How to Start a Rewarding Career in One of These Nursing Specialties

Use our practical guide to discover how to enter a specialized nursing career.

By Venus Gentile, Monster Contributor

Nursing can be a highly rewarding and lucrative profession with plenty of opportunities for career growth and development. And since it's highly specialized, you're probably asking, "What kind of nurse should I be?" You're likely already compassionate, patient, and attentive, so the type of nurse you aspire to be depends on your specific skills, interests, and career goals. The good news is that with so many nursing specialties to choose from, you're practically guaranteed to find your perfect fit.

The importance of nursing and its impact on patient care cannot be overstated, and the need for nurses across the U.S. shows no signs of slowing. Demand for skilled workers in this field continues to grow, which means it's a great time to begin your job search.

From critical care and emergency room nursing to pediatrics and oncology, there's no shortage of nursing specialties to pick from. And with further education, you can eventually move into higher-paying, advanced practice roles such as a nurse practitioner (NP) or researcher. In this article, we explain the benefits of specializing in nursing and list the best nursing fields to suit your skills, education, and professional goals.

The Importance of Nursing Specialties in Healthcare

Nursing specialties play an essential role in healthcare delivery. By focusing on specific patient populations or health conditions, nurses with specialized training and knowledge deliver more effective and efficient care. This in turn improves patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality.

Specialized nurses also provide a valuable resource to healthcare teams, helping inform treatment plans and improve care coordination. For example, a nurse with specialized training in oncology works closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to develop individualized treatment plans for cancer patients and provide ongoing support and education to patients and families.

In addition, nursing specialties help to address specific healthcare challenges and disparities, such as the shortage of mental health providers or the need for more effective management of chronic conditions. By focusing on these areas, nurses can help fill critical healthcare system gaps and improve access to care for underserved populations.

The Benefits of Specializing in a Nursing Field

Nurses who choose to specialize in a particular area typically do so out of passion. They may have personal experience with a particular health condition or be motivated to make a difference in the lives of a specific patient population. For example, a nurse who has a child with a chronic illness may choose to specialize in that area of nursing to help other families facing similar challenges.

Specializing in an area of nursing can also provide unique opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in your work. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Career advancement: When you specialize in a particular area of nursing, you'll have more opportunities for career growth. For example, you may be a more competitive candidate for advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, as well as leadership positions within your organization.
  • Higher salary potential: Your specialized skills and knowledge will typically be in higher demand, so you can negotiate a better salary than those with a general nursing background. In this way, investing time and resources into developing your specialized skills can provide financial stability.
  • Enhanced job satisfaction: Specializing in a field you're passionate about can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction and personal fulfillment. You'll typically feel that you're making a more significant impact on the lives of your patients and be more engaged in your work. This can lead to a more profound sense of purpose and in turn, help prevent burnout.
  • Opportunities for research and innovation: Working in a specialized field can lead to opportunities to conduct research or develop innovative approaches to care. This can help to advance your field of nursing and improve patient outcomes. For example, if you specialize in oncology, you may be involved in developing new treatment approaches for cancer patients, or you could specialize in geriatrics and help create new models of care for aging populations.

What Nursing Specialty Should I Do?

Before choosing a specialty, consider your skills, interests, passions, and strengths. Also, think about what you enjoy most about nursing and what areas of healthcare most interest you. Then it’s time to research different nursing specialties that align with your career goals.

Keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. You never know - you could discover a passion you hadn’t considered before. Let’s look at some different nursing specialties, what they pay, and the nursing school requirements you’ll need to apply.

Critical Care Nurse

A critical care nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who specializes in caring for critically ill patients requiring close monitoring and complex medical interventions. In this role, you'll assess and monitor patient vital signs, administer medications, and manage life-sustaining equipment such as ventilators and dialysis machines.

You could work in intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, or other high-acuity settings. This role requires a combination of technical skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Education and licensure requirements: An associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), and a state registered nursing license (RN).

Expected job growth over the next eight years: 6% increase

Median Salary: $40.18 per hour

Clinical Nurse Educator

Nurse educators play a vital role in shaping the future of nursing by staying up to date with the latest advancements in nursing and healthcare and helping to prepare students for the challenges they may face. As a nurse educator, you'll educate and train students in various nursing skills, techniques, and knowledge, such as patient care, nursing theory, and clinical practices.

You'll also develop lesson plans, conduct lectures and clinical instruction, and evaluate the performance of nursing students. If you love teaching, this is one of the best nursing specialties to consider. You'll need excellent communication active listening and leadership skills, and a passion for motivating others in this role.

Education and licensure requirements: A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree plus a state registered nursing license (RN).

Expected job growth over the next eight years: 12% increase

Median Salary: $74,919 per year

Hospice Nurse

A hospice nurse provides compassionate care and support to patients and their families during the end-of-life journey. You'll provide pain management, administer medications, monitor the patient's condition, and offer emotional support to them and their family members.

You'll work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement a care plan that addresses the patient's physical and emotional needs. Nursing specialties such as this require a deep sense of compassion and empathy, emotional resilience, and strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with patients and their families.

Education and licensure requirements: An associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), plus a Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Certification (HPCC) and a state registered nursing license (RN).

Expected job growth over the next eight years: 6% increase

Median Salary: $74,620 per year

Emergency Room Nurse

Emergency room nurses provide care to patients in crisis settings. You'll triage patients, assess their condition, and provide immediate medical attention. You'll also provide emotional support to patients and their families.

This role requires you to work under stressful and high-pressure conditions, often dealing with patients in acute and life-threatening situations. You must be able to think critically, make quick decisions, and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care to patients.

Education and licensure requirements: An associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, and a state registered nursing license (RN).

Expected job growth over the next eight years: 6% increase

Median Salary: $85,844 per year

Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice RNs providing anesthesia and pain management services. You'll collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective anesthesia care for patients undergoing surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures.

To be successful in this role, you must have a strong knowledge of pharmacology, physiology, and anatomy and possess excellent critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills. This is one of the highest paying and fastest-growing nursing specialties.

Education and licensure requirements: A master’s degree in nurse anesthesia, a certification to become a registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), and a state registered nursing license (RN).

Expected job growth over the next eight years: 40% increase

Median Salary: $110,410 per year

Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses provide specialized care to infants, children, and adolescents. They work closely with pediatricians and other healthcare professionals to promote the health and well-being of young patients.

As a pediatric nurse, you'll perform various duties, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and preparing patients for procedures. You'll also provide emotional support to patients and families and educate parents and caregivers on childcare and disease prevention.

You'll need strong communication skills, patience, and empathy to succeed in this role. And you'll have to be flexible and adapt to the unique needs of each patient and family.

Education and licensure requirements: An associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a state registered nursing license (RN).

Expected job growth over the next eight years: 6% increase

Median Salary: $72,174 per year

Nurse Midwife

This is one of the highest-paid and rapidly growing nursing specialties. A nurse midwife provides care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. You'll provide prenatal care, gynecological exams, family planning, childbirth education, labor, delivery care and postpartum care.

You'll typically collaborate with obstetricians, pediatricians, among other healthcare professionals to ensure safe and healthy outcomes for mother and baby. This role requires critical thinking and communication skills, attention to detail, empathy, and compassion.

Education and licensure requirements: A master’s degree in nurse midwifery, a nurse midwife certification, and a state registered nursing license (RN).

Expected job growth over the next eight years: 40% increase

Median Salary: $90,661 per year

Oncology Nurse

An oncology nurse cares for patients with cancer. In this role, you'll work closely with oncologists and other healthcare providers to develop and implement treatment plans for cancer patients. You'll educate and support patients and their families throughout treatment and assist in procedures such as biopsies and bone marrow aspirations.

To succeed as an oncology nurse, you must have a strong knowledge of cancer biology and treatment. Attention to detail, excellent communication, compassion, and critical thinking are also required in this specialized role.

Education and licensure requirements: An associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a state registered nursing license (RN).

Expected job growth over the next eight years: 6% increase

Median Salary: $80,388 per year

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse

A psychiatric nurse cares for patients with mental health and behavioral disorders. You'll work with patients of all ages to assess, diagnose, and treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.

If you're looking for nursing specialties where you can develop meaningful relationships with your patients, this could be the perfect match. You'll need crisis management skills, empathy, compassion, and emotional stability to succeed in this challenging yet rewarding role.

Education and licensure requirements: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing and a state registered nursing license (RN).

Expected job growth over the next eight years: 6% increase

Median Salary: $73,249 per year

Public Health Nurse

You'll work to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases, promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles, and provide health education and counseling to individuals, families, and communities. You'll collaborate with other healthcare professionals, community organizations, and public health agencies to develop and implement health promotion programs and policies.

If you're passionate about educating others in your community, this is one of the best nursing specialties to suit your career goals. The role requires strong communication skills, leadership, critical thinking, and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic health environment.

Education and licensure requirements: An associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a state registered nursing license (RN). Some employers may require a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN.)

Expected job growth over the next eight years: 6% increase

Median Salary: $68,207 per year

Opportunities for Career Growth and Development

As a specialized nurse, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement and career growth, such as:

  • Advanced Practice Nursing Roles: Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are all Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) who have additional education and training beyond their RN degree. As an APN, you’ll have an expanded scope of practice and can collaborate independently or with physicians to diagnose and treat patients.
  • Leadership Roles: In your specialized field, you can advance into leadership positions, such as nurse manager, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer (CNO), where you'll oversee the operations and strategic planning of healthcare organizations.
  • Research and Education: Your specialized knowledge in a particular field can lead to careers in research, teaching, or academia. With training and experience, you can become a Clinical Nurse Researcher, Nurse Educator, or Faculty Member at colleges and universities.
  • Consulting: With specialized expertise, you can work as a consultant for healthcare organizations, insurance companies, or government agencies to provide guidance and recommendations on healthcare policies and practices.

Obtain Continuing Education

Continuing education is essential to stay updated with the latest advancements in your field, improve your skills and knowledge and excel in your field. Consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications such as a master’s degree in nursing or a certification in your specialized area. These advanced degrees and certifications can help increase your job opportunities, improve earning potential, and advance your career.

You can also attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to specific nursing specialties. These events provide valuable opportunities to network, learn new skills and techniques, and meet like-minded professionals.

Don't forget about the power of online resources, such as nursing journals, publications, webinars, blogs, communities, and forums. These can be a convenient way to continue learning, access research, and keep up with current industry trends.

Join Professional Organizations

Becoming a member of a professional organization can provide valuable opportunities for networking, continuing education, and professional development. Consider joining the following:

  • American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world, providing resources, education, and networking opportunities for critical care nurses.
  • National League for Nursing (NLN) is a membership organization for nurse educators that provides professional development, networking opportunities, and advocacy for nursing education.
  • Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) is the leading organization for nurses in hospice and palliative care. It provides its members with education, research, and resources.
  • Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) is the premier professional association for emergency nurses, offering resources, education, and advocacy for emergency nursing practice.
  • American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) is a professional organization for nurse anesthetists, offering members education, advocacy, and networking opportunities.

Find Your Specialized Nursing Career Right Here on Monster

Take the next step in your rewarding career journey as a nurse. Create a free profile on Monster and discover plenty of opportunities in nursing specialties to suit your skills, interests, and goals. Upload your resume so recruiters can find you online. Plus, we'll send you personalized job alerts to match you with the right employer in your nursing field.