By Rachel Lamb . 11/02/2020 · 6 Minute read
Are you thinking of taking a different nursing direction but unsure what to delve into first? What skills do you need? What specialties are out there?
You're in the right place.
It's 2020, and as it's the beginning of a new decade, there isn't a better time to learn and develop new skills, particularly within a nursing specialty.
Below are ten nursing specialities you should read about, research some more and decide which one you would like to develop and excel in.
Anaesthetist Nurse
Do you live by the phrase, "There are no problems, only solutions?" Anaesthetist Nurses do. They're natural problem-solvers who are interested in managing patients' pain and recovery by supporting the Anesthetist in administering anaesthesia and other medications.
As the assistant to the Anesthetist, you will join some of the highest-paid Registered Nurses (RNs) in the industry (earning over £70,000 or above).
It takes seven years to become an Anaesthetist Nurse:
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing (four years)
- Registered Nurse certification
- Acute Care experience (one year)
- Master's Degree in Nurse Anaesthesia (two years)
Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner
If you're more comfortable in a doctor's office or a clinic setting, you should probably consider a role as an Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner. On a day-to-day basis, you'll work alongside patients with musculoskeletal conditions like joint replacements, muscle ailments and even arthritis.
As an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner, your primary focus is overseeing patients' care, medical notes, and exams from the time they are admitted to the time they are discharged.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
With a growing population suffering from mental and emotional health issues, there's a demand for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, also known as PMHNPs, which is Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. You must be passionate about mental and emotional health, as this nursing specialty isn't for everyone.
In this specialty, you'll provide complete care to patients suffering from mental and behavioural health disorders. These specialists focus on diagnosis, treatment, and teaching wellbeing.
To do this, you must train in medical and therapeutic treatment, which may require additional education.
Nephrology Nurse
Nephrology Nurses work directly with patients from a wide range of ages and demographics who suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and any other kidney-related conditions. As a Nephrology Nurse, your day-to-day activities involve assessing your patients' overall kidney health, helping patients with at-home treatment such as peritoneal dialysis training, and educating them on their condition, lifestyle adjustments, and medications.
Certified Midwife Nurse (CMN)
It takes an extraordinary person to care for new mums and their babies. This role perfectly fits nurses interested in women's health and prenatal/postnatal care, as becoming a Certified Midwife Nurse will come naturally.
In this specialty, your focus is to support, advise and ease the new mums with any worries. You'll help with the preparation, family planning, and support during labour and delivery. These nurses provide more comprehensive care to their patients than traditional labour and delivery nurses, who monitor vital signs and care for mothers solely during birth.
Paediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
Speaking of babies, if the phrase "I'm good with children" has ever left your mouth, this is the role for you. Paediatric Nurse Practitioners, also known as PNPs, guide parents and administer preventative treatment to children from infancy to adulthood. They also help families learn how to manage their child's illness and educate parents/guardians on their kids' growth and development.
Parents rely on paediatric care professionals to reassure them throughout their child's life, making this nursing specialty incredibly rewarding.
Registered General Nurse Geriatric
Perhaps you work better with older adults, or maybe this is your way of giving back. Either way, these are both valid reasons. Geriatric nurses look after elderly patients and ensure their quality of life is the best it can be. These nursing specialists work in various settings throughout the UK, from private practices to patients' private homes to care homes.
Geriatric Nurses don't just look after these patients; they become their friends, too. Creating meaningful relationships with your patients is probably the most important part of your role.
To pursue a career as a Geriatric Nurse, you will most likely need additional training and certification, like most specialties.
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Pain Management
In this specialty, the level of care you provide for patients will drastically affect their quality of life and longevity.
Nurses who specialise in pain management teach patients techniques for managing pain, assess their conditions, administer medication, and provide alternative solutions for chronic pain.
Only the bravest nurses should decide to specialise in pain management. Why? It's hard to see someone in pain; not everyone has the stomach for it.
Diabetes Specialist Nurses (DNS's)
Diabetes Specialist Nurses, also known as DNSs, are the backbone of diabetes treatment in the UK. They are nurses who specialise in diabetes education, patient care, and teaching those who have diabetes to feel confident about self-care management.
They also educate and support the patient's family by teaching them how to manage the effects and symptoms of diabetes through nutrition insight, medication oversight and lifestyle guidance. If you're known for being a great communicator with patients, families and doctors, consider becoming a Diabetes Nurse.
Research Nurse
Do you have a curious mind? Better yet, do you think of ways to improve new and old medications and treatments? If the answer is yes, your brain works the same way as a Research nurse's.
They're known for posing questions, analysing data, conducting studies, and discovering new ways to navigate healthcare and illnesses. These like-minded scientists are usually found in the lab or classrooms performing and recording research projects with other industries.
You would be contributing meaningfully and innovatively to the healthcare industry.
Ultimately, there is no limit to what you can achieve when you specialise as a Research nurse.
Next Steps
These are only a handful of examples of the nursing specialty, meaning there is plenty more to explore. If you're ready, and we know you are, start taking the next step towards a nursing specialty by being open to new experiences and training available.
In time, you'll find the perfect fit for you.
