Armed with a Bachelor of Nursing in Science (BSN) degree, nurses are qualified for a number of roles in both the hospital and community care setting. However, having a BSN can also be a starting point for furthering nursing education into a nursing specialty. Choosing a specialty beyond the more common roles like Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practitioner Nurse (LPN), gives you the opportunity to become an expert in your specialized field. Below are the top types of nursing specialties where nurses can extend their nursing careers.
1. Emergency Nursing
Often known as suiting nurses who consider themselves “adrenaline junkies”, emergency room nursing allows nurses to work in fast-paced environments with a variety of hands-on clinical nursing skills.
For example, developing proficiency with IV starts is critical to provide IV medication quickly for pain, fluids, blood pressure management, and abnormal sugars. Emergency room nurses also require excellent head-to-toe assessment skills to triage priority patients for life-saving care, while also requiring strong interpersonal skills to work with patients and loved ones facing frightening scenarios.
Nurses working in emergency care need to be prepared for anything that may come through the doors. This can range all the way from critical gunshot wounds and motor vehicle accidents to benign, yet bothersome, ingrown toenails. Emergency rooms are often at, or beyond, capacity, filled with patients of all ages and healthcare needs. Each patient needs to be assessed proficiently to avoid missing critical care needs.
- How to Become: BSN and RN license required. Consider a bridge BSN-to-RN program. ER experience and optional CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse) certification.
- Salary: $85,000–$110,000 per year
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Fast thinkers who thrive under pressure in high-energy settings.
2. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides high-level medical care to patients. Here’s a breakdown of what they do:
What a Nurse Practitioner Does
- Diagnose and treat illnesses: NPs are trained to evaluate patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and diagnose both acute and chronic conditions.
- Prescribe medications: In most states, NPs have full prescriptive authority, including for controlled substances.
- Manage patient care: They often serve as a patient’s primary care provider, managing ongoing treatment plans and coordinating care.
Work Settings: Hospitals, Outpatient clinics, Private practices, Community health centers, Schools and universities, Telehealth platforms
- How to Become: Earn a BSN, become a licensed RN, then complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Pass a national certification exam in your chosen NP specialty
- Salary: $121,610 per year (BLS, 2023).
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Independent thinkers who enjoy diagnosing and treating patients, often in primary care settings.
3. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. They provide comprehensive care to women from adolescence through menopause, with a strong focus on pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care.
What a Certified Nurse Midwife Does
- Prenatal Care: CNMs monitor the health of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy. They perform physical exams, order tests, provide education, and offer emotional support.
- Labor and Delivery: They assist with vaginal deliveries and are trained to handle many complications. In most settings, CNMs work collaboratively with OB-GYNs and other healthcare providers.
- Postpartum Care: CNMs continue care after birth, monitoring physical recovery, supporting mental health, and helping with breastfeeding and newborn care.
- Gynecologic and Reproductive Health: CNMs also provide routine gynecological exams, Pap smears, contraception counseling, family planning, and menopause management.
Work Settings: Hospitals (labor and delivery units), Birthing centers, OB-GYN clinics, Private practices, Community health organizations, Home birth practices (in some cases).
- How to Become: Complete a BSN, obtain RN licensure, then earn a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse-midwifery and pass the AMCB exam.
- Salary: $120,880 per year (BLS, 2023).
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Nurses passionate about women’s health, prenatal care, and natural childbirth.
4. Intensive Care and Critical Care
Depending on the institution, a hospital may have an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or both an ICU and a Critical Care Unit (CCU), the latter often being for cardiac care needs. For both areas, nurses are required to have an eye for detail in order to detect slight changes in their patient’s status that can have serious repercussions. Nurses in this area also need to be adept with the technical side of patient monitoring in order to work with multiple IV medication pumps, ECG interpretation, ventilator care, feeding tube pumps, arterial blood gas monitoring, and more.
Nurses who thrive in this area enjoy working with a team of healthcare providers. For one patient, a team may consist of an intensivist, an admitting physician, a respiratory therapist, a pain specialist, an occupational therapist, a registered dietitian, a physiotherapist, and more. Nurses also need to be comfortable working with families experiencing one of the most stressful times of their lives, having a loved one critically ill.
- How to Become: BSN, RN license, and NICU experience. RNC-NIC certification is available.
- Salary: $85,000–$110,000 per year
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Nurturing, precise nurses who want to help the tiniest patients thrive.
5. Palliative Care
Nurses choosing to work in palliative care are often considered by the public as health care “angels”. Key aspects of palliative care include respecting patients’ perspectives on death and dying and, primarily, providing comfort. Being a patient advocate can be a large part of palliative care nursing, ensuring pain medication orders are available and appropriate. Strong communication skills with family, physicians, and other members of the health care team are important in order to be an effective advocate for the patient.
Providing comfort means more than pain medication. It may also include an adequately comfortable bed and support with mobility to prevent bed sores; mouth care to manage dryness and oral discomfort; and a bowel regimen to prevent constipation – a common side effect of narcotics used for pain management.
A related nursing specialty includes hospice nursing.
- How to Become: BSN, RN license, and experience in end-of-life care. CHPN certification is optional.
- Salary: $75,000–$95,000 per year
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Emotionally mature nurses who prioritize dignity and quality of life for patients and families.
6. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
A Nurse Anesthetist, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in administering anesthesia and managing patients’ pain before, during, and after surgical or medical procedures.
What a Nurse Anesthetist Does
- Pre-anesthesia assessment: CRNAs review patients’ medical histories, perform physical assessments, and determine the safest anesthesia plan tailored to the patient and procedure.
- Administer anesthesia: They deliver various types of anesthesia—including general, regional, and local—to keep patients pain-free during surgeries, diagnostic tests, and childbirth.
- Monitor patients during procedures: CRNAs continuously monitor vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure to ensure patient safety and adjust anesthesia levels as needed.
- Post-anesthesia care: After the procedure, CRNAs oversee recovery from anesthesia and help manage post-operative pain or complications.
Work Settings: Hospitals (especially in operating rooms and surgical units), Outpatient surgery centers, Labor and delivery units, Pain management clinics, Dental offices and plastic surgery centers, Military and rural healthcare facilities (where they often serve as the sole anesthesia provider).
- How to Become: Earn a BSN, become an RN, gain ICU experience, then complete a DNP in nurse anesthesia and pass the NBCRNA exam.
- Salary: $203,090 per year (BLS, 2023).
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Highly detail-oriented nurses who excel under pressure and enjoy working in surgical setting
7. Oncology Nurse
An Oncology Nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for patients with cancer. They play a vital role in all stages of the cancer journey—from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and end-of-life care.
What an Oncology Nurse Does
- Administer cancer treatments: Oncology nurses are trained to safely administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation support, and targeted drug therapies, while monitoring patients for side effects and reactions.
- Monitor and manage symptoms: They help manage symptoms like nausea, fatigue, pain, and emotional distress, and they coordinate supportive therapies to maintain patient comfort and quality of life.
- Educate patients and families: Oncology nurses explain treatment plans, medication instructions, potential side effects, and coping strategies to patients and caregivers.
Work Settings: Hospitals (oncology and hematology units), Outpatient cancer centers, Radiation therapy clinics, Infusion centers, Home healthcare and hospice.
- How to Become: Earn a BSN, get licensed, and pursue oncology nursing certification (OCN).
- Salary: $90,000–$100,000 annually.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Compassionate, resilient nurses drawn to long-term patient care and cancer treatment.
8. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMHN) is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of individuals with mental health disorders, emotional challenges, and psychiatric conditions. They work across the lifespan—from children to older adults—and play a key role in both acute and long-term mental health care.
What a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Does
- Assess mental health status: They evaluate patients’ mental and emotional health by conducting interviews, reviewing medical histories, and observing behavior.
- Administer and manage medications: PMHNs monitor the effectiveness and side effects of psychiatric medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.
- Provide therapeutic care: They use therapeutic communication techniques and may lead group therapy or individual counseling sessions (especially those with advanced practice licensure).
- Support crisis intervention: These nurses help patients in psychiatric emergencies such as suicidal ideation, psychotic breaks, or substance abuse crises.
Work Settings: Inpatient psychiatric hospitals, Outpatient mental health clinics, Correctional facilities, Emergency departments, Schools, community centers, and private practices
- How to Become: Earn a BSN, obtain RN licensure, and gain psychiatric experience. For advanced roles, complete a PMHNP program.
- Salary: $90,000–$125,000 depending on role and degree.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Empathetic nurses interested in mental health, counseling, and holistic care.
9. Pediatrics
Being a pediatric nurse opens up a whole new world of opportunities. Within the realm of pediatrics is every adult specialty, but with kids. While general pediatric nursing roles are available, many pediatric jobs are within specialty areas such as pediatric oncology, pediatric surgery, pediatric neurology, and so on.
One key concept in pediatric nursing includes family-centered care. Working in pediatrics is more than working with the patient. It means working with the parents, the siblings, the grandparents, and even the school and teachers. Helping to keep a child’s mental health in check while providing optimal patient care is a fine art of pediatric nursing. Critical pieces of being a successful pediatric nurse include methods of distraction and showing genuine care while performing uncomfortable or frightening procedures.
Pediatric nursing specialty courses focus on the unique features of both the pathophysiology of how children’s bodies differ from caring for adults, as well as focus on the ages and stages of childhood development. Knowing how to effectively approach and communicate with a toddler versus a ten-year-old versus a teen is paramount.
- How to Become: Earn a BSN, obtain RN licensure, and gain experience in pediatric care. Certification as a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) is optional.
- Salary: $79,000–$100,000 per year
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Compassionate, patient nurses who enjoy working with children and families.
10. Geriatric Nurse
A Geriatric Nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for older adults, typically age 65 and over. Their focus is on promoting healthy aging, managing chronic conditions, preventing injuries, and supporting patients’ independence and quality of life.
What a Geriatric Nurse Does
- Manage chronic conditions: Geriatric nurses help older adults manage ongoing health issues like diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, and heart disease through medication management, lifestyle education, and monitoring.
- Prevent falls and injuries: They assess patients’ risk factors for falls, implement safety strategies, and support mobility and strength.
- Support cognitive and emotional health: These nurses are trained to recognize signs of dementia, depression, and anxiety in older patients and provide care or referrals for treatment.
- Coordinate long-term care: Geriatric nurses often act as care coordinators, working with families, physicians, physical therapists, and social workers to ensure a patient’s healthcare plan aligns with their goals and needs.
- Promote independence: Their care approach emphasizes helping older adults remain as independent and active as possible, whether they live at home, in assisted living, or in long-term care facilities.
Work Settings: Nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Hospitals (especially on geriatric or med-surg floors), Home healthcare, Rehabilitation centers, Hospice and palliative care organizations
- How to Become: Complete a BSN, earn your RN license, and gain experience in elder care. Certification is optional.
- Salary: $75,000–$95,000 annually.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Nurses who value patience, continuity of care, and supporting aging populations.
11. Cardiac Nurse
A Cardiac Nurse, also known as a Cardiovascular Nurse, is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for patients with heart-related conditions. They play a key role in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of cardiovascular diseases.
What a Cardiac Nurse Does
- Monitor heart health: Cardiac nurses frequently monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. They also interpret EKGs and telemetry readings to detect irregular heart rhythms or signs of distress.
- Assist with treatments and procedures: They may assist cardiologists during procedures like angioplasties, pacemaker implantations, or stress tests, and help care for patients before and after cardiac surgery.
- Administer medications: These nurses manage medications used to treat heart conditions, including blood thinners, beta-blockers, and antihypertensives, and educate patients on their proper use.
Work Settings: Cardiac care units (CCUs) or intensive care units (ICUs), Cardiology clinics or practices, Emergency departments, Telemetry and step-down units, Cardiac rehabilitation centers
- How to Become: Earn a BSN and RN license, then specialize in cardiology through experience or certifications like PCCN.
- Salary: $85,000–$110,000 annually.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Detail-oriented nurses interested in cardiovascular health, surgery, and rehabilitation.
12. Orthopedic Nurse
An Orthopedic Nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, including issues related to bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They play a key role in helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and degenerative disorders that affect mobility and quality of life.
What an Orthopedic Nurse Does
- Care for orthopedic injuries and conditions: These nurses treat patients with fractures, arthritis, osteoporosis, spinal injuries, and post-operative joint replacements (such as hip or knee).
- Assist with surgeries and recovery: Orthopedic nurses prepare patients for surgical procedures, assist during surgeries, and manage post-operative care, including pain control and wound care.
- Monitor mobility and healing: They assess patients’ range of motion, strength, and pain levels to evaluate healing progress and prevent complications like blood clots or infections.
Work Settings: Hospitals (especially on orthopedic or surgical units), Outpatient orthopedic clinics, Rehabilitation centers, Long-term care facilities, Home healthcare settings
- How to Become: BSN + RN licensure, followed by orthopedic experience. Certification in Orthopaedic Nursing (ONC) is available.
- Salary: $80,000–$100,000 annually.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Those interested in mobility, post-surgical recovery, and musculoskeletal health.
13. Perinatal and Obstetrical Care
Perinatal nursing is the term used for caring for patients throughout their pregnancy, as well as both the mom and newborn shortly after delivery. Obstetrical nursing is the term used for caring for patients during labor and the initial hours after delivery.
In smaller hospitals, this is often two roles in one. In larger hospitals, the two areas may be split into two different wards. However, nurses working in this area are typically required to have a deeper understanding of both areas in any case.
Nursing specialty courses in this area focus on the stages of pregnancy and include the following:
- growth and development
- optimizing health in pregnancy
- learning how to monitor fetal heart rates
- maternal growth and well-being
- screening for domestic violence
Nurses will learn how to assess, monitor, and support pregnant women through the stages of labor. This includes assessing for red flags that may indicate dangerous signs impeding healthy deliveries. Both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical pain management strategies are key features of learning.
Perinatal and obstetrical nurses will also, of course, learn about newborn care and assessments. The first few hours of a newborn’s life are critical. Monitoring for adequate nutritional intake and output, teaching and supporting breastfeeding, monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia, or possibly newborn drug with-drawl, are all important features of this area. Monitoring postpartum women for abnormal bleeding, stable blood pressure, and dehydration is critical. For the most part, this is a busy but positive environment to work in. However, nurses need to be prepared for early clinical signs of poor health outcomes for both the newborn and the mom.
Related nursing specialties include neonatal nursing and midwife nursing.
14. Informatics Nurse
An Informatics Nurse, also known as a Nursing Informatics Specialist, bridges the gap between clinical care and technology. They focus on how information and communication systems can improve patient outcomes, streamline workflows, and support data-driven decision-making in healthcare.
What an Informatics Nurse Does
- Manage electronic health records (EHRs): Informatics nurses help design, implement, and optimize EHR systems to ensure they are user-friendly, efficient, and compliant with healthcare regulations.
- Train healthcare staff: They teach nurses and other medical professionals how to use clinical technologies, software, and data systems effectively.
- Analyze healthcare data: Informatics nurses collect and analyze data on patient outcomes, medication errors, and treatment trends to improve care quality and safety.
- Support system upgrades and integrations: They work with IT departments and vendors to implement new technologies and ensure smooth integration across departments.
Work Settings: Hospitals and health systems, EHR software companies, Government agencies (e.g., CDC, VA), Consulting firms, Academic and research institutions
- How to Become: Earn a BSN, gain clinical experience, and pursue certification in nursing informatics. MSN in Informatics is recommended.
- Salary: $95,000–$130,000 annually.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Tech-savvy nurses who want to improve healthcare systems through data and innovation.
15. Public Health Nurse
A Public Health Nurse is a registered nurse who focuses on promoting and protecting the health of communities and populations, rather than just individuals. They work to prevent illness, educate the public, and improve overall community well-being through outreach and advocacy.
What a Public Health Nurse Does
- Preventive care and screenings: They organize and participate in community health screenings for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and infectious diseases.
- Outbreak response: In the event of disease outbreaks (e.g., flu, COVID-19, tuberculosis), they help track cases, conduct testing, and administer vaccines.
- Advocacy and resource connection: These nurses connect vulnerable populations—such as low-income families, immigrants, or the elderly—with healthcare services, housing, food assistance, and other resources.
- Policy and program development: Public health nurses may work with government or nonprofit agencies to develop health policies and programs aimed at improving community health outcomes.
Work Settings: Public health departments, Community clinics and health centers, Schools and universities, Nonprofit organizations, International health agencies, Government programs (e.g., WIC, CDC)
- How to Become: BSN + RN license. MPH (Master of Public Health) may be helpful for leadership roles.
- Salary: $75,000–$95,000 annually.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Nurses driven by community outreach, prevention, and education.
16. School Nurse
A School Nurse is a registered nurse who works in educational settings to support the health and well-being of students. They play a crucial role in managing students’ physical and mental health needs so they can succeed academically.
What a School Nurse Does
- Provide direct medical care: School nurses treat minor injuries and acute illnesses (like scrapes, fevers, or asthma attacks) that occur during the school day.
- Health screenings and referrals: School nurses conduct vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings, and refer students and families to healthcare providers when necessary.
- Develop health care plans: For students with special medical needs, school nurses create and maintain individualized healthcare plans in collaboration with parents and teachers.
- Ensure immunization compliance: School nurses review student health records to make sure immunizations are up to date and may assist with vaccine administration.
Work Settings: Public and private K–12 schools, School districts or educational cooperatives, Special education programs, Boarding schools or juvenile detention centers
- How to Become: RN license required; BSN preferred. Some states require school nurse certification.
- Salary: $60,000–$80,000 annually.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Nurses who want to work with children in an educational setting with school-day schedules.
17. Travel Nurse
A Travel Nurse is a registered nurse who takes temporary assignments at healthcare facilities across the country—or even internationally—to fill short-term staffing shortages. Travel nurses bring flexibility and expertise to facilities that need immediate support due to staff vacancies, seasonal demands, or emergencies.
What a Travel Nurse Does
- Perform typical RN duties: Depending on their specialty and assignment, travel nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, assist in procedures, and support care teams just like permanent staff.
- Work in high-need areas: Assignments may be in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities—especially in rural or underserved communities, or during crises like natural disasters or pandemics.
- Rotate between locations: Assignments typically last 8 to 13 weeks, though some may extend longer or include travel between states and even countries.
Specialties in Demand: Common specialties for travel nurses include: ICU and critical care, Emergency room, Labor and delivery, Operating room, Med-surg and telemetry
Work Settings: Hospitals (especially in high-need departments), Clinics and urgent care centers, Long-term care facilities, Disaster relief zones, Government or military healthcare facilities
- How to Become: BSN + RN license + minimum 1–2 years of experience in a specialty area.
- Salary: $80,000–$120,000+ depending on contract and location.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Adventurous, flexible nurses looking to explore new locations and gain diverse experience.
18. Telemetry Nurse
A Telemetry Nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in monitoring patients with cardiac and other critical health conditions using advanced telemetry equipment. These nurses play a vital role in detecting life-threatening changes in a patient’s condition and ensuring timely intervention.
What a Telemetry Nurse Does
- Monitor vital signs: Telemetry nurses use electronic equipment to continuously track heart rhythms, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and respiration. They interpret this data to detect abnormalities.
- Respond to cardiac alerts: If a patient’s heart rhythm changes or becomes irregular (e.g., arrhythmias), telemetry nurses respond quickly and alert physicians or rapid response teams.
- Administer treatments and medications: They deliver medications (especially cardiac drugs), start IVs, and support post-surgical or high-risk patients recovering from cardiac events or procedures.
Work Settings: Telemetry or step-down units (intermediate care between ICU and general med-surg), Cardiac care units (CCUs), Medical-surgical floors, Progressive care units (PCUs)
- How to Become: BSN + RN license, plus experience in cardiac care and telemetry units. Certification is optional.
- Salary: $80,000–$105,000 annually.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Nurses comfortable with technology and continuous patient monitoring.
19. Operating Room (OR) Nurse / Perioperative Nurse
An Operating Room (OR) Nurse, also known as a Perioperative Nurse, is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They play a critical role in maintaining a sterile environment, assisting the surgical team, and ensuring patient safety throughout the operation.
What an Operating Room Nurse Does
OR nurses typically work in one or more of the following roles:
- Scrub Nurse: Works directly in the sterile field, handing instruments and supplies to the surgeon, anticipating needs, and maintaining strict infection control.
- Circulating Nurse: Works outside the sterile field to manage the overall environment of the operating room—preparing the patient, documenting the procedure, retrieving additional supplies, and coordinating communication.
- Pre-op/Post-op Nurse (Perianesthesia): Prepares patients for surgery by assessing vital signs, verifying records, and easing anxiety. After surgery, they monitor patients in the recovery room (PACU) as they wake from anesthesia.
Work Settings: Hospitals (surgical and ambulatory care units), Outpatient surgery centers, Specialty surgical clinics, Military or field hospital
20. Flight Nurse
A Flight Nurse is a highly skilled registered nurse who provides critical care to patients during air transport, typically in helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. They work alongside paramedics, respiratory therapists, or physicians to stabilize and care for seriously ill or injured patients en route to medical facilities.
What a Flight Nurse Does
- Provide emergency medical care in transit: Flight nurses perform advanced life support, including administering medications, managing airways, and monitoring vitals, often in high-pressure, life-threatening situations.
- Stabilize patients for transport: Whether transporting trauma victims, ICU patients, or newborns, flight nurses ensure that the patient is stable enough for flight and receive continuous care during transport.
- Operate in extreme environments: They often respond to accidents, natural disasters, military emergencies, or rural medical calls—places where ground transportation may not be fast or feasible.
Work Settings: Air ambulance services, Trauma centers, Military medical evacuation teams, Search and rescue operations
- How to Become: BSN + RN license + critical care/ER experience. Certifications like CFRN (Certified Flight RN) required.
- Salary: $90,000–$120,000 annually.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Nurses comfortable with high-stress, emergency transport in air or ground settings.
21. Legal Nurse Consultant
A Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) is a registered nurse who applies their clinical expertise to assist attorneys and legal professionals in cases involving medical issues. They serve as a bridge between the medical and legal worlds by analyzing healthcare information and providing expert insights.
What a Legal Nurse Consultant Does
- Review medical records: LNCs examine patient charts, treatment notes, and hospital records to identify facts relevant to legal cases such as malpractice, personal injury, or workers’ compensation.
- Assist in case preparation: Legal nurse consultants help lawyers develop case strategies by identifying strengths and weaknesses related to healthcare issues.
- Provide expert testimony: Some LNCs serve as expert witnesses in court, explaining medical procedures, standards of care, and patient outcomes.
Work Settings: Independently as consultants; For law firms specializing in medical cases; In insurance companies for claim investigations; With government agencies or hospitals in risk management
- How to Become: BSN + RN license + clinical experience. Legal nurse consulting certificate recommended.
- Salary: $85,000–$130,000+ depending on clients and casework.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Analytical nurses with interest in law, litigation, and healthcare policy.
22. Forensic Nurse
A Forensic Nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for patients who have experienced trauma related to violence, abuse, or criminal activity. They combine nursing expertise with knowledge of the legal system to provide both medical care and forensic evidence collection.
What a Forensic Nurse Does
- Provide trauma-informed care: Forensic nurses treat victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, abuse, and other traumatic injuries with compassion and sensitivity.
- Collect forensic evidence: They are trained to gather, preserve, and document physical evidence (such as DNA, wounds, and injuries) following strict legal protocols.
- Perform forensic examinations: Forensic nurses conduct detailed medical-legal examinations that may be used in criminal investigations and court proceedings.
- Testify in court: Many forensic nurses serve as expert witnesses, explaining their findings and the medical aspects of the case to judges and juries.
Work Settings: Hospitals and emergency departments, Sexual assault response teams (SANE programs), Coroner and medical examiner offices, Correctional facilities, Community health organizations, Law enforcement agencies
- How to Become: BSN + RN license + specialized training or certification in forensic nursing (SANE for sexual assault nurses).
- Salary: $75,000–$100,000 annually.
- Who’s This Specialty Good For: Empathetic, observant nurses interested in trauma care and criminal justice.
How to Decide Between Nursing Specialties
Entering one of these specialty nursing specialties can provide nurses with highly rewarding careers. Often these in-demand nursing specialties are given the additional training required and, with that, comes opportunities for increased earnings. But how do you decide which nursing field is right for you? Let’s explore below.
Choosing the right nursing specialty is an important decision that can shape your career satisfaction, professional growth, and work-life balance. With so many specialties available—from critical care to community health—it’s essential to consider your interests, strengths, and long-term goals before making a choice. Here are some key factors to help guide your decision:
1. Reflect on Your Interests and Passions
Think about the patient populations, health conditions, or types of care that inspire you. Do you enjoy fast-paced environments like the ER, or do you prefer building long-term relationships with patients in outpatient settings? Identifying what excites and motivates you will help you find a specialty where you’ll thrive.
2. Consider Your Skills and Strengths
Different specialties require different skills. For example, critical care and anesthesia nursing demand quick decision-making and technical expertise, while psychiatric nursing emphasizes communication and empathy. Assess your strengths honestly to find a good match.
3. Evaluate Work Environment and Lifestyle
Nursing specialties vary in schedules, work intensity, and physical demands. Some specialties offer more regular hours (like school nursing), while others may involve shift work, on-call duties, or travel (such as flight nursing). Consider what type of work-life balance you want.
4. Think About Career Advancement and Education
Certain specialties require advanced degrees or certifications. If you’re interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthetist, be prepared for graduate-level education and ongoing learning. Other specialties may offer quicker entry with on-the-job training or certificate programs.
5. Research Job Demand and Salary
Some nursing specialties are in higher demand and offer better salary prospects due to shortages or specialized skills. Reviewing labor market trends can help ensure your specialty choice aligns with job availability and financial goals.
6. Gain Exposure Through Clinical Rotations or Volunteering
If you’re unsure, seek opportunities to experience different nursing areas through clinical rotations, internships, or volunteering. Firsthand experience can provide valuable insights and help you make a more informed decision.
Nursing Specialties FAQ
How Many Nursing Specialties Are There?
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, there are at least 35 general nursing specialties and sub-specialties. These include advanced practice nursing roles such as nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist. Other specializations within the profession include gerontology, public/community health, forensic nursing, women’s health, and neonatal care. Some nurses also opt to specialize in functional areas such as advanced holistic care or patient education.
What Are The Best Nursing Specialties For New Grads?
For new nursing graduates, the best specialties to go into will depend on their own interests, skills, and passions. However, some of the most popular specialties are medical-surgical nursing, critical care nursing, gerontological nursing, pediatric nursing, psychiatric mental health nursing, and labor & delivery/obstetrics. Additionally, many new graduates find jobs in long-term care settings or home health settings due to the growing demand for these specialties. The most important thing is to choose a specialty that you are passionate about so that you can give quality care to your patients while also having job satisfaction.
What Is the Highest Paid Nursing Specialty?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are currently the highest-paid nursing specialty. While salaries vary depending on experience and location, CRNAs earn a median salary of $203,686 a year. Additional factors that determine salary include the number of hours worked and working environment. That said, many CRNAs work in hospitals and establish long-term patient relationships for which they can receive additional compensation.
What Is the Easiest Nursing Speciality to Get Into?
Long-term care and geriatric nursing are some of the most accessible nursing specialties to enter. These fields require fewer years of specialized education, so they can be more quickly and easily pursued than other types of nursing. The good news is that there tend to be more job opportunities in these areas, as more experienced nurses usually opt for higher-level roles. Additionally, many long-term care facilities and hospices offer job security and competitive salaries compared to other specialties. All in all, long-term care or geriatric nursing is an excellent starting point for anybody interested in pursuing a career in nursing.
