What Kind of Nurse Should I Be? Exploring Nursing Specialties

• There are myriad nursing specialties that nurses can choose from to find the best specialty that works for them.   
• It is important to consider the educational requirements that may be needed for certain nursing specialties, along with the monetary compensation for each specialty.  
• As an individual, it is important to make the right decision when choosing which nursing specialty fits the individual based on self-reflection and personal interests.  

You tell someone that you are a nurse and often the reply is, “What kind of nurse are you?” The easy answer should be, “A great one,” but the options are more varied than that. One of the great things about nursing is that there are so many areas within nursing to work in. And if you get burned out with one, you can always change to a different unit, department, or role within nursing.  

Deciding which field of nursing to go into takes time and thought. Choosing a career path in nursing is an incredibly rewarding decision. A challenge is the vast array of opportunities within the profession to determine the specific role that aligns with your passions and aspirations. If you are a student nurse considering nursing as a career or a practicing nurse seeking a change, this blog aims to provide guidance and insights to answer the fundamental question: “What kind of nurse should I be?” 

Exploring Nursing Specialties

Nursing offers an extensive range of specialties, each focusing on different patient populations and healthcare settings. Some of the most prominent nursing specialties include: 

Medical-Surgical Nursing: Ideal for nurses who enjoy providing care to adult patients with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions in hospital settings. 

Pediatric Nursing: If you have a passion for caring for infants, children, and adolescents, pediatric nursing might be the perfect fit. Pediatric nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. A sub-category of pediatric nursing is school nursing where your work setting is in a school. Students report to the health office for acute illness, injuries, and even medication administration for chronic health conditions. School nurses can perform a variety of procedures ranging from gastrointestinal tube feedings to supportive care for students who attend school on ventilators and respiratory devices.  

Critical Care Nursing: Well-suited for individuals who thrive in high-pressure environments, critical care nurses specialize in providing intensive medical care to patients with life-threatening conditions in settings like the ICU and Emergency Department. Critical care nurses require additional training, which is often provided by the hospital itself for no additional cost. Typical work settings include hospitals.  

Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing: For those with an interest in women’s health, obstetric and gynecological nursing involves caring for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, as well as addressing gynecological health concerns. Typical work settings include hospitals and clinics. 

Mental Health Nursing: Mental health nurses work closely with patients of all ages experiencing psychiatric disorders, offering support, therapy, and assistance in managing their conditions. Typical work settings include hospitals, clinics, schools, and in-patient facilities.  

Operating Room Nurses: Nurses who enjoy helping people through the surgical setting may work in pre-op, the actual operation suite, or PACU (post anesthesia care unit). Typical work settings include hospitals and same-day surgery centers.  

Home Health Nurses: Nurses complete house visits to follow-up with patients. Due to the work setting involving visiting individual patient homes, it is important to note that while there is variety, the nurse must accept that travel is necessary.  

Topics to Consider

After identifying a nursing specialty that resonates with you, research the educational requirements and certifications necessary to pursue that path. Some nursing specialties might require additional training, such as specialized certifications in critical care. There are certifications in each of the above-listed areas, which document your expertise in that area and can be valuable for your employer.  

 Gaining experience and exposure can give you a better understanding of your desired nursing specialty and help clarify your interest in a particular area. The great thing about nursing is that you can work in one area and if your soul aches for variety, you can always change units or departments and explore another area.  

It’s important to recognize that additional training may be required, which can actually be beneficial. Consider shadowing, volunteering, or engaging in internships in different healthcare settings to see what energizes you and what it’s like to work in a particular nursing specialty to help solidify your decision.  

Show Me the Money

Nursing is not only a rewarding profession in terms of making a positive impact on patient’s lives but also can provide competitive salaries. While specific salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and nursing specialty, the following summary provides an overview of the salary ranges for nurses. Registered nurses are the largest group within the nursing profession and play a vital role in providing direct patient care. The salary range for RNs typically varies based on experience, education level, and location. Entry level RNs can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $60,000, while experienced RNs with advanced degrees or certifications can earn salaries of $90,000 or more.  

Think of nursing as a staircase with the LPN/LVN on the lowest rung for salary and with each step up, a higher hourly range is offered in exchange for additional training. Nurse Practitioners (NP) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have obtained advanced degrees and specialized training. They have added responsibilities, including diagnosing, treating medical conditions, prescribing medications, and providing comprehensive medical care. The salary range for NPs is generally higher than that of RNs and ranges from $90,000 to $120,000, depending on specialty and location.  

Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are highly specialized nurses who administer anesthesia during surgical procedures. As more specific training is required, the CRNA can command a higher salary exceeding $150,000 annually. Specialized nursing roles such as nurse midwives, nurse educators, and nurse managers, can also offer a varied level of salary ranges from $100,000 or more. 

How to Decide What Kind of Nurse to be 

Self-reflection and personal interests are important to examine before embarking on your nursing career. Consider what motivates you, which areas of healthcare intrigue you the most, and the patient population you feel most drawn to. This introspection will provide a solid foundation for choosing a nursing specialty that aligns with your unique skills and passions. It is important to also choose an area of nursing that works with your family dynamics. The great news about nursing is that the profession also offers more variety and flexibility compared to other more traditional Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. jobs.  

Researching nursing specialties can be done online and through nursing organizations, career fairs, and speaking with nurses already working in your desired specialty area. Reach out to local healthcare facilities or nursing schools to explore opportunities to observe or assist nurses in different specialties.  

By aligning your skills and strengths with the demands of different nursing specialties, you can find a role that allows you to excel and grow professionally.  

Seek out mentorship and guidance, which can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of different specialties, and mentors can share their own experiences and challenges. Engaging with professional nursing networks, attending conferences, or joining nursing associations can help you connect with potential mentors.  

Consider your long-term career goals and opportunities for growth and advancement within different nursing specialties. Some specialties offer more options for leadership roles, research, or advanced practice, while others may provide a stronger focus on direct patient care.  

Keep an open mind and stay flexible during the decision-making process. Your interests and priorities may change and evolve over time, and you may discover new nursing specialties that resonate with you. Remember that nursing is a diverse and ever-evolving profession, and you can always transition or pursue additional certifications and education to explore different avenues within nursing. Enjoy the journey. 

The Bottom Line

Determining the type of nurse you should be requires introspection, exploration, and a deep understanding of your passions and interests. By considering your personal preferences, exploring various nursing specialties, and gaining hands-on experience, you can embark on a fulfilling and rewarding nursing career.

It is important to remember that the nursing profession offers a multitude of opportunities, and as you grow and gain experience, you can always choose to explore new specialties or make changes that better align with your evolving goals and aspirations. Best of luck on your journey to finding the perfect nursing role for you!  

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