5 Things Before Opting for a Nursing Career Specialization
Nursing is an important profession in the health sector, without which we cannot run health institutions. In general, we believe that nurses can only work in medical settings such as hospitals and clinics. However, we see an evident change in the career and job prospects of nurses as the health sector embraces technological advances. The work of a nurse, depending on her specialization, can be seen in various sectors, such as non-profit organizations, community centers, correctional health care centers and more.
If you’re looking to jump on the bandwagon and become a nurse, read on as we explore some of the prerequisites you may need before considering this career move. Here is a list of things to know before you embark on your career as a nurse practitioner.
Understand your personality and interests
Consider checking your aptitude, personality, and interests before selecting a nursing major. You can find mock exams for nurse practitioner, which will help you understand what you are getting into, academically.
This initial step will help you establish and build your professional path based on the specialization according to your style. It would be best if you asked yourself these questions before choosing a nursing profession.
- Can you handle the pressure and face challenges when dealing with emergency patients? If yes, one specialization you can opt for is Critical Care Nursing.
- Are you inclined to work and study at universities or research centers? If so, you may do better in academic settings rather than choosing specializations in clinical practice, primarily hospitals and health care facilities.
High Contact Nursing Role Specializations
A wide range of specializations is available to those nurses who want to work closely with patients, from daily follow-up to physical exams. Some of these specializations have important roles in your career as a nurse.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
APRNs are specialist nurses who work at advanced levels of clinical practice and treat and diagnose patients. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is required to begin your career as an APRN.
If you want to expand your nursing career, consider enrolling in Online DNP Programs, as they provide a convenient way to pursue higher education while managing professional commitments. A Doctor of Nursing Practice would help you traverse the ladder of leadership positions and advance your nursing roles in clinical practice. These roles range from clinical directors, directors of medical affairs, and medical directors.
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP)
FNPs are primary health care service providers who assess patients, prescribe medications, and coordinate treatment plans. These nurses are usually found in hospitals and clinics, where you will see them providing information and support to both patients and doctors. Let’s say you find this role of dealing with patients on a daily basis and fostering meaningful relationships rewarding and fulfilling. In that case, a family nurse practitioner might be a suitable career for you. However, it is worth noting that you will need a master’s degree to become a family nurse practitioner.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Certified nurse midwives specialize in women’s reproductive health. They usually have a role related to childbirth and work in hospitals in the gynecology department. A CNM assists mothers during childbirth, provides supportive care for newborns, and assists in postnatal management of mother and child. At least a master’s degree in nursing is required to become a certified nurse midwife.
Critical Care Nurse (CCN)
Critical Care Nurses perform their duties in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and care for patients in critical condition and emergencies. They also provide medical assistance to patients recovering from serious medical conditions. A master’s degree in nursing is the educational qualification you need to be a critical care nurse.
Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
Gerontological nurse practitioners are specialized nurses who provide primary health care to elderly patients. Registered nurses work in patient homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. These are typically patients who are highly dependent on others for physical activity or mobility due to the physical, mental, and social effects of aging.
Nursing specialties away from the bedside
research analyst
Research analysts are scientists in the nursing field who help find solutions to medical problems and explore the latest trends in medical studies and industry research. They help move the healthcare industry forward by raising the bar for quality research. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing is required to become a research analyst.
Nursing Educator
Nursing educators play a vital role in clinical practice training and classroom instruction at community colleges and universities. They also assume executive roles and oversee the academic programs and nursing faculty.
Financial career prospects
Several nursing specializations have high earning potential due to staffing shortages or the nature of the work. In the United States, the average annual salary for nursing majors is listed below:
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) $115k
- Family Nurse Practitioner $114k
- Certified Nurse Midwife $88k
- Intensive Care Nurse $77k
- GNP $101k
- Research Analyst $87k
- Certified Nurse Educators (CNE) $83k
NOTE: These salary estimates may vary by time and region.
Additional Certifications
Many specializations require specific training and certifications along with prior education and experience. In such a case, you must take exams to obtain certificates and maintain the requirements every year to maintain the status. In the long run, these certifications will pay off for your career growth as you will have professional recognition and increased earning potential.
final thoughts
Nursing is a career option for those who believe in long-term commitment and humanity. So if you want to pursue a career in nursing specializations, your heart must be in it. For example, you may sometimes face pressure when dealing with a critical patient condition close to your heart. You have to be brave enough to face the challenges and stay strong in tough times in such situations.