Some people say being a nurse is like having the best of both worlds. Not only do nurses get to care for their patients, but they are also able to stay abreast of the latest medical developments and advances in healthcare technology. As a result, more and more millennial nurses are deciding to specialize in one or two particular areas of practice. But there are, in total, 96 nursing specialties that you can choose when taking the nursing courses. So, if you are considering pursuing one of the specialties in nursing, be sure to choose the one that suits your set skills, interests, and career aspirations. Let’s break down some of the most sought-after specialties.
General Nurse Practitioners
First, let’s talk about the most popular choice of all. General nurse practitioners are the most common type of nurse practitioner. They provide general primary health care services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering lab tests, and prescribing medications.
What’s best about general nurse practitioners is that they can work in both clinical and administrative roles. But what about their earning potential? According to the 2019 Medscape Physician Compensation Report, general nurse practitioners earn an average of $114,000 a year.
Emergency Room Nurses
Coming in second place is the emergency room nurses. They specialize in providing care to patients with critical injuries or illnesses. ER nurses are expected to have expert knowledge of medical emergencies and be able to provide fast, efficient treatment for their patients. They also need to be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions, as they will often have to prioritize which patient needs help first. ER nurses can expect to earn up to $127,000 a year in salary. Not a bad deal!
Gerontological Nurses
Third is the gerontological nurses. This specialty focuses on providing care to elderly patients. Gerontological nurses specialize in addressing the unique needs of older patients, such as helping them adjust to chronic conditions or age-related restrictions.
They also provide support and education to families of elderly patients. With an aging population, gerontological nurses are in high demand and can expect to earn up to $97,000 a year.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Among many, clinical nurse specialists are one of the most sought-after specialties. These nurses specialize in managing and coordinating healthcare services for a particular patient population, such as children or those with psychiatric disorders. They also teach other healthcare providers about the best practices for treating their patients and provide consultation on treatments. The average salary for a clinical nurse specialist is $107,000 a year. What’s more, the demand for clinical nurse specialists is expected to increase even further in 2023.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Last but not least are nurse anesthetists. They specialize in administering anesthesia to patients before, during, and after medical procedures or surgeries. Nurse anesthetists have to have extensive knowledge of the different types of anesthesia and be able to make sure that the patient’s vital signs remain stable throughout the procedure. The best part of being a nurse anesthetist is the salary, with some making as much as $167,000 per year. Being a nurse is an incredibly rewarding career path, with plenty of opportunities to specialize in a particular area and make a real difference in people’s lives. With the help of technology, nurses are now able to provide better care for their patients and be among the most sought-after professionals in healthcare today. So if you’re thinking about becoming a nurse, take the right program and course, and dedicate yourself to it.…