Nurses take on vital jobs in the healthcare industry. Many nurses find their profession fulfilling, stable, and well paying — plus, the industry continues to add new job opportunities every day.
With so many different types of nurses, though, it can be difficult to nail down a specialization that works for you. Nursing fields run the gamut, with nurses focusing on forensics, heart health, obesity, genetics, and even business, to name just a few. Sometimes students know their chosen pathway during their undergraduate degree; others might not know until they gain a bit of experience in the field.
So, what type of nurses are there? This guide lists more than 100 nursing specialties, exploring different types of nursing jobs for anyone planning their future in the field.
A-E
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- Average Salary: $114,510
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- Degree Required: Master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
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- Relevant Certifications: Varies — Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, etc.
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who want greater responsibility and independence enjoy working as advanced practice nurses.
Learn More About APRNs
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: Associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
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- Relevant Certifications: Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Since the day-to-day schedules for these nurses tend to be more predictable than other healthcare professions, ambulatory care nursing could be a good option for nurses looking for regular work hours.
Learn More About Ambulatory Care Nursing
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- Average Salary: $106,670
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- Degree Required: BSN, sometimes an MSN or master of business administration
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- Relevant Certifications: N/A
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses with an interest in business, leadership, or more interdisciplinary roles should look into this field.
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- Average Salary: $75,000 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Bariatric Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Bariatric nurses have a passion for helping people improve their lives. The job also involves both understanding and consideration as patients navigate the difficult issue of obesity.
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- Average Salary: $63,450 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: N/A
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Anyone who loves nature and a bit of adventure would enjoy working as a camp nurse.
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- Average Salary: $67,480 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification, Cardiac Surgery Certification, Cardiac Medicine Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Individuals who want to help people improve their heart health enjoy this role.
Learn More About Cardiac Nursing
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- Average Salary: $78,900 (as of February 2022)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This speciality might appeal to any nurse who wants to be involved in this widespread issue.
Learn More About Cardiac Nursing
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- Average Salary: $74,840 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: American Case Management Certification, Case Management Administrator Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who are interested in creating efficiencies and want to advocate for and build continuing relationships with patients may enjoy this role.
Learn More About Case Management Nursing
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- Average Salary: $83,180 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: MSN or DNP
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- Relevant Certifications: Clinical Nurse Leader Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Individuals who enjoy leadership positions and want to give back by providing mentorship to other nurses may fit this role well.
Learn More About Clinical Nurse Leaders
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- Average Salary: $93,860 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: MSN or DNP
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- Relevant Certifications: ACCNS – Neonatal, ACCNS – Pediatrics, ACCNS – Adult-Gerontology
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses with clinical expertise, especially those who want to share their knowledge, enjoy this role.
Learn More About Clinical Nurse Specialists
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- Average Salary: $61,720 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Community Health Nursing Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who want to make a difference in their community, especially for at-risk or low-income people, thrive in this position.
Learn More About Community Health Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Holistic Nurse Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: If you are interested in treating more than just physical symptoms, and taking a mind, body, and spirit approach, then complementary health nursing could be a good pathway for you.
Learn More About Complementary Health Nursing
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- Average Salary: $54,000 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: Some positions require LPN training completion; for certification, some positions require an ADN or a BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Correctional Health Professional — RN
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Correctional facilities sometimes come with difficult circumstances, so correctional nurses must understand how to make critical decisions under pressure.
Learn More Correctional Nursing
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- Average Salary: $73,730 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Critical Care Registered Nursing-Adult, Critical Care Registered Nursing-Pediatric, Critical Care Registered Nursing-Neonatal
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who work well under pressure and who find fulfillment in saving lives in life-threatening situations would fit this role well.
Learn More About Critical Care Nursing
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- Average Salary: $45,000-$57,000 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Dermatology Nurse Certified
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- Who This Specialty Is For: This role could be a good fit for nurses who are passionate about skincare and want to help individuals with more severe skin conditions.
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- Average Salary: $79,000 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses with patience and compassion who want to help some of society’s most vulnerable people make good developmental disability nurses.
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- Average Salary: $69,740 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Board Certified — Advanced Diabetes Management
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- Who This Specialty Is For: This can be a good specialization for nurses who wish to work in more advanced positions and those who want to help diabetic patients.
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- Average Salary: $76,120 (as of February 2022)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Dialysis Nurse, Certified Nephrology Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who do not mind taking on hands-on roles and working with dialysis machinery do well within the nephrology and dialysis fields.
Learn More About Dialysis Nursing
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- Average Salary: $67,000/a> (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Advanced Forensic Nursing
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Domestic violence nurses must be extremely good communicators and sensitive to trauma survivors. Nurses who want to help survivors recover make good domestic violence nurses.
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- Average Salary: $72,220 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Emergency Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Quick-thinking individuals who can remain steady under high-pressure situations do well as emergency nurses.
Learn More About Emergency Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: N/A
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who feel passionate about ethics and social justice in healthcare should consider this speciality.
F-L
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- Average Salary: $114,510 for all NPs
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- Degree Required: MSN or DNP
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- Relevant Certifications: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners FNP Certification, American Nurses Credentialing Center FNP Board Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who want to take on roles with greater responsibility and independence succeed in advanced practice roles like this one. This is also a good job for anyone who enjoys working with patients of all ages.
Learn More About Family Nurse Practitioners
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- Average Salary: $73,470 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Flight Registered Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Working as a flight/transport nurse requires decision-making in high-pressure situations, so nurses who can stay level-headed and calm under stress do well in this role.
Learn More About Flight Nursing
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- Average Salary: $67,000 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN, although some earn an MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Advanced Forensic Nursing
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Forensic nurses work with trauma survivors, so they should be able to care for patients in an extremely empathetic manner.
Learn More About Forensic Nursing
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- Average Salary: $69,250 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse Credential
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses interested in helping patients with digestive issues should consider this emphasis area.
Learn More About Gastroenterology Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: BSN, although some positions require an MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Advanced Genetics Nursing Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: This can be a good role for nurses who enjoy research and learning about advanced scientific theories.
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- Average Salary: $69,210 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Gerontological Nursing Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: These nurses must maintain composure and show compassion in providing care to aging adults, especially those with conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Learn More About Geriatric Nursing
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- Average Salary: $114,510 for all NPs
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- Degree Required: MSN or DNP
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- Relevant Certifications: Adult-Gerontology Primary Nurse Practitioner
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who enjoy working with aging patients, but who also want greater responsibility and independence, can succeed in this role.
Learn More About Gerontological Nursing
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- Average Salary: $64,300 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: National Certification Corporation Credential in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing
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- Who This Specialty Is For: OB/GYN nurses play an important role in expectant women’s lives. Nurses interested in guiding expectant women will enjoy this position.
Learn More About Gynecology/Obstetric Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: BSN, although many earn an MSN or a DNP
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified in Public Health
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who want to use their knowledge to make a difference in healthcare policy should consider this role.
Learn More About Health Policy Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Pediatric Hematology Nurse, Oncology Certified Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: This can be a good career pathway for nurses who want to treat patients who may become very ill. Hematology nurses should possess empathy, good communication skills, and a sense of positivity.
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- Average Salary: $91,000 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: HIV/AID Certified Registered Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: HIV/AIDS nurses must be nonjudgmental and compassionate to help people with this immunodeficiency disease.
Learn More About HIV/AIDS Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Holistic Nurse Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses interested in alternative therapies and treatments, and those who believe in the wellness of mind and spirit, succeed as holistic nurses.
Learn More About Holistic Nursing
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- Average Salary: $65,090 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Home Health Nursing Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who find fulfillment in building relationships with patients and prefer nonclinical settings may enjoy this role.
Learn More About Home Health Care Nursing
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- Average Salary: $68,660 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN, BSN, or MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator (CHPCA), Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse (CHPPN), Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: This career attracts registered nurses passionate about alleviating suffering due to severe illness and providing end-of-life care. These nurses must provide compassionate care and emotional support to patients and remain comfortable in crisis situations. They should possess comprehensive training in pain management, good communication skills, and empathy.
Learn More About Hospice Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Registered nurses who prefer flexible schedules and the ability to travel to new workplace settings may choose to work as self-employed contractors. They may earn higher salaries than nurses working under the direct control of a hiring entity but typically do not receive healthcare or vacation benefits.
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- Average Salary: $73,670 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Infection control nursing can offer a challenging career to highly skilled registered nurses who have an interest in research and data analysis and the ability to problem-solve and think innovatively.
Learn More About Infection Control Nursing
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- Average Salary: $85,320 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: BSN or MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: These specialized registered nurses should have a strong interest and training in data analysis, information technology, and project management. They should also have the interpersonal skills to work with diverse groups and resolve conflicts while developing efficient systems to support the needs of patients and healthcare personnel.
Learn More About Informatics Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010(for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Infusion nurses need training and experience in pharmacology, laboratory analysis, and telemetry. This field requires mathematical skills to calculate drug dosing and infusion rates. These nurses should also possess patience and steady eye and hand coordination.
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- Average Salary: $80,010(for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: International Council of Nurses Certified Global Nurse Consultant (ICN-CGNC)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: International nursing attracts nurses who possess an interest in other cultures and a love of travel and helping people. They should be flexible and resilient. They must be prepared to work in underequipped and overburdened settings, sometimes in war zones or communities devastated by natural disasters, poverty, or pandemics.
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- Average Salary: $68,270 (as of May February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (RNC-OB)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: L&D nurses must have the temperament to handle stressful situations, make quick decisions, and express empathy for the pregnant woman’s medical and psychological needs. They must also possess strong communication skills to work with diverse patient groups and other healthcare specialists.
Learn More About Labor and Delivery Nursing
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- Average Salary: $55,00 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses committed to infant heath enter this field after receiving specialized training in hormone and endocrine function and the health benefits of breastmilk. Desirable qualities include empathy, good communication skills, respect, and a nonjudgmental disposition.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: This specialty requires both nursing training and legal expertise. These consultants must work independently under pressure to meet deadlines and possess the ability to communicate with many types of people.
Learn More About Legal Nurse Consulting
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- Average Salary: $48,820
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- Degree Required: Nursing diploma
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- Relevant Certifications: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse (CPDN), Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: LPNs should possess strong interpersonal and observational skills. They must pay attention to details, monitor changes in patients’ conditions, and exhibit compassion and patience.
Learn More About Licensed Practical Nursing
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- Average Salary: $64,370 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certification in Long-Term Care (CLTC)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: This specialty requires comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge about long-term and debilitating illness. These nurses must possess composure, empathy, and a desire to support patients in stressful situations.
Learn More About Long-Term Care Nursing
Featured Online MSN Programs
M-N
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- Average Salary: $85,000 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses in this specialty need a thorough knowledge of managed healthcare providers and an understanding of cost-effective treatment. They must have strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to quality healthcare for diverse populations, including the elderly and low-income patients.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN, BSN, , or MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Medical-surgical nurses must think quickly while working in stressful conditions. They must also possess empathy and good judgement to provide appropriate pain management for pre and postsurgery patients.
Learn More About Surgical Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Military nurses must meet rigorous physical requirements and possess high levels of endurance. These nurses often work in stressful, dangerous, and emergency conditions with little sleep.
Learn More About Military and Uniformed Service Nursing
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- Average Salary: Depends on the nonprofit employer; often voluntary service
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Missionary nurses integrate their spiritual and faith-based commitment with nursing training. They must be willing to travel and live away from the U.S. for long periods of time, adapting to different cultures and difficult conditions.
Learn More About Missionary Nursing
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- Average Salary: $71,040 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: BSN or MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certification for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC), Critical Care Registered Nurse (Neonatal)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: NICU nurses face challenging and stressful situations daily, attending to the needs of newborns battling life-threatening conditions. Because the workload and number of patients varies considerably, they must be flexible and willing to work in fast-paced and quickly changing environments.
Learn More About Neonatal Nursing
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- Average Salary: $76,230 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN), Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: These registered nurses must have the ability to deal with emotionally charged and stressful situations working with very sick patients. Nephrology nurses employed in acute care units must handle working on call and long shifts.
Learn More About Nephrology Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Registered Neuroscience Nurse (CNRN), Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Neuroscience nurses must have extensive training and experience in nervous system disorders and possess advanced technological skills.
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- Average Salary: $189,190
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- Degree Required: MSN; after 2025, DNP required
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurse anesthetists must possess critical care experience and the ability to remain calm in stressful environments. In addition to handling long work schedules, they must be adept at making independent judgments quickly.
Learn More About Nurse Anesthetists
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- Average Salary: $148,910
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- Degree Required: ADN, BSN, and juris doctorate (JD) law degree
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurse attorneys must spend several years earning RN licensure and a law degree. They should be research oriented and willing to devote many hours to continuing education for nurses to maintain their nursing and law licenses.
Learn More About Nurse Attorneys
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- Average Salary: $84,060
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- Degree Required: MSN, DNP, or Ph.D.
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Successful nurse educators impart their passion for nursing through their teaching and leadership abilities and their communication skills. These nurses, who must hold a DNP or Ph.D. to work at a college or university, should demonstrate a commitment to scholarship that advances nursing training.
Learn More About Nurse Educators
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Who This Specialty Is For: This career attracts nurses who feel strongly about the future of healthcare and the role of nurses. They must be knowledgeable, possess good communication skills, and the tenacity to initiate contacts, build networks, and successfully lobby for change.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Nurse Life Care Planner (CNLCP)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: These nurses must have empathy for patients with medical conditions requiring long-term care and support. Life-care planners should have strong advocacy skills and the tenacity to navigate health insurance and government bureaucracies.
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- Average Salary: $115,540
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- Degree Required: MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), Certified Midwives (CMs)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurse midwives possess a strong commitment to healthcare for women and newborns. They must have compassion, good communication skills, and the ability to remain calm in stressful delivery situations.
Learn More About Nurse Midwifery
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- Average Salary: $114,510
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- Degree Required: MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Practitioner (A-GNP), Emergency Nurse Practitioner
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- Who This Specialty Is For: NPs enter practice with a desire to provide comprehensive healthcare to patients from all backgrounds. They must pay attention to detail and make decisions independently.
Learn More About Nurse Practitioners
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: BSN or MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Association of Clinical Research Professionals Certification (ACRP-CP), Certified Clinical Research certification (CCRP)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: These researchers possess expertise in data collection and analysis, observation, and written communication.
Learn More About Nurse Researchers
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- Average Salary: $67,080 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nursing advocacy requires knowledge of healthcare law and ethics, communication and negotiation skills, and the cultural competency for nurses to work with diverse populations.
Learn More About Nursing Advocacy
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- Average Salary: Depends on the type of business enterprise
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Who This Specialty Is For: In addition to nursing training, these entrepreneurs must have a background in fields like accounting, management, marketing, and finance. They must be creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and risk takers.
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- Average Salary: $197,840
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- Degree Required: MSN or MBA
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Executive in Nursing Practice (CENP), Board Certified Nurse Executive (NE-BC), Advanced Board Certified Nurse Executive (NEA-BC)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Senior-level nurse administrators connect their clinical nursing experience with training in business or healthcare administration. They must develop the necessary interpersonal and leadership skills to work with employees at all organizational levels.
Learn More About Nurse Executives
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- Average Salary: $118,800
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- Degree Required: MSN or MBA
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who manage other nurses and healthcare support staff must have excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Many organizations require administrators skilled in technological applications and informatics.
Learn More About Nurse Administrators
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- Average Salary: $71,092 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: BSN or MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses in this field must be team players and possess a familiarity with service utilization and case management in healthcare settings.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Medical Writer Certified (MWC)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who work as writers must have comprehensive and specialized nursing knowledge, along with excellent written communication skills.
O-R
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- Average Salary: $74,250 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Clinical Occupational Health Nurse (COHN), Clinical Occupational Health Nurse Specialist (COHN-S)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: This field welcomes nurses who want to improve the safety and health of employees in the workplace. These creative problem-solvers often work with diverse groups in stressful situations to defuse conflicts and disagreements.
Learn More About Occupational Health Nursing
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- Average Salary: $76,630 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), Advanced Oncology, Certified Nurse (AOCN), Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: This rewarding but challenging nursing specialty requires compassion and emotional resilience, especially when dealing with terminally-ill patients or children.
Learn More About Oncology Nursing
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- Average Salary: $75,460 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: BSN or MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR), Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: These highly skilled nurses work in fast-paced and stressful environments where they must possess physical and emotional strength to fulfill patient needs.
Learn More About Operating Room Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certification for Registered Nurses of Ophthalmology (CRNO)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Ophthalmic nurses must have specialized knowledge of eye conditions and keep current with the applications to treat them. They should have empathy and strong communication skills to explain procedures and treatment plans.
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- Average Salary: $66,030 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Orthopedic Nurse Certification (ONC)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: These registered nurses recognize the importance of helping patients understand their conditions and find appropriate treatments and pain relief. They must pay attention to detail and exercise patience with patients dealing with painful and debilitating conditions.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Otorhinolaryngology Nursing Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who want to focus on diseases and conditions that affect the head and neck might enjoy this specialty.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: N/A
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Those who have a passion for humanitarian work, love to travel, and have years of experience in a nursing specialty might prefer this option.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Pain Management Nursing Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who are interested in alleviating acute or chronic pain for patients in their care may choose this speciality.
Learn More About Pain Management Nursing
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- Average Salary: $68,590/a> (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Faith Community Nursing Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses wanting to provide care beyond the hospital walls in faith-based settings and can balance nursing duties with counseling, educating, and advocating for patients would enjoy this type of work.
Learn More About Parish Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Pediatric Nurse, Certified Diabetic Educator
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Those who like working directly with children and are interested in the body’s hormonal systems might wish to join this nursing specialty to advance endocrine care and improve patient outcomes.
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- Average Salary: $108,500 (AANP 2020 Compensation Survey)
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- Degree Required: MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Primary Care
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurse practitioners who can easily develop a trusting relationship with children and their parents and make them feel comfortable during high-stress times would be an ideal fit for this role.
Learn More About Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
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- Average Salary: $60,680 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Pediatric Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses might enjoy this specialty if they love working with children and have the creativity and patience to communicate, support, and comfort children and their families during potentially stressful times.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Post-Anesthesia Nurse, Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Those who prefer experience in an emergency room or intensive care unit and can easily relate to and comfort patients who may be anxious about surgery would like this specialty.
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- Average Salary: $67,540 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Maternal Newborn Nursing, Inpatient Obstetric Nursing, Perinatal Nursing (for renewals only)
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- Who This Specialty Is For: RNs who have strong interpersonal skills and want to pursue a career helping women during a significant time in their lives might enjoy this field.
Learn More About Perinatal Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses might like this speciality if they want to work hands-on with patients to boost their confidence about their procedures. RNs might also enjoy learning about the latest surgical and noninvasive procedures.
Learn More About Plastic Surgery Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Poison Information Specialist
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Those who can maintain a calm demeanor in a stressful, fast-paced environment and prefer working independently to make quick decisions would enjoy this nursing role.
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- Average Salary: $120,000 (AANP 2020 Compensation Survey)
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- Degree Required: MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who have a passion for advanced mental healthcare and have strong relationship-building skills would enjoy this speciality.
Learn More About Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatric nurses work with psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners to carry out treatment plans and provide emotional support to patients with mild and complex mental health disorders and substance misuse issues. They serve as advocates for patients and their families, helping them access mental health services and other social services resources.
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- Average Salary: $67,300 (as of Febuary 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Board Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: RNs who wish to play an important role in helping people with mental health disorders, substance misuse issues, and behavioral concerns, and enjoy varied work duties, may prefer this option.
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- Average Salary: $61,600 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Public Health Nursing
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses wanting to work in the public sector and can interpret health trends and data to make changes in vulnerable communities might like this nursing field.
Learn More About Public Health Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Critical Care Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses might opt for this speciality if they have an interest in advanced knowledge about the respiratory system and would like to serve as nurse and educator to help individuals and families.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Radiology Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who like working with medical equipment and testing might prefer this speciality.
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- Average Salary: $80,010
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Varies — Critical Care Registered Nursing (Adult), Informatics Nursing Certification, Gerontological Nursing Certification, Oncology Certified Nurse, etc.
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Those who want to get started as an RN, have excellent bedside manner, and can communicate healthcare plans to patients and their families should consider this role.
Learn More About Registered Nurses
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- Average Salary: $69,480 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: RNs who can serve as an advocate, supporter, and educator, and have the skills to create a holistic approach that meets the patients’ and their families’ unique needs, will like this speciality.
Learn More About Rehabilitation Nursing
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- Average Salary: $73,000 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: N/A
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- Who This Specialty Is For: RNs who have a passion for fertility and reproductive health and can support patients going through potentially challenging circumstances may find this field rewarding.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Rheumatology Nursing Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Those who have a strong understanding of and interest in pharmacology and can educate patients about medication management should consider this specialty.
S-Z
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner — Adult and Adolescent, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner — Pediatric
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- Who This Specialty Is For: RNs preferring to work in emergency departments and critical care, who have strong listening skills, and who are sensitive to the needs of trauma survivors might find this job a rewarding experience.
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- Average Salary: $49,080 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: MSN
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- Relevant Certifications: National Certified School Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who want to work independently and help children or teens be healthy and safe should consider this option.
Learn More About School Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Post-Acute Care Registered Nurse, Critical Care Registered Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Those who want to serve an integral role in helping to stabilize patients, appreciate forming lasting relationships, and enjoy the rewards of seeing patients meet goals might opt for this career path.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Addictions Registered Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: RNs who are passionate about helping people and their families achieve sober living or who want to eventually become a mental health counselor might prefer this specialty.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: N/A
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who desire a flexible nursing schedule and want greater control of where they work would like this option. This nursing job also allows RNs to get experience in many specialties.
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- Average Salary: $58,770 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: RNs who wish to gain technological and problem-solving skills, have a strong sense of organization, and thrive in a team-oriented environment may find this career fulfilling.
Learn More About Surgical Nursing
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- Average Salary: $63,080 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Cardiographic Technician, Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who enjoy fast-paced environments, can quickly learn to use the latest technology in a telemetry unit, and have an interest in studying cardiac conditions would like this role.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Ambulatory Care Nursing
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- Who This Specialty Is For: RNs who have excellent customer service skills might prefer this opportunity. Nurses should be comfortable making patient assessments over the phone without the luxury of hands-on examinations.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Poison Information Specialist
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses should enjoy working in high-stress settings, be able to stay calm in urgent situations, and have an interest in toxicology.
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certification in Transcultural Nursing
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who have a passion for learning about different cultures and religions and can easily relate to different communities would find this field rewarding.
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- Average Salary: $79,000 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who have compassion for patients waiting for organ donations and for families of deceased organ donors might prefer this career track. RNs should be able to navigate stressful situations with sensitivity and professionalism.
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- Average Salary: $77,960 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Emergency Nurse, Trauma Certified Registered Nurse, Certified Flight Registered Nurse
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who thrive in intense and complicated conditions and can work effectively and efficiently to save lives in emergency situations may find this role an ideal fit. Nurses should easily communicate with patients as well as physicians and other members of the trauma team in urgent settings.
Learn More About Trauma Nursing
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- Average Salary: $80,010 (for all RNs)
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- Degree Required: ADN or BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Critical Care Registered Nurse, Certified Emergency Nurse, IV and EKG Certification
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who love travel should consider this career option. RNs can expand their experience by learning processes and procedures at different hospitals, and they have the freedom to choose where they work.
Learn More About Travel Nursing
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- Average Salary: $61,060 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Ambulatory Care Nursing
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who can keep calm and provide nursing care in a chaotic emergency setting and wish to potentially perform life-saving procedures might enjoy this speciality.
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- Average Salary: $74,240 (as of February 2022/Payscale)
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- Degree Required: BSN
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- Relevant Certifications: Certified Urology Associate (for LPNs), Certified Urology Registered Nurse, Certified Urology Nurse Practitioner
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- Who This Specialty Is For: Nurses who wish to form close relationships with patients as they support and educate them about urology conditions and treatments would like this role.
Learn More About Urologic Nursing