Navigate Nursing Specialties: A Guide to Your Ideal Path

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Nurses are the backbone of every healthcare institution; the clogs that keep the machine running. Without them, societies would cease to function. However, the long hours and taking care of unappreciative patients can come with burnout and low job satisfaction, resulting in many leaving the profession. 

For others, it’s motivation to pivot into a specialized role while remaining in nursing. Choosing to specialize in nursing entails careful planning and then executing it. Once you have an idea of which role suits your experience and educational background, the choice will be easy.

We’ll discuss your options and how to navigate the path to career success as a specialized nurse practitioner.

Understanding Different Nursing Specialties

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Nursing includes various types, each with specific focuses and requirements. The most common nursing qualification is a registered nurse (RN). They provide and coordinate patient care. 

The job prospects for RNs appear positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in registered nurse employment from 2023 to 2033, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations.

Nursing specialties such as pediatrics and oncology require specialized training and further education. However, the one qualification that every nurse must have is a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). It’s the foundation for every advanced role.

Most Popular Nursing Specialties

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NurseJournal says the nursing sector has 106 specialties. That’s a wide pool to choose from. The most popular are pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, and acute care. Below, we’ll look at some other favored choices.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Family nurse practitioners are often mistaken for doctors because they work closely together. An FNP provides both primary and specialty care to all patients. They are trained in disease prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of both acute and chronic health conditions. Essentially, an FNP is an advanced practice registered nurse.

To become an FNP, one must have an active registered nurse license and a master's, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from an accredited FNP program. There are several ways to acquire your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, one being via an online MSN FNP degree program. Following the program, you are required to complete clinical experience and successfully pass a national certification exam.

The American Association of Nurses states that FNPs can earn up to $115,000 annually, while the scope of practice varies, from community health centers to universities. Felician University advises that online courses must be from institutions accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Oncology Nurse (ON)

Oncology nurses care for cancer patients in various settings, including inpatient wards, and bone marrow transplant units. They serve as a patient’s first line of communication and help to coordinate care throughout cancer treatment.

The role of oncology nurses is ever-changing as the healthcare delivery system evolves and new scientific discoveries are integrated into cancer care. Along with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), ON must also be a registered nurse who specializes in pediatric oncology, surgical oncology, or blood and marrow transplants. 

Because of the complexity of the role, most certifications require at least two years of nursing experience and 2,000 hours of oncology nursing within the last four years. Personality plays a critical role as well. Working in an emotionally charged environment requires an ONS to have excellent communication skills and empathy. 

The average salary for an ONS is between $76,900 and $96,200 annually, says Salary.com.

Pediatric Nurse (RN)

Pediatric nurses have a caring and patient disposition which is perfectly suited for a child-centered role. Their scope of interest is providing medical care for infants, children and teens. Responsibilities include assessing a patient’s needs, intervening in emergencies and overseeing pain management. Pediatric nurses work in various hospital settings, including the emergency room, pediatric inpatient unit, PICU, NICU, and operating room.

Pediatric RNs in medical and surgical hospitals earn approximately $96,830 annually. But to earn the big bucks, you must have the proper qualifications. As with other specialized nursing qualifications, the starting base is certification as an RN.

Student nurses can gain clinical experience in neonatal or pediatric care facilities. Pediatric RN certifications include the following:

• Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

• Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS)

• Pediatric Nursing Certification-Board Certified (PED-BC)

• Certified Emergency Pediatric Nurse (CEPN)

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Midwives specialize in reproductive health and childbirth. Their role encompasses a range of responsibilities. Similar to an OB/GYN, a nurse midwife focuses on natural childbirth and reproductive care. They offer prenatal care, assist during birth, and postnatal care for pregnant women.

Nurse midwives work collaboratively with doctors, social workers and physical therapists, caring for new and expectant moms. Working hours can be erratic, especially when in a hospital setting. Nurse midwives often work 12-hour shifts and are asked to be on call.

Midwifery takes a certain personality type. People who enjoy working with women from diverse backgrounds will relish the role. They excel at building relationships, handling stressful situations and providing unbiased support.

You must pass the certification exam via the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). To qualify, provide proof of license as an RN or nurse practitioner and complete an accredited nurse-midwifery graduate or post-graduate program.

The average salary for a registered midwife in the U.S. is $89,534 annually.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Specialty

Anyone can’t just become a nurse. Both rewarding and challenging, taking on a specialized role will make you question if you have what it takes to survive.

Think about what initially inspired you to become a nurse. The answer will guide you towards your desired specialty. 

Personality Must-Haves

Leveraging your strengths can enhance job satisfaction. For instance, if you're flexible and skilled in time management, working in an emergency room would allow you to use those skills.

No one personality type is better suited for nursing. However, there are character traits that are ingrained in a nurse’s DNA, no matter their specialty. Empathy is a requisite for anyone in the nursing field. The same goes for compassion and being free of bias.

Nurses who work with patients are good communicators, calm and can handle high-pressure situations. If their job entails admin, they should be good at time management and problem-solving.

Work Environment

Some people perform well under pressure while others cave under the overwhelming weight. The ICU or ER is the perfect setting if a high-pressure environment gets the adrenaline pumping. But don’t confine yourself to only hospitals or clinics. The corporate world and schools provide ample experience and their fair share of excitement.

Critical care nurses are especially prone to burnout. A recent research article published in Nursing Outlook issued a call to action on acute and critical care nursing. The paper highlighted nine core areas where nurses provide essential care, and called for a supportive hospital environment.

RNs know the unpredictability of working shifts. In specialized roles, working hours can vary. However, it doesn’t mean you are immune to pulling an all-nighter.  A position in research or management may be a better fit if you prefer a stable schedule that lets you be home at night.

Work-Life Balance

Some argue that work-life balance isn’t an option for frontline workers. This couldn’t be further from the truth. All work and no play leads to exhaustion, decreased productivity and burnout.

Daily Nurse says compromised mental well-being affects your health, patient care, team morale and overall workplace atmosphere. The publication suggests automated workflows to reduce administrative burdens. Staffing strategies also need a rethink. Letting nurses decide which working hours best suit them leads to staff retention.

Research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that female nurses experience urinary tract symptoms and infections more frequently than other occupations. It only points to one thing: they are the least likely to take bathroom breaks because they don’t have the time to.

Transitioning Between Specialties

Start with a self-assessment. Knowing yourself will help define your career goals. And, assessing your strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes, will make the transition easier. 

Networking is as important. Connect with professionals in your desired field. They can offer insights. Whether in person or online, many are willing to share valuable information.

On-the-job experience will go a long way. Inquire about shadowing a nurse in your chosen specialty. You’ll be able to determine if “a day in the life of…” interests you. 

Before considering all your choices, remember a BSN is a springboard for other specialties. Once you’ve obtained that qualification, you can explore other options. Many times imposter syndrome creeps in. You’ll start doubting your capabilities and what is expected of you. VeryWell Mind explains the irony is that people with imposter syndrome are usually accomplished, highly intelligent individuals.

Mental health editor Hannah Owens tells the publication that imposter syndrome can impact self-perception, self-worth and your approach to projects and relationships. Owens advises to get past those negative thoughts, you must confront the deeply ingrained beliefs you hold about yourself.

Weighing Your Options

Every decision you make has a direct effect on your career trajectory. Specializing can open many other doors. Salary is always a deciding factor. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are among the highest-paid nursing specialists. Their salaries reflect their crucial role in surgical procedures.

However, pursuing a specialty may incur additional education or certification costs. It's important to weigh these against potential earnings increases. Do your research and speak to peers and mentors if you’re undecided about which course of action to take. Online resources like the American Nurses Association offer a wealth of information.

Explore learning alternatives such as on-the-job training or joining a teaching hospital. When you’re ready to start your new job search, update your resume with your recent qualifications and experience.  Nurse.org suggests working from a “master resume.” The comprehensive document should outline your accomplishments and skills. Avoid submitting “cookie cutter” CVs that won’t get you noticed, warns the organization. Tailoring your resume using research and your professional brand can lead to your ideal interview.

The prospect of making a career change can be daunting for anyone. But it’s how you approach it that makes the difference. Make a note of your skills and preferred specialty. Do a self-assessment to determine if your desired field is right for you. Research your education options and qualifications needed. Once you have a clear roadmap of where you’re heading, the journey ahead doesn’t seem so scary.

Trust your gut and trust the process, and you’ll be on your way to career success.