on your educational background. Depending on where you work, different experiences and certifications may be required. A dialysis clinic may require experience in an acute care setting and a BLS certification. A hospital may require a BLS certification and an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification. There are also two certifications specific to nephrology that you can take. These are the Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) and the Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN). 

Neuroscience Nurse

  • What they usually do: Neuroscience nurses provide care for patients with diseases or disorders of the nervous system. Some of these diseases include stroke, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and encephalitis. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in the stroke units, ICU, pediatric units, or operating rooms of hospitals. They can also work in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, assisted living facilities, etc. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you may or may not be required to gain certification, depending on where you work. Stroke units or intensive care units may require certification in stroke care, for example. But gaining a certification, whether required or not, will always improve your credentials. You can aim for the neuroscience nursing certification offered by The American Board of Neuroscience Nurses.

Nurse Case Manager

  • What they usually do: Nurse case managers provide long-term care for patients who require continuous medical attention (such as the elderly or cancer patients). They collaborate with physicians and other professionals to create long-term care plans for their patients. This job is unique because it allows nurses to work with their patients over a long period. 
  • Where they usually work: They can be found in various medical facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, hospice centers, etc. They may also have their own private or independent practice. 

Nurse Care Coordinator

  • What they usually do: Nurse care coordinators provide care for patients with specific conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, heart failure, etc.) by organizing and coordinating patient care among all members of the care team. They create individualized plans for their patients and help prevent fragmented care. 
  • Where they usually work: They work in a variety of settings, such as in hospitals, ambulatory care, specialty units, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare. 
  • How to become one: You should first focus on becoming an RN and then gaining work experience, especially in the clinical field. You may also want to take a master’s to further improve your credentials. You can also look into the certification in Care Coordination and Transition Management offered by the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AACN).

Nurse Educator 

  • What they usually do: Nurse educators focus on improving patient care by designing educational initiatives for nursing students or nursing staff. They can teach nursing curriculum courses in colleges and universities or in teaching hospitals for nursing students who are gaining real-life experience. They can also focus on the professional development of nursing staff in hospitals by designing continuing education courses, facilitating training programs, and providing educational resources.
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in academic settings, such as universities, colleges, vocational schools, etc., but you can also find them in healthcare facilities such as hospitals. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should first gain clinical experience to ensure that when you become a nurse educator, you can relate real-life experiences to the theories. You must also pursue further studies, such as a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (Ph.D.), or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Gaining a doctorate is highly desirable, especially in the academic setting. You can also become a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) by taking and passing the National League of Nursing (NLN) certification exam.

Nurse Health Coach

  • What they usually do: Nurse health coaches help patients pursue personal growth and achieve a healthy lifestyle. They provide health education and help individuals identify their health goals, issues, and opportunities. With the input of the client, they come up with a treatment plan suited to the client’s needs and goals. They also support and cheer on their clients through the transition of making health a habit. 
  • Where they usually work: They often work with insurance companies or as a part of a big corporation. They can also work independently or be self-employed. 

Obstetric Nurse

  • What they usually do: An obstetrics (OB) nurse provides care for women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. They can also help them with reproductive health throughout the life stages. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in an OB/GYN physician’s office, hospital maternity ward, midwife practice, family planning center, private birthing center, community clinic, etc. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, they should gain experience in handling female health, such as working in the maternity ward of the hospital. You can also pursue the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing certification for OB nurses offered by NCC (National Certification Corporation).

Occupational Health Nurse

  • What they usually do: Occupational health nurses (or ‘occupational and environmental health nurses’) provide health and safety services to employees, working populations, and association groups. They focus on the promotion of health, the prevention of ailments and injuries, and the protection of workers from job-related environmental hazards. They should have a good understanding of the work setting and risks, aside from health. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, corporations, or clinics. They can also have private practices and work as consultants. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, it would be helpful to gain experience in community health care, ambulatory care, or emergency nursing. You should also gain at least 3 years of experience in the occupational health field before you can aim for certification through The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc

Oncology Nurse

  • What they usually do: Oncology nurses provide both curative and palliative care for patients with cancer. They often combine this practice with hematology (having to do with the blood) to be able to treat bloodborne cancer. They are often called ‘hematology/oncology nurses’. Administering chemotherapy for their patients is also a common task. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals or specialty clinics for cancer. 

Operating Room Nurse

  • What they usually do: Operating Room nurses (also called perioperative nurses or ‘OR’ nurses) care for patients before, during, and after surgery. They evaluate and prepare patients for their surgeries, assist during procedures, and monitor the patient’s recovery after the surgery. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in the operating rooms of hospitals, but can also work in outpatient surgical clinics, or physician’s offices.
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you can gain experience working in operating rooms. You can also aim to get certified by the Association for Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN). They have a list of certifications such as CNOR for perioperative RNs, CRNFA for First Assistants who assist the surgeon, and CSSM for Bachelor’s educated OR Managers.

Ophthalmic Nurse

  • What they usually do: Ophthalmic nurses provide care for patients with a variety of eye diseases or injuries, such as glaucoma, blindness, astigmatism, cataracts, near or farsightedness, scratched corneas, etc. They work with ophthalmologists and deal most commonly with elderly patients. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in ophthalmologist offices, hospitals, eye care centers, and outpatient clinics. 
  • How to become one: While you are studying to gain a nursing degree, it is advisable to take elective coursework in the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye. After becoming an RN, you should gain experience in ophthalmology for two years. You can then seek to become a Certified Registered Nurse in Ophthalmology (CRNO) through the National Certification Board for Ophthalmic Registered Nurses.

Orthopedic Nurse

  • What they usually do: Orthopedic nurses care for patients with musculoskeletal problems, such as broken bones, arthritis, osteoporosis, joint replacements, sports injuries, etc. They may assist in orthopedic surgeries and help with patient recoveries, such as regaining strength and the full range of motion. They also educate patients on how to prevent further injuries. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, etc. They can also be trained in sports medicine and physical therapy. 
  •  How to become one: After becoming an RN, you can gain relevant experience by working in emergency rooms, surgical rooms, critical care, etc. You can also learn more about orthopedics through continuing education units. After gaining relevant experience, you can aim to get the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification exam (ONC)

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Nurse

  • What they usually do: Otorhinolaryngology nurses (or ‘ENT’ nurses for ear, nose, and throat nurses) care for patients with problems in the ear, nose, throat, head, or neck. They deal with conditions such as ear infections and allergies, sinusitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sleep apnea, and broken bones. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in ENT offices, hospitals, community health centers, allergy clinics, etc. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain experience working in otorhinolaryngology or related fields. You can also gain experience in pediatrics and working with children since many ENT patients are children. After gaining appropriate experience, you can take the Otorhinolaryngology Nursing Certification exam offered by the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Nurses.

Pain Management Nurse

  • What they usually do: Pain management nurses provide care for patients with chronic, and often debilitating pain. They can deal with patients who may suffer from fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, nerve or spinal injuries, cancer pain, stroke pain, degenerative disc disease, injuries from accidents, etc. Aside from opioid administration, they can focus on alternative pain management techniques such as acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, relaxation techniques and massages, exercise and diet changes, etc. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, private medical offices, rehabilitation facilities, sports medicine, oncology clinics, etc. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain experience and then aim for the Registered Nurse-Board Certified (RN-BC) credential in the specialty of Pain Management offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). You may also be required to take the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and sedation certification. 

Palliative Care Nurse

  • What they usually do: Palliative care nurses provide care for patients with serious and long-running illnesses, such as cancer, kidney disease, and HIV/AIDs. They focus on relieving pain and creating comfort for the patient while helping them deal with the side effects of other treatments. It is very related to hospice care, but hospice care is specifically for patients who have less than 6 months to live. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and even in private homes. They can also work in critical care units. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an LVN or RN, you should gain experience in working in geriatric care or other terminal diseases, like cancer or heart disease. You can also gain certifications from the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center.

Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse

  • What they usually do: Pediatric endocrinology nurses provide care for children (from birth to 18 years old) who have endocrine disorders. The most common endocrine disorder that pediatric endocrinology nurses will have to deal with is type 1 diabetes mellitus. Other possible endocrine disorders include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, adrenal diseases, obesity, etc. The goal is that the child’s growth and development will be unhindered and optimal. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in the pediatric department of hospitals. They can also work in pediatrician’s or other physician’s offices or outpatient clinics.  
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, it is best to gain experience in diabetes education, internal medicine, pediatrics, or endocrinology. You should also gain a Basic Life support certificate and a Pediatric Advanced Life Support certificate. You can also look into becoming a Certified Diabetic Educator.

Perianesthesia Nurse

  • What they usually do: Perianesthesia nurses provide care for patients who are about to undergo anesthesia or who are waking up and recovering from anesthesia. They are also called recovery room nurses. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals and outpatient clinics where surgeries are performed. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain experience in acute care by working in an Intensive Care Unit or ER. You can also gain two types of certification – Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) and Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA).

Plastic Surgery Nurse

  • What they usually do: Plastic surgery nurses provide care for patients who want to improve or alter the appearance of their bodies or faces. They have a similar role to cosmetic nurses but focus more on surgical or invasive procedures (such as liposuction, breast augmentation, face/neck lift, etc.), rather than injectables or fillers. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in hospitals or outpatient clinics, such as dermatology, ENT, and surgery clinics. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, there are several certifications you can take such as the Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) certification and the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) certification. You may also be required to take Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), as well as sedation certification.

Postpartum Nurse

  • What they usually do: Postpartum nurses (also called mother-baby nurses) provide care for both the mother and the newborn baby after delivery. They teach new mothers how to care for themselves and their newborn children, and they monitor both the mother and the baby for any possible complications from childbirth. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in the maternity or postpartum unit of hospitals. But they can also work in birthing centers, clinics, or even have a private practice. 

Psychiatric Nurse/Behavioral Health Nurse

  • What they usually do: Psychiatric Nurses or Behavioral Health Nurses care for patients who may have mental illnesses, addictions, eating disorders, or problems with substance abuse. They provide emotional support, education, and therapy, and make sure the patients have a safe discharge environment. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in hospitals, private practices, mental health facilities, community clinics, schools, correctional facilities, and long-term care facilities.
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you can gain experience working as a clinical nurse before going into psychiatric nursing. You can also get the Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing Certification and you can be trained in a specific type of mental illness or disorder. 

Radiology Nurse

  • What they usually do: Radiology nurses (or ‘medical imaging nurses’) care for patients that have to undergo diagnostic imaging procedures (such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds) and radiation therapy (used to treat cancer). They help prepare the patient for these procedures and also make sure that accurate images are being taken for proper diagnosis. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, diagnostic facilities, and outpatient care facilities. 
  • How to become one: Once you become an RN, you should work to gain nursing experience and also gain additional training in radiology. You can also take the Certified Radiology Nurse exam offered by the Association for Radiologic & Imaging Nurses

Rehabilitation Nurse

  • What they usually do: Rehabilitation nurses provide care for patients with long-term physical disabilities or chronic diseases and who have physical limitations due to their condition. Rehabilitation nurses help patients gain back their independence and restore their quality of life by setting short-term and long-term goals and creating a recovery plan to help the patient achieve them. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in various settings including outpatient rehabilitation centers, hospitals, clinics, long-term care agencies, patients’ homes, assisted living facilities, etc. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN and gaining experience in rehabilitation nursing, you can gain further credentials by becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®). You can also pursue post-graduate degrees if you are interested, such as a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science, Executive Master’s in Rehabilitation Administration, or Master of Health Science (MHS) Degree in Rehabilitation Sciences

Respiratory Nurse

  • What they usually do: A respiratory or pulmonary nurse provides care for patients who suffer from respiratory problems. They can deal with illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, tuberculosis, lung cancer, etc. Respiratory care is crucial since it affects the function of the entire body. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, but can also work in clinics, private offices, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, government agencies, etc. 

Rheumatology Nurse

  • What they usually do: Rheumatology nurses provide care for patients with rheumatic diseases (diseases that affect the joints and muscles). This may be caused by injuries, aging, wear and tear, or problems with the immune system. Some rheumatic diseases may include rheumatoid arthritis, spondylitis, Lyme disease, lupus, etc. 
  • Where they usually work: They are usually found in physician’s offices or specialty clinics. They may also be found in the hospital setting. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain experience in acute care before applying to specialty clinics. Some clinics, however, provide training which may last weeks or months. You should also make sure you have Basic Life Support certification. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification may also be helpful. 

Substance Abuse Nurse

  • What they usually do: Substance abuse nurses (or addiction nurses) provide care and treatment for patients who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances. They educate patients and their families and provide emotional support. They receive training in mental health. 
  • Where they usually work: Substance abuse nurses need to work closely with the patients and their families. They are usually found in mental health clinics, psychiatric wards, and abuse treatment facilities. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain nursing experience in dealing with patients with substance abuse problems. You can also take the Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) certification exam offered by the Addictions Nursing Certification Board (ANCB).

Telemetry Nurse 

  • What they usually do: Telemetry nurses provide care for patients with heart diseases, those who are recovering from cardiac surgeries, or those who have other medical issues that require continuous telemetry monitoring. Telemetry is a tool that allows continuous ECG, RR, and SpO2 monitoring. Usually, these patients are those that are already stable after being in the ICU but still need close monitoring. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in hospitals, usually for patients who have just been taken out of the ICU but still need close monitoring. They can also work in clinics and outpatient facilities, and provide in-home care for patients. 
  • How to become one: RNs will need to gain further training to become telemetry nurses. They need to know how to use an electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) machine and will also need advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training to be able to respond in case of emergencies. They can also get the certification offered by the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) or the CMC or CSC certifications offered by the American Association for Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

Trauma Nurse

  • What they usually do: Trauma nurses care for patients who suffer acute injuries or illness, such as from motor vehicle accidents, assault, gunshot wounds, stab wounds, head injuries, etc. 
  • Where they usually work: Trauma nurses usually work in emergency rooms, intensive care units, trauma step-down units, trauma Med/Surg units, and ambulance transport/flight nursing.
  • How to become one: Trauma nurses may be required to take various training courses, depending on where they work. Aside from basic life support (BLS), they can also take advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), the Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), the Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC), Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN), and Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) Certification. The TCRN is the first nationally recognized certification available to trauma nurses.

Transplant Nurse

  • What they usually do: Transplant nurses provide care for patients who are either receiving or donating organs for transplants. They can assist in the preparation, procedure, and recovery. 
  • Where they usually work: Transplant nurses usually work in hospitals, ambulatory surgical units, and specialized organ transplant facilities. 
  • How to become one: They should be an RN (preferably BSN-RN). They should also gain training in critical care and intensive care settings. Although it is not required, they can aim to become Certified Clinical Transplant Nurses.

Wound Care Nurse

  • What they usually do: Wound care nurses provide care for patients with various types of wounds, such as pressure ulcers (such as bedsores), ostomies, and foot wounds (especially for diabetic patients). They assess the wounds and treat them for proper healing. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in the Operating Rooms (OR), Critical Care units, ICUs, or inpatient settings of hospitals. They can also work for home health care agencies, nursing homes, hospice centers, etc. 

Type of Nurses #6: Alternative Nursing Careers

When we think of nurses, we typically think of them working directly with patients in hospitals, clinics, community centers, etc. But there are other types of jobs for nurses that aren’t usual or conventional. Let’s discuss these alternative options. 

Camp Nurse

  • What they usually do: Camp nurses serve campers, usually children and teens, who may be camping in the wilderness or an area far from a hospital or clinic. They make sure all campers are in good health before going to the campsite, and they deal with injuries and illnesses that may occur during the camp. Some camps are particularly for disabled or ill children, which means that these nurses are even more important in these kinds of camps. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in any campsite, whether urban or rural. They may need to be housed in the campsite for the duration of the camp. Camps are often seasonal, usually during summer, so this may not be a very stable job if you want to work as a full-time camp nurse. 
  • How to become one: You first need to become an RN and gain experience working in emergency care, pediatrics, or trauma units. You should know how to deal with medical emergencies, especially because you may be far from a hospital or clinic and may not even have good cellular or internet service. It would be good if you have both adult and pediatric CPR training and be experienced in first aid treatments. 

Correctional Nurse 

  • What they usually do: Correctional nurses provide care for prisoners in correctional facilities. They do an initial assessment of the prisoners and determine whether they need a higher level of care (often outside the facility). They need to deal with injuries, mental health problems, infectious diseases, and chronic diseases. They also need to stabilize the prisoners in emergencies until they can be transferred. 
  • Where they usually work: They work in correctional facilities, such as jails, penitentiaries, juvenile facilities, and secure group homes. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, it is ideal for you to gain experience in emergency nursing and medical-surgical nursing. You should get used to dealing with intense situations because you may be the only healthcare professional on-site during an emergency. You may also have to deal with the mental health issues of the prisoners and understand prison culture and protocols. After gaining experience, you can aim for the certification in correctional nursing offered by the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare (NCCHC).

Flight Nurse

  • What they usually do: Flight nurses (or ‘transport nurses’) provide medical care for patients during flights. They also board helicopters and rescue flights for emergencies. Their goal is to keep the patients stable during the flight until they arrive and can transport the patient to a proper healthcare facility. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work for hospitals, private medical transport companies, government agencies, fire departments, or search and rescue organizations. They can also work for the military overseas. 

Forensic Nurse

  • What they usually do: Forensic nurses help patients who are victims of trauma, violence, or abuse. They provide compassionate care to these victims while gathering relevant evidence that may be needed in court. They should have a strong foundation in the criminal justice system. They can also specialize in sexual assault/trauma. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in emergency rooms or urgent care departments of hospitals, urgent care departments. They can also work with coroners, medical examiners, pathologists, local government agencies, or non-profit organizations that serve abused victims. 
  • How to become one: You should first become an RN and gain relevant clinical experience. Although not required, it would be advisable to complete comprehensive training in forensic nursing offered by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals. You may also wish to further your career by taking an MSN degree because some specialty forensic nursing graduate degrees are required for certain types of cases. 

Healthcare Administrator

  • What they usually do: Healthcare administrators oversee the operations of a healthcare institution or department by looking into budgets, staffing, schedules, professional development, maintenance of records, compliance with regulations, etc. Aside from clinical knowledge, they need to have good business sense.
  • Where they usually work: They can work in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, private practices with multiple providers, etc.
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you should gain relevant work experience before aiming to become a healthcare administrator. You can also try to gain certifications such as in the revenue cycle of a healthcare organization or patient compliance. These are offered by the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management. You may also want to pursue a certificate in health informatics and health information management. Although becoming an RN can already qualify you for a healthcare administrator role, you may be limited to smaller organizations. If you want to advance in this career, you may consider taking a Master’s of Healthcare Administration (MHA), a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), or a Master’s of Public Health degree.

Health Policy Nurse

  • What they usually do: Health policy nurses seek to improve the healthcare system by reviewing healthcare laws and policies, advocating reforms, and making recommendations. They seek to improve patient safety and patient care outcomes.
  • Where they usually work: They can work in various settings such as government agencies, healthcare organizations, community organizations, non-profit organizations, research firms, etc. 
  • How to become one: You should first seek to become an RN and gain relevant experience as a nurse. You can already gain work as a health policy nurse as an RN, but if you want to advance in your career and do more, it would be helpful to gain an MSN in Healthcare Policy or Public Health Nursing. 

Home Health Nurse

  • What they usually do: Home health nurses care for patients in their own homes, especially for patients who cannot care for themselves or have no one who can take care of them. Home health nurses should be prepared to deal with a variety of cases such as gerontology, pediatric, mental health, etc. 
  • Where they usually work: They work in patients’ homes. They can work for facilities or organizations that assign patients to them, or they can have an independent practice. 
  • How to become one: Home health nurses may be Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), or Registered Nurses (RNs). However, they should only provide care within the limits or scope of their practice. If you want to advance as a home health nurse, you should consider becoming an RN or even proceeding to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Gaining valuable experience in a clinical setting is also important. 

Legal Nurse Consultant

  • What they usually do: Legal nurse consultants are experts in cases involving medical issues. They can be consulted in court or with insurance companies, healthcare providers, etc. They can also assist attorneys in the litigation process. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in law offices, insurance companies, government agencies, and hospitals. They can also have their own consulting business. 
  • How to become one: To become a legal nurse consultant, you should be an RN with a strong understanding of the medical field and legal practice. Although it is not strictly required, it would be very beneficial for you to strengthen your knowledge and credentials through further study. You can take coursework and an exam to become a Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC). You can also look into other med-legal courses and legal terminology courses. 

Military Nurse

  • What they usually do: Military nurses provide care for active-duty military personnel, military retirees, and their dependents in military clinics, hospitals, or makeshift medical facilities near combat zones. In times of war, military nurses may be deployed to foreign war zones together with active troops. Since this job can be very stressful and dangerous, military nurses are also highly compensated and enjoy many benefits. 
  • Where they usually work: They are usually assigned to military hospitals or clinics and government facilities, but can expect to be stationed in a new region every three years. They may be required to travel promptly if an emergency arises. They may also work in makeshift facilities near combat zones during times of war. 
  • How to become one: You should first become an RN. Although you may become a military nurse with an ADN degree, most prefer to hire BSN graduates. Having a BSN will also open up promotion opportunities. After you pass the NCLEX-RN, you can apply for a position in whichever brand of the military you want to serve in. You will need to undergo training on leadership skills and military life. You will also need to demonstrate excellent physical fitness. 

Missionary Nurse

  • What they usually do: Missionary nurses usually work with religious groups, non-profit organizations, or humanitarian groups to help patients in underdeveloped and underprivileged areas of the world. They provide basic healthcare services in areas that have little to no access to medicines, food, or clean drinking water. They also often share their religious beliefs with the community they are serving. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work anywhere in the world, specifically in underdeveloped or underprivileged countries or regions in need of basic healthcare services. They can also partner with local hospitals, clinics, community centers, churches, or schools to provide their services. They may also visit patients in their homes. 
  • How to become one: While studying to become a nurse, you can already take elective courses in international nursing and foreign languages. A background in religious studies may also be helpful. Although there are no specific certifications for missionary nurses, it may be beneficial to take certifications such as Basic Life Support. You must also have an unrestricted visa and passport to be able to travel to other countries.

Nurse Advocate

  • What they usually do: Nurse advocates help patients by trying to resolve any patient care concerns, ensuring the quality of care, and protecting patients’ rights. Although every nurse is in some way an advocate for the patients, some nurses specialize in this field. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, non-profit organizations, etc. In the hospital setting, they can be found in patient services departments, risk management, management, discharge planning, etc. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, there are no formal certifications required to become a nurse advocate. But gaining experience in different settings and navigating healthcare systems would be helpful. You can also gain further training as a healthcare liaison or as an independent RN patient advocate (iRNPA). 

Nurse Attorney

  • What they usually do: Nurse attorneys have a dual license as RNs and attorneys. They can address healthcare concerns and malpractices through their law practice and can ensure that healthcare organizations are delivering safe and lawful patient care. 
  • Where they usually work: Nurse attorneys can work primarily in a legal practice or a healthcare setting. This means they can work in law firms, insurance companies, government agencies, consulting firms, hospitals, clinics, etc. 
  • How to become one: You can choose to start by obtaining either your nursing degree or your law degree. Some choose to work in one field while completing the other degree as a part-time student. You will need to take the NCLEX-RN (for nurses) and the Bar Exam (for attorneys). Most of the time, these two degrees are enough for you to practice as a nurse attorney, but if you want to specialize in a certain field then you can get more certifications.

Nurse Entrepreneur

  • What they usually do: Nurse entrepreneurs start their own businesses related to the healthcare industry. This may include selling health products and medical devices or providing services such as patient care, nursing education, or consulting services. These nurses should have solid nursing experience and a strong business sense. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in various settings, depending on their type of business. They may have their own offices and clinics or work with corporations, hospitals, clinics, organizations, individual patients, etc. 
  • How to become one: After you become an RN, you should gain experience as a nurse. You can also simultaneously gain a background in business through mentoring or through formal training, such as taking a few courses in business. You may also want to gain specialty certifications that can make your business more credible. If you want to further advance your career, you can also consider taking an MSN, an MBA, or a joint MSN/MBA degree. 

Nurse Writer

  • What they usually do: Nurse writers educate others on nursing and health-related issues through their writings. They are skilled in communication, research, and advocacy. They usually work independently or as freelance writers, or they can do this as a sideline while working with actual patients. 
  • Where they usually work: They can write for medical journals, academic papers, health guides, health-related websites or blogs, and other health-related publications (such as newspapers, magazines, etc.). They can also have their own website or blog to discuss relevant health topics. Being a freelance writer allows flexibility, which means they can be working full-time at home or they can also work as a nurse in other settings. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, it would be advisable to gain several years of experience as a nurse before working as a nurse writer. This will ensure that your writings are realistic and informed, rather than just academic and idealistic. Although you do not need any special certifications to become a nurse writer, you must have exceptional grammar, spelling, and communication skills, as well as be familiar with different writing styles. Depending on the level of technicality and expertise needed in the writing, your employer may also have other requirements, such as a specialty certification in the area of pediatrics, mental health, etc. You may also be interested to gain a Medical Writer Certified (MWC®) credential from the Medical Writing Certification Commission in collaboration with the American Medical Writers Association. 

Organ Procurement Coordinator

  • What they usually do: Organ procurement coordinators handle the process of organ transplants, which includes coordinating with the donor and his/her family, the recipient, and the doctors. They screen and evaluate the donors and refer the recipients for transplant surgery. They also assist during organ transportation. 
  • Where they usually work: They are usually employed by non-profit organizations, but a large part of their work happens in hospital settings. They may need to travel a lot because they assist in the transportation of organs. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, it would be good if you gain experience working in the ICU, emergency department, or surgical department because you will often have to deal with critical cases. After gaining experience as a transplant coordinator, you can aim for the Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC) certification. 

Parish Nurse 

  • What they usually do: Parish nurses (or ‘faith community nurses’) provide care for members of a parish or a faith community. They should be aware of the faith and beliefs of that community.
  • Where they usually work: They work in churches, social service agencies, and hospitals (especially faith-based hospitals). They can also work independently or have a private practice. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, you may want to gain experience as a nurse in a clinical setting to become equipped in dealing with various kinds of diseases and conditions. You may also look into the courses for parish nursing offered by the Ministry of Church Health.

Public Health Nurse

  • What they usually do: Public health nurses provide care for patients in the community. They do not only deal with individual patients but should see the big picture of the whole community’s health needs. They also often work with the underprivileged. They promote and protect the health of the whole community, and assess the environment, the health risks, and the available resources.
  • Where they usually work: They can work in community centers, county health departments, city health departments, public health agencies, mobile units, etc. 
  • How to become one: Basic public health courses are usually integrated into a BSN curriculum. After becoming an RN, therefore, you can seek entry-level work as a public health nurse. However, if you want to advance in your practice, you need to take a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in public health. This will allow you to engage in leadership roles and research.

Research Nurse

  • What they usually do: Research nurses engage in scientific research having to do with health, illness, treatments, pharmaceuticals, etc. The goal of this research is to improve healthcare and patient outcomes. They should know how to design and implement research designs, analyze data, and report findings. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in research laboratories, medical research organizations, universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. 

School Nurse

  • What they usually do: School nurses care for school-aged children in educational institutions. They should be able to deal with minor illnesses and with emergencies. They should know when the child should be sent back home or sent to a hospital or emergency care unit. They should also keep in close communication with the parents. There may also be times when they need to advocate for a child’s social well-being, such as against bullying or abuse.
  • Where they usually work: They work in different kinds of educational facilities, such as public schools, private schools, vocational schools, international schools, etc. They can work in one school, or travel amongst schools in a particular area. They usually work during the day and can enjoy holidays and other school breaks. 
  • How to become one: After becoming an RN, it would be good to first gain clinical experience as a nurse before applying as a school nurse. It would also be helpful to learn more about school policies, mental health, and pediatrics. You can also look into the certification for school nurses offered by the National Board of Certification for School Nurses (NBCSN). 

Telephone Triage Nurse

  • What they usually do: Telephone triage nurses (or ‘telehealth nurses’) provide care for patients over the phone or through video chat. They answer concerns such as if the patient should seek emergency treatment, how to make an appointment with a doctor, or how they can treat themselves at home. These nurses should be skilled at listening, assessing cases, communicating, and providing remote care and advice. These services are usually available 24/7, so TTN nurses should be prepared to work night shifts or on weekends. 
  • Where they usually work: They usually work in telephone triage service centers. They can also work in physician’s offices, hospitals, crisis hotlines, poison control centers, etc. 
  • How to become one: You should first become and gain experience as a clinical nurse before applying as a telephone triage nurse. Although there is no certification specific to telephone triage nursing, you can gain certification in other relevant fields such as ambulatory care nursing. 

Transcultural Nurse

  • What they usually do: Transcultural nurses provide care for patients with various cultural customs, values, and beliefs which affect how the patients may deal with illness, healing, disease, and death. They seek to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive nursing care suited to the patient’s values. These nurses have to be familiar with a wide variety of cultures in an increasingly globalized society. 
  • Where they usually work: They can work in various settings, such as hospitals, community centers, and outpatient clinics. 
  • How to become one: You should first become an RN and gain work experience. Although it is not required, it would be good to gain basic transcultural nursing certification from the Transcultural Nursing Society. You can also go into advanced transcultural nursing, but this would require an MSN degree.

Travel Nurse

  • What they usually do: Travel nurses are assigned to different locations to fill in nursing employment gaps temporarily. They usually work for an independent staffing agency that assigns them wherever there is a nursing position that needs to be filled (especially if there is a nursing shortage in the area). They work in any state in the country, and can even work outside as an international travel nurse. Their housing and the cost of relocation are usually covered, and they get higher-than-average pay. 
  • Where they usually work: They are usually hired by a staffing agency, but can be assigned to hospitals or clinics in any state in the country, or even outside the country. 
  • How to become one: It is preferable to become a BSN-RN rather than an ADN-RN because some agencies will only hire BSN-RNs. After becoming an RN, you should experience working as a nurse. It would also be good to gain general or specialty certifications because some positions that need to be filled may be specialty-based. 

In Summary

We’ve seen LOTS of different types of nurses from the more common types to the highly specialized ones! 

The information may seem a bit overwhelming for now, but hopefully, it will help widen your perspective on possible nursing career paths. And one or two types may have piqued your interest more than the others. 

It’s a great time to start weighing your options and pursuing your dreams. 

We wish you all the best and a happy nursing career journey! 

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