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If you’re already in the world of nursing but you’re looking to head in a different direction, there is an abundance of specialties to pick from. Before making the transition and climbing up the ladder, you must take time to research the specialties that correlate with your career goals and skills, otherwise, you may end up in a role that you are not happy with. To make the decision process easier, here are five of the most sought-after nursing specialties this year that can propel your nursing career forward.
Top Nursing Specialties To Choose From
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
A CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) is positioned on top when it comes to the highest-paid nursing roles. The reason for this is because CRNAs are highly skilled RNs (registered nurses) who work closely alongside medical professionals during procedures that involve anesthesia. However, there are many complexities of this kind of clinical care, meaning CRNAs are more prone to lawsuits. This means you need to be confident in your abilities and prepare for any eventuality.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
There is always a high demand for neonatal nurse practitioners, and this role is perfect if you love the idea of caring for newborn babies. The main duty of this role is to administer medication, oxygen, and various NICU procedures to sick and premature babies. While you can work in the neonatal unit as a registered nurse, you can go one step further and obtain your neonatal nurse practitioner certificate to advance in this sector.
Infection Control Nurse
While this nursing specialty is often overlooked, an infection control nurse is extremely important. They help to identify containments, determine containment processes around the sick patient, and most importantly, prevent transmission to others. Infection control nurses play a key role in keeping their community and hospital safe from infectious endemic diseases.
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
The role of an orthopedic nurse practitioner is to deliver specialist care to patients who are suffering from a disease or injury of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic nurse practitioners work with physicians to support a patient’s recovery from surgery, as well as rehabilitation. To become an orthopedic nurse practitioner, registered nurses must obtain their MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), as well as undergo 2,000 hours of work as an APRN.
General Nurse Practitioner
General nurse practitioners can make long-lasting relationships with their patients by delivering basic preventative healthcare. While nurse practitioners usually operate in family practices, they can use their skills in other areas such as pediatrics, women’s health, and adult practices. For nurses who are after an incredibly versatile career, you have more freedom and flexibility in terms of what field you work in as a general nurse practitioner. To flourish as an NP, you must have excellent communication skills and empathy for patients.
Whether you’re interested in any of the nursing specialties above or want to investigate further into other roles, you can use 2021 as the perfect opportunity to develop new skills and gain qualifications that can take your career in nursing to new heights.
