From saving lives in the ER to leading healthcare innovation, nurses do way more than you think! Nursing isn’t a one-size-fits-all career—there are 107 different specializations that go beyond the hospital floor!
Whether you’re interested in technology, research, education, leadership, or even forensic investigations, there’s a nursing career for you. If you’ve ever wondered what else is out there for nurses, this list will open your eyes to new possibilities!
1. Acute Care Nurse
Acute Care Nurses specialize in treating patients with severe, short-term health conditions in hospitals, ICUs, and trauma centers. They provide immediate and intensive care, administer medications, monitor vital signs, and coordinate with healthcare teams to stabilize patients. They work in fast-paced environments where quick decision-making and critical thinking are essential.
2. Administrative Nurse
Administrative Nurses focus on the management and coordination of nursing staff, healthcare operations, and policy implementation. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, overseeing budgets, patient care standards, and compliance with healthcare regulations. Their role bridges clinical expertise with leadership to ensure efficient and high-quality patient care services.
3. Aesthetic Nurse
Aesthetic Nurses provide cosmetic medical treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, laser therapies, and skin rejuvenation procedures. They work in medical spas, dermatology clinics, and plastic surgery centers. Their role involves consulting with patients, administering non-invasive procedures, and ensuring safe, high-quality aesthetic treatments to enhance patients’ appearance and confidence.
4. AIDS Care Nurse
AIDS Care Nurses specialize in caring for patients with HIV/AIDS by providing treatment education, symptom management, and emotional support. They work in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations, coordinating with infectious disease specialists. Their role focuses on improving the quality of life for patients through compassionate, long-term care and advocacy.
5. Ambulatory Care Nurse
Ambulatory Care Nurses provide outpatient care, assisting patients with chronic conditions, post-surgical follow-ups, and minor injuries. They work in clinics, outpatient facilities, and home health settings, focusing on preventive care, medication management, and patient education. They play a vital role in reducing hospital readmissions and promoting overall wellness.
6. Burn Care Nurse
Burn Care Nurses specialize in treating patients with severe burns by managing pain, preventing infections, and assisting in skin grafting procedures. They work in burn units, trauma centers, and rehabilitation facilities, providing wound care and emotional support. Their expertise helps improve recovery outcomes for burn victims through specialized treatment plans.
7. Burn Unit Nurse
Burn Unit Nurses provide critical care to patients with thermal, chemical, or electrical burns. They assess wound severity, administer pain management, monitor for complications, and assist in surgical interventions. Working in hospital burn units, they help patients regain function and reduce scarring while offering psychological support for trauma recovery.
8. Campus Nurse
Campus Nurses provide healthcare services to students and staff at educational institutions. They manage minor illnesses, administer vaccinations, respond to medical emergencies, and promote health education. Their role includes coordinating with healthcare providers and guiding students on mental health, nutrition, and lifestyle habits to encourage overall well-being.
9. Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse
Cardiac Cath Lab Nurses assist in catheterization procedures to diagnose and treat heart conditions. They work alongside cardiologists in hospitals, preparing patients, monitoring vital signs, and providing post-procedure care. Their expertise in cardiac interventions helps improve patient outcomes in treating blocked arteries and heart disease.
10. Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse
Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses help patients recover from heart attacks, surgery, or other cardiovascular conditions by creating exercise plans, providing dietary education, and monitoring heart function. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, helping patients adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent future cardiac issues.
11. Case Management Nurse
Case Management Nurses coordinate long-term care plans for patients with chronic conditions, serious illnesses, or injuries. They work with insurance providers, healthcare teams, and families to ensure cost-effective, high-quality treatment. Their focus is on advocacy, discharge planning, and helping patients navigate complex healthcare systems for the best possible outcomes.
12. Charge Nurse
Charge Nurses oversee daily operations within hospital units, ensuring smooth workflow and quality patient care. They manage staff assignments, handle administrative tasks, provide direct patient care, and assist in crisis situations. Their leadership role balances patient needs with team efficiency, acting as a bridge between nurses and hospital management.
13. Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is a high-level executive responsible for nursing operations within healthcare organizations. They develop policies, manage budgets, ensure regulatory compliance, and oversee nurse staffing and training. Their leadership directly impacts patient care quality and the efficiency of healthcare services at an institutional level.
14. Clinical Nurse Leader
Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs) focus on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices, leadership, and coordination of care. They assess risks, enhance patient safety, and mentor nursing staff. Working in hospitals and healthcare systems, they act as quality improvement experts, bridging the gap between clinical care and administration.
15. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice nurses specializing in specific patient populations, diseases, or healthcare settings. They provide expert consultation, implement evidence-based practices, and train healthcare teams. Their role enhances patient outcomes through advanced clinical expertise and system-wide improvements in hospitals, clinics, and research institutions.
16. Community Nurse
Community Nurses provide healthcare services in public settings, assisting underserved populations. They offer preventive care, immunizations, chronic disease management, and health education. Working in schools, clinics, and outreach programs, they focus on promoting wellness and addressing social determinants of health within communities.
17. Correctional Facility Nurse
Correctional Facility Nurses provide medical care to inmates in jails and prisons. They manage acute and chronic illnesses, injuries, and mental health conditions, often with limited resources. Their role requires strong assessment skills and adaptability while ensuring ethical, high-quality care within correctional environments.
18. Correctional Health Nurse
Similar to Correctional Facility Nurses, these professionals focus on public health challenges in correctional institutions. They address infectious disease prevention, medication management, and inmate education on health and hygiene, ensuring healthcare access for incarcerated individuals.
19. Critical Care Nurse (ICU Nurse)
Critical Care Nurses work in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), treating critically ill or unstable patients. They manage life-support equipment, administer medications, and closely monitor patients. Their expertise in high-pressure environments ensures prompt interventions for conditions like organ failure, sepsis, and severe trauma.
20. Dermatology Nurse
Dermatology Nurses assist in diagnosing and treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and skin cancer. They perform wound care, laser treatments, and cosmetic procedures like chemical peels. Working in dermatology clinics, they educate patients on skin health and preventive care.
21. Developmental Disability Nurse
Developmental Disability Nurses care for patients with conditions such as Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. They provide support for daily living, medication management, and behavioral health interventions. Their work focuses on improving patients’ independence and quality of life in residential facilities, schools, and community programs.
22. Diabetes Nurse
Diabetes Nurses specialize in managing and educating patients with diabetes. They help individuals monitor blood sugar levels, administer insulin, and develop lifestyle plans to prevent complications. Working in hospitals and clinics, they provide essential guidance on nutrition, exercise, and medication adherence.
23. Dialysis Nurse
Dialysis Nurses care for patients with kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. They monitor vital signs, administer treatments, and educate patients about kidney disease management. They work in hospitals, outpatient dialysis centers, and home health settings, ensuring patients receive safe and effective renal care.
24. Disaster Response Nurse
Disaster Response Nurses provide emergency medical care during natural disasters, pandemics, and crises. They assist in triage, manage trauma cases, and support displaced populations. Often working with humanitarian organizations, they respond to large-scale emergencies and ensure rapid medical interventions in disaster zones.
25. Domestic Violence Nurse
Domestic Violence Nurses provide care and advocacy for survivors of abuse. They conduct forensic examinations, offer emotional support, and collaborate with law enforcement. Working in hospitals, shelters, and crisis centers, they help survivors receive the medical and psychological care they need.
26. Emergency Room (ER) Nurse
ER Nurses treat patients in emergency departments, responding to life-threatening conditions, trauma, and acute illnesses. They perform rapid assessments, administer critical care interventions, and stabilize patients. Their fast-paced role requires strong decision-making skills and the ability to work under pressure.
27. Enterostomal Therapy Nurse
Enterostomal Therapy Nurses specialize in wound, ostomy, and continence care. They assist patients with stoma management, wound healing, and urinary/bowel dysfunctions. Working in hospitals and home care settings, they improve patient comfort and independence.
28. Flight Nurse
Flight Nurses provide emergency medical care during air transport in helicopters or planes. They stabilize critical patients while transferring them to hospitals, managing trauma, cardiac emergencies, and life-threatening injuries. Their role requires advanced critical care training and quick decision-making in high-stress environments.
29. Forensic Nurse
Forensic Nurses collect evidence, document injuries, and provide expert testimony in legal cases related to sexual assault, domestic violence, and homicides. They work in hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and crime labs, ensuring victims receive compassionate care while supporting legal investigations.
30. Gastroenterology/Endoscopy Nurse
Gastroenterology Nurses assist in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders. They prepare patients for procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies, monitor sedation, and educate patients on gastrointestinal health. They work in hospitals and specialty clinics.
31. Genetics Nurse
Genetics Nurses work with patients who have hereditary conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, and certain cancers. They provide genetic counseling, assist with testing, and educate families about risk factors. They work in hospitals, research institutions, and genetic counseling centers to help patients understand and manage genetic disorders.
32. Genetics Nurse Counselor
Genetics Nurse Counselors specialize in interpreting genetic testing results and guiding patients through potential hereditary risks. They work closely with families at risk for inherited conditions, offering preventive care strategies and emotional support. Their role is essential in oncology, prenatal care, and personalized medicine.
33. Geriatric Care Nurse
Geriatric Nurses provide specialized care for elderly patients, managing chronic conditions, mobility issues, and cognitive disorders like dementia. They work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare, focusing on improving seniors’ quality of life through medication management, rehabilitation, and fall prevention.
34. Gynaecology Nurse
Gynaecology Nurses assist with reproductive health issues, providing care for conditions like endometriosis, menopause, and fertility concerns. They support OB/GYN physicians in exams, prenatal care, and surgical procedures, working in women’s health clinics, hospitals, and fertility centers.
35. Head Nurse
Head Nurses oversee a specific unit or department, managing nursing staff, ensuring quality patient care, and handling administrative duties. They play a leadership role in mentoring nurses, resolving conflicts, and maintaining compliance with healthcare standards in hospitals and clinics.
36. Health Coach Nurse
Health Coach Nurses focus on wellness and disease prevention by guiding patients in lifestyle modifications. They help manage weight loss, stress reduction, and chronic disease prevention, working in private practices, corporate wellness programs, and insurance companies.
37. Health Policy Nurse
Health Policy Nurses influence healthcare regulations, conduct research, and advocate for policy changes. They work in government agencies, public health organizations, and think tanks, ensuring evidence-based policies improve patient care, healthcare access, and nursing practices.
38. Hematology Nurse
Hematology Nurses care for patients with blood disorders such as leukemia, hemophilia, and anemia. They administer chemotherapy, transfusions, and bone marrow transplants while educating patients about treatment options and symptom management.
39. Holistic Nurse
Holistic Nurses integrate alternative therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, and meditation into patient care. They emphasize treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—alongside conventional medicine. They often work in wellness centers, private practices, and integrative health clinics.
40. Home Healthcare Nurse
Home Healthcare Nurses provide medical care for patients in their homes, assisting with chronic conditions, post-surgical recovery, and palliative care. They work with patients who prefer in-home treatment over hospitalization, ensuring comfort and independence.
41. Hospice Nurse
Hospice Nurses specialize in end-of-life care, providing pain management, emotional support, and comfort for terminally ill patients. They work in hospice facilities, homes, and palliative care units, ensuring patients experience dignity and peace in their final days.
42. Hyperbaric Nurse
Hyperbaric Nurses work in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) clinics, treating conditions such as chronic wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression sickness. They monitor patients during oxygen treatments in pressurized chambers, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
43. Independent Nurse Contractor
Independent Nurse Contractors work as self-employed professionals, offering nursing services in hospitals, home care, or specialized fields. They negotiate contracts, set their own schedules, and provide expertise without being tied to a single employer.
44. Infection Control Nurse
Infection Control Nurses prevent and manage infections in hospitals, ensuring proper hygiene and safety protocols. They investigate outbreaks, educate healthcare staff, and implement policies to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
45. Infectious Disease Nurse
Infectious Disease Nurses specialize in treating contagious illnesses such as tuberculosis, HIV, and COVID-19. They manage isolation protocols, administer antiviral therapies, and educate patients on infection prevention.
46. Infusion Therapy Nurse
Infusion Therapy Nurses administer IV treatments, including chemotherapy, antibiotics, and pain management drugs. They work in hospitals, infusion clinics, and home health settings, ensuring safe and effective intravenous medication administration.
47. Intravenous Therapy Nurse
Intravenous Therapy Nurses are experts in administering fluids, blood products, and medications through IV lines. They focus on patient safety, preventing complications such as infections and vein damage while ensuring proper dosages.
48. Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and Delivery Nurses assist in childbirth, monitoring mothers and babies, managing pain relief, and responding to complications. They work closely with obstetricians in hospitals and birthing centers, ensuring a safe and supportive birth experience.
49. Legal Nurse
Legal Nurses assist attorneys in medical-related legal cases, reviewing patient records, providing expert opinions, and testifying in court. They work in malpractice lawsuits, personal injury cases, and insurance claims, bridging the gap between medicine and law.
50. Long-Term Care Nurse
Long-Term Care Nurses provide ongoing care for patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities. They work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care, helping patients maintain independence and quality of life.
51. Managed Care Nurse
Managed Care Nurses coordinate patient care in insurance and healthcare organizations, ensuring treatments align with cost-effective and high-quality medical practices. They work in insurance companies and HMOs, focusing on preventative care and chronic disease management.
52. Military Nurse
Military Nurses provide medical care to active-duty soldiers, veterans, and their families. They work in combat zones, military hospitals, and VA facilities, treating trauma injuries, infections, and battlefield wounds.
53. Missionary Nurse
Missionary Nurses provide healthcare in underserved regions, offering medical services, vaccinations, and health education. They work with non-profits and religious organizations, often traveling internationally to improve global healthcare access.
54. Neonatal Care Nurse
Neonatal Nurses care for premature and critically ill newborns in NICUs. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, and support families during their infant’s recovery.
55. Nephrology Nurse
Nephrology Nurses specialize in kidney care, treating patients with renal failure and dialysis needs. They educate patients on lifestyle changes and monitor kidney function.
56. Neuroscience Nurse
Neuroscience Nurses care for patients with neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease. They assist in surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication management.
57. Nurse Advocate
Nurse Advocates help patients navigate healthcare systems, ensuring they receive appropriate care and understand treatment options. They work in hospitals and insurance companies, representing patient interests.
58. Nurse Attorney
Nurse Attorneys are registered nurses with law degrees who work in healthcare litigation, medical malpractice, and policy development. They advocate for patient rights and legal protections.
59. Nurse Author, Writer, Historian
These nurses specialize in medical journalism, writing textbooks, or documenting nursing history. They contribute to medical publications and research.
60. Nurse Educator
Nurse Educators teach future nurses in universities and training programs, preparing students for clinical practice and licensure exams.
61. Nurse Entrepreneur
Nurse Entrepreneurs use their medical expertise to create businesses such as private practices, healthcare consulting firms, or medical product companies. They blend nursing with business innovation to improve healthcare services and patient outcomes, working independently or in collaboration with healthcare organizations.
62. Nurse Ethicist
Nurse Ethicists focus on ethical decision-making in healthcare, ensuring patient rights, medical justice, and professional integrity. They work with hospitals, research institutions, and policy organizations, advising on issues like end-of-life care, informed consent, and medical ethics policies.
63. Nurse Executive
Nurse Executives hold high-level leadership roles in healthcare organizations, overseeing nursing staff, patient care standards, and hospital operations. They manage budgets, set healthcare policies, and implement quality improvement strategies to enhance patient outcomes.
64. Nurse Health Coach
Nurse Health Coaches work with individuals and groups to improve wellness through lifestyle modifications. They specialize in chronic disease management, stress reduction, and preventative healthcare, often working in corporate wellness programs, insurance companies, and private coaching practices.
65. Nurse Life Care Planner
Nurse Life Care Planners develop long-term healthcare plans for individuals with catastrophic injuries or chronic illnesses. They assess patient needs, coordinate treatments, and estimate future medical expenses, working with legal teams, insurance companies, and rehabilitation centers.
66. Nursing AI Specialist
Nursing AI Specialists work at the intersection of nursing and artificial intelligence, helping integrate AI-driven technologies into patient care. They develop and implement AI-based solutions for diagnosis, treatment planning, and administrative automation to enhance healthcare efficiency.
67. Nursing Director
Nursing Directors oversee nursing departments in hospitals, ensuring quality patient care, managing staff, and developing nursing policies. They play a key role in decision-making, resource allocation, and healthcare administration.
68. Nursing Informatics
Nursing Informatics specialists focus on integrating technology into nursing practice. They manage electronic health records (EHR), data analytics, and digital tools that improve patient care and streamline healthcare operations.
69. Obstetrics Nurse
Obstetrics Nurses specialize in caring for pregnant women before, during, and after childbirth. They assist in labor and delivery, monitor fetal health, and educate mothers on postpartum care, working in hospitals, birthing centers, and OB/GYN clinics.
70. Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational Health Nurses focus on workplace safety and employee health. They provide first aid, conduct health screenings, and educate workers on injury prevention, ergonomics, and occupational hazards.
71. Oncology Nurse
Oncology Nurses specialize in cancer care, administering chemotherapy, managing symptoms, and providing emotional support for patients undergoing cancer treatments. They work in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and research institutions.
72. Orthopedic Nurse
Orthopedic Nurses treat patients with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders such as fractures, arthritis, and spinal conditions. They assist in orthopedic surgeries, rehabilitation, and pain management.
73. Pain Management Nurse
Pain Management Nurses work with patients suffering from chronic pain, developing treatment plans that may include medications, physical therapy, and alternative pain relief methods. They work in pain clinics, hospitals, and palliative care settings.
74. Parish Nurse
Parish Nurses provide holistic healthcare services within religious or faith-based communities. They focus on spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, offering health education, support groups, and counseling.
75. Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric Nurses care for infants, children, and adolescents, managing childhood illnesses, vaccinations, and developmental concerns. They work in pediatric hospitals, clinics, and school healthcare programs.
76. Perianesthesia Nurse
Perianesthesia Nurses care for patients before and after anesthesia, monitoring vital signs and managing pain and recovery. They work in surgical centers and hospitals.
77. Perinatal Nurse
Perinatal Nurses support women during pregnancy, providing prenatal education, monitoring fetal health, and assisting with labor and delivery. They work in hospitals, birthing centers, and maternity clinics.
78. Perioperative Nurse
Perioperative Nurses, also called surgical nurses, assist during surgeries by preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and supporting surgeons. They play a critical role in ensuring patient safety before, during, and after surgical procedures.
79. Plastic Surgery Nurse
Plastic Surgery Nurses assist in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, providing pre- and post-operative care. They work in plastic surgery clinics, hospitals, and aesthetic medical centers.
80. Postpartum Nurse
Postpartum Nurses care for mothers and newborns immediately after childbirth, monitoring recovery, assisting with breastfeeding, and providing emotional support.
81. Primary Care Nurse
Primary Care Nurses provide general healthcare services, including disease prevention, chronic condition management, and routine screenings. They work in clinics, community health centers, and physician offices.
82. Private Duty Nurse
Private Duty Nurses provide one-on-one care for patients at home, in hospitals, or long-term care facilities. They manage chronic conditions, post-surgical recovery, and palliative care.
83. Progressive Care Nurse
Progressive Care Nurses specialize in intermediate-level care, treating patients who are too stable for the ICU but still require close monitoring.
84. Psychiatric Care Nurse
Psychiatric Nurses provide mental health care, treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They work in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
85. Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses focus on community-wide health promotion, disease prevention, and education programs. They work in government agencies, schools, and non-profit organizations.
86. Pulmonary Care Nurse
Pulmonary Care Nurses treat patients with lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and pneumonia. They assist in breathing therapies and educate patients on respiratory health.
87. Radiology Nurse Specialist
Radiology Nurses assist in imaging procedures such as MRIs, CT scans, and radiation therapy. They ensure patient safety and comfort during diagnostic and treatment processes.
88. Reconstructive Surgical Nurse
Reconstructive Surgical Nurses specialize in post-injury or post-cancer reconstructive surgeries, helping patients recover both physically and emotionally.
89. Rehabilitation Nurse
Rehabilitation Nurses assist patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic illnesses, helping them regain independence through therapy and care plans.
90. Research Nurse
Research Nurses conduct clinical trials, analyze medical data, and contribute to advancements in healthcare treatments. They work in research hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.
91. School Nurse
School Nurses provide healthcare services in educational settings, addressing student health concerns, managing chronic conditions, and promoting wellness programs.
92. Scrub Nurse
Scrub Nurses work in operating rooms, ensuring sterile conditions, preparing surgical instruments, and assisting surgeons during procedures.
93. Simulation Nurse Educator
Simulation Nurse Educators use technology-driven training methods to teach nursing students and medical professionals, ensuring hands-on learning without patient risk.
94. Staff Nurse
Staff Nurses provide direct patient care in hospitals, assisting with medications, treatments, and daily health monitoring.
95. Subacute Care Nurse
Subacute Care Nurses work with patients recovering from major surgeries or serious illnesses, requiring extended but not intensive hospital care.
96. Substance Abuse Nurse
Substance Abuse Nurses specialize in addiction recovery, helping patients detox and manage withdrawal symptoms while providing counseling and support.
97. Supplemental Nurse
Supplemental Nurses work on short-term contracts, filling in staff shortages in various healthcare settings, providing flexibility and diverse experience.
98. Telehealth Nurse
Telehealth Nurses provide virtual medical consultations, assisting patients remotely with triage, chronic disease management, and treatment recommendations.
99. Telemetry Nurse
Telemetry Nurses monitor patients’ vital signs using electronic systems, commonly caring for post-surgical or cardiac patients.
100. Telephone Triage Nurse
Telephone Triage Nurses assess patient symptoms over the phone, providing guidance on whether emergency care, a doctor’s visit, or home treatment is needed.
101. Toxicology Nurse
Toxicology Nurses treat poisoning and overdose cases, working in emergency departments and poison control centers.
102. Triage Nurse
Triage Nurses assess patient conditions in emergency settings, determining priority for treatment based on severity.
103. Transplant Nurse
Transplant Nurses care for organ donors and recipients, managing pre- and post-transplant care.
104. Trauma Nurse
Trauma Nurses work in ERs, stabilizing critically injured patients from accidents, violence, or medical emergencies.
105. Travel Nurse
Travel Nurses work temporary assignments in different locations, filling staffing shortages while gaining diverse experience.
106. Utilization Review Nurse
Utilization Review Nurses analyze treatment plans to ensure cost-effective, necessary care, working for insurance companies and hospitals.
107. Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) Nurse
WOC Nurses specialize in wound care, ostomy management, and incontinence treatment, helping patients manage these conditions effectively.