Are you a newly qualified nurse looking for a rewarding and challenging career path? Do you want to explore different areas of nursing and find your niche? If so, you might be interested in learning about the top 10 nursing specialties for newly qualified nurses.
Nursing is a diverse and dynamic profession that offers many opportunities for growth and development. There are hundreds of nursing specialties to choose from, each with its own scope of practice, skills, education, certification, and salary. Some nursing specialties focus on specific patient populations, such as children, older adults, or women. Others concentrate on particular health conditions like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. Some nursing specialties deal with specific aspects of care, such as anesthesia, research, or education.
Choosing a nursing specialty can be daunting, especially for newly qualified nurses with little experience in different settings. However, it can also be exciting and rewarding, as you can find a specialty that matches your interests, strengths, and goals. To help you decide which nursing specialty is right for you, we have compiled a list of the top 10 nursing specialties for newly qualified nurses based on factors such as demand, salary, satisfaction, and career prospects.
Table of Contents
1. Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who administer anesthesia and pain medication, monitor vital signs, and provide post-operative care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. They work closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and comfort of patients before, during, and after surgery. Nurse anesthetists are among the highest-paid nursing specialties, with an average annual salary of $181,000, according to NurseBuff. They are also in high demand, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 45% growth rate for this occupation from 2019 to 2029.
To become a nurse anesthetist, you need a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, at least one year of acute care experience, and a master’s degree or doctorate in nurse anesthesia from an accredited program. You also need to pass the national certification exam administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
2. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who care for newborn babies, especially those born prematurely or with health complications. They work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) or special care nurseries, where they monitor vital signs, perform diagnostic tests, administer medications, and provide emotional support to the babies and their families. Neonatal nurses need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtain a state license to practice. They also need to complete specialized training in neonatal care and obtain certification from the National Certification Corporation (NCC). According to Payscale, neonatal nurses earn an average annual salary of $67,000.
3. Cardiac Care Nurse Practitioner
Cardiac care nurses are RNs who specialize in caring for patients with heart conditions or who have undergone cardiac procedures such as angioplasty, bypass surgery, or pacemaker implantation. They work in cardiac care units (CCUs), catheterization labs, or cardiac rehabilitation centers, where they monitor the cardiac status, administer medications and pain relief, perform stress-test evaluations, and educate patients about lifestyle changes and prevention strategies. Cardiac care nurses need to have a BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtain a state license to practice. They also need to complete additional training in cardiac care and obtain certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). According to Payscale, cardiac care nurses earn an average annual salary of $79,000.
4. Home Health Nurse
Home health nurses are RNs who care for patients in their homes. They may assist patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, or they may focus on providing medical care such as wound care, medication administration, or therapy. Home health nurses work independently or as part of a team of healthcare professionals who coordinate the care plan for each patient. Home health nurses need to have a BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtain a state license to practice. They also need to have experience in community health or geriatric nursing and obtain certification from the ANCC or the Home Healthcare Nurses Association (HHNA). According to Payscale, home health nurses earn an average annual salary of $69,000.
If you find article useful, don't miss out on the valuable insights and information available in our other related posts:
5. Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse specialists are APRNs with expertise in a specific area of nursing practice, such as pediatrics, oncology, or emergency care. They work as leaders, educators, researchers, and consultants in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or schools. They provide direct patient care and develop policies, protocols, and guidelines for improving the quality and outcomes of care. Clinical nurse specialists need to have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing with a specialization in their chosen field, pass a national certification exam, and obtain a state license to practice. They also need to maintain their certification through continuing education and recertification exams every five years. According to Payscale, clinical nurse specialists earn an average annual salary of $93,000.
6. Family Nurse Practitioner
Family nurse practitioners are APRNs who provide primary care to patients of all ages, from infants to older adults. They work in family practice clinics, community health centers, or rural health clinics, where they perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and treatments, and educate patients about health promotion and disease prevention. Family nurse practitioners must have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing focusing on family practice, pass a national certification exam, and obtain a state license to practice. They must also maintain their certification through continuing education and recertification exams every five years. According to Payscale, family nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of $97,000.
7. Nurse Manager
Nurse managers are RNs who oversee the daily operations of a nursing unit or department. They manage the unit’s staff, budget, resources, policies and procedures. They also ensure the quality and safety of patient care, coordinate with other healthcare professionals and departments, and handle any issues or complaints that arise. Nurse managers must have a BSN or higher, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtain a state license to practice. They must also have experience in leadership and management roles and obtain certification from the ANCC or the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL). According to Payscale, nurse managers earn an average annual salary of $85,000.
8. Nurse Case Manager
Nurse case managers are RNs who coordinate the care of patients with complex or chronic health conditions. They work with patients, families, providers, and insurers to develop and implement a personalized care plan that meets the patient’s needs and goals. They also monitor the progress and outcomes of the care plan, adjust it as needed, and advocate for the patient’s rights and interests. Nurse case managers need to have a BSN degree or higher, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtain a state license to practice. They must also have experience in case management or utilization review and obtain certification from the ANCC or the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). According to Payscale, nurse case managers earn an average annual salary of $72,000.
9. Nurse Researcher
Nurse researchers are RNs who research various aspects of nursing practice, such as patient outcomes, quality improvement, health policy, or education. They work in academic institutions, research centers, or healthcare organizations, designing and conducting studies, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports, and publishing findings. They also collaborate with other researchers and stakeholders to advance nursing knowledge and evidence base. Nurse researchers must have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing or a related field, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtain a state license to practice. They must also have experience in research methods and statistics and obtain certification from the ANCC or the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA). According to Payscale, nurse researchers earn an average annual salary of $81,000.
10. Oncology Nurse
Oncology nurses are RNs who specialize in caring for patients with cancer or at risk of developing cancer. They work in oncology units, infusion centers, or hospice care facilities, administering chemotherapy and other treatments, managing side effects and complications, providing emotional support and education, and coordinating palliative care. Oncology nurses must have a BSN or higher, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtain a state license to practice. They also need to complete additional training in oncology nursing and obtain certification from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). According to Payscale, oncology nurses earn an average annual salary of $72,000.
The Bottom Line
These are just some of the many nursing specialties newly qualified nurses can pursue. Choosing a nursing specialty can be challenging but rewarding as well. It can help you find your passion, enhance your skills, advance your career, and make a difference in the lives of others.
