The demand for nurses who specialize in specific areas of care is growing at about the same rate as the demand for RNs.  Over 100 different nursing specialties exist, each of them with different demands, settings, and schedules. Those listed here are only a few of the more popular options for those considering a career in nursing.

Currently, Nurse Educator is the nursing specialty in highest demand; a recent survey found that 56% of nursing schools in the United States were recruiting nurse educators. These RNs are responsible for teaching future generations of nurses, from those pursing an associate’s degree program through the doctorate in nursing program.
Certified Nurse Midwives work alongside obstetricians seeing patients. When low-risk pregnancies are involved, these RNs follow patients throughout a pregnancy; provide routine check-ups and education on prenatal care. In some states, Certified Nurse Midwives even can deliver babies.

Clinical Nurse Specialists are authorized to work with patients in a clinical setting. They are able to diagnose, prescribe medicine and treat patients who are suffering from one or more common health problems.
A Critical Care Nurse works in what many of us think of as the ICU—the intensive care unit. They check on each patient, watching for signs of looming problems, and use their medical knowledge to provide care while working with doctors.
Nurse Practitioners are an important part today’s health care system. Under the supervision of the physician, Nurse Practitioners examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medication. In some states Nurse Practitioners can have a private practice, independent of a physician.
A Medical-Surgical Nurse performs numerous jobs at the hospital, including monitoring and caring for adult patients, assisting in surgeries, and working with medications prescribed by physicians to prevent adverse reactions from mixing medication.
Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia to surgical patients, help take care of patients in the operating room, and provide follow-up care for outpatient procedures, among many other duties.

Trauma Nurses work in emergency rooms, trauma centers, and urgent care centers. Trauma Nurses are often the first health care provider to treat a patient in the hospital, so their role in triage is extremely important.
A Travel Nurse works for an agency that supplies nurses to facilities that have a short-term need, such as when a full-time nurse has to go out on pregnancy leave or National Guard duty. The typical term for a temporary nursing assignment is four to 13 weeks, but it can be as long as two years.
The nursing profession continues to evolve more and more specialties – and opportunities – will emerge.  The one thing all these specialties have in common is a deep-seated passion to care for others in selfless service.  We salute you.