{"id":8081,"date":"2024-03-26T14:00:55","date_gmt":"2024-03-26T14:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=8081"},"modified":"2024-09-26T21:12:30","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T21:12:30","slug":"choosing-nursing-specialties-for-new-and-experienced-rns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/choosing-nursing-specialties-for-new-and-experienced-rns\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing Nursing Specialties: A Guide for New and Experienced RNs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Career diversity is a significant advantage when you become a registered nurse (RN). There aren\u2019t many professions that allow for such a range of opportunities within the same field. You could <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/med-surg\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">be a medical-surgical nurse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for several years and then <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/labor-and-delivery-nurse\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">become a labor and delivery nurse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with minimal additional education despite the significant change in practice. Nursing specialties allow you to get specific about the kind of care you want to provide and the patient population in which you want to work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re a new nurse just entering the profession or an experienced nurse looking for a change, this article takes an in-depth look at 15 nursing specialties to help you choose the right one for your career goals. First, let\u2019s take a deep dive into considerations for choosing a nursing specialty.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Factors to Consider when Choosing a Specialty<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First and foremost, consider your personality and the culture of the specialty you\u2019re considering. Nursing culture may change slightly from hospital to hospital. However, most specialty units have a very similar culture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The feel of an ICU in one city is likely similar to an ICU in another city. Maternity wards across the nation generally have the same type of vibe. Keep this in mind when you\u2019re choosing a specialty. Try and do some float shifts in the specialty unit you\u2019re considering to help assess if your personality fits the environment and workflow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re leaning toward a particular specialty, here are a few key factors to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Time to Enter: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much time do you realistically have to put into more schooling, certifications and credentials? Time constraints are equally important for new nurses, who may be eager to pay back their student loans, and more experienced nurses, who may have different commitments outside of work and other financial obligations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Salary Considerations: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial stability is important to any nurse. For some, it may weigh heavier in the decision-making. You want to ensure your salary expectations align with the specialty you\u2019re considering. View transparent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RN salary expectations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and gain insights into your career path&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/career-paths-and-earning-potential-in-healthcare\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">average and maximum earning potential<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on Vivian Health.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Opportunities: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a good idea to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">browse nursing jobs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in a specialty you\u2019re considering. You want to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of work available, with minimal competition and opportunities for growth in the field.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Personal Interest: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding a fulfilling job that aligns with your passions is key. Although some days are still hard, it\u2019s always easier to go to work if you love what you do and the population you work with daily.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>For New Nurses: How Do I Choose a Nursing Specialty?<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7644\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/11\/Accelerated-LPN-Programs-Resized-scaled-e1700257507387.jpg\" alt=\"Graduates of Accelerated LPN Programs\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some key questions to consider as a new nurse or nursing student when exploring different types of nursing specialties are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which patient population would I like to work with?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I prefer to work in a hospital, clinic or community?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are my long-term career goals?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s my skill set and what do I like to do?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What kind of work-life balance am I looking for?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I have the time commitment to do more schooling?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s the average and maximum salary?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there potential for career advancement within the specialty?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I work well under pressure in a high-stress job or would a more casual job be better?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I have enough experience?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>For Experienced Nurses: How Do I Choose a New Nursing Specialty?<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing a new specialty as an experienced nurse can feel daunting. Change can be tricky. Some questions to ask yourself if you&#8217;re considering a different type of nursing include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are my long-term career goals?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does my current specialty help or hinder me to achieve my goals?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s my current salary and will a new specialty increase my earnings?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I feel fulfilled going to work or am I bored and looking for something new?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I put the time and energy into switching specialties, with extra training and certification if necessary?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s the job demand in my current specialty versus the one I\u2019m looking at?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>In-Demand Nursing Specialties in 2024<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an annual increase of 193,100 RN jobs between 2022 and 2023, among the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/fastest-growing-healthcare-careers-in-2024\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fastest-growing healthcare careers in 2024<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The increased job prospects for RNs are positive and show this career choice will be in demand for the foreseeable future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the BLS doesn\u2019t provide information for specific nurse specialties. We based the information provided below under <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Job Demand <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">on the number of travel and staff jobs available on Vivian Health on February 13, 2024. While the number of jobs on our online marketplace constantly changes, with new jobs added hourly, these nursing specialties typically remain in high demand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We separated the following 15 specialties into subcategories for new nurses, experienced nurses and niche specialties. The specialties we placed under the category for new nurses are there because fewer specialties fit newer nurses who don\u2019t yet have the experience to enter more advanced specialties. However, if you&#8217;re an experienced RN, these specialties are also well-suited for you. The average pay rates were pulled from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/salary\/\">Vivian Health&#8217;s salary data<\/a> on February 15, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>5 Specialties for New Nurses or Nursing Students to Consider<\/b><\/h4>\n<h5><b>1. <a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/med-surg\/\">Medical-Surgical<\/a><\/b><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6172\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/01\/Nurse-with-patient-Resized-scaled-e1716408135635.jpg\" alt=\"Med-surg nurse providing patient care\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/asn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ADN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cmsrn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CMSRN\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/med-surg\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">27,380<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/med-surg\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,115<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/med-surg\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$43.99<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A medical-surgical (med-surg) nurse is the most in-demand and versatile specialty for RNs. After graduation and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/healthcare-education\/nclex-tips-to-help-you-pass\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">success on the NCLEX-RN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can begin working on a med-surg floor. Med-Surg nurses work with patients who are acutely ill or pre-op or post-op surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical tasks for med-surg nurses include patient assessment, medication administration, basic wound care, patient education, documentation, comfort measures, care plans and discharge planning. Getting experience on a med-surg floor is invaluable before pursuing other specialties. The range of conditions you experience and skills you gain provides unparalleled expertise and prepares you for diverse healthcare settings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>2. <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/telemetry-nurse\/\"><b>Telemetry<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8084\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Telemetry-nurse-Resized-scaled-e1710449468497.jpg\" alt=\"Telemetry nurse\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/asn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ADN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/nta\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">NTA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/telemetry-nurse\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">14,674<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/telemetry-nurse\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,159<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/telemetry-nurse\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$45.29<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telemetry nurses are responsible for monitoring and analyzing cardiac telemetry readings. They typically work in hospital settings with cardiac patients who need continuous monitoring due to an unstable heart condition. Interpreting telemetry data can be a steep learning curve in a high-stress environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although unnecessary, having extra education is a good idea for new nurses seeking this specialty. The National Telemetry Association offers many courses based on experience and credentials. The courses provide various options, from comprehensive study plans covering ECG introduction, fundamentals, anatomy and operations tailored for newer or less experienced telemetry nurses to an option for more experienced RNs to sit for the exam without taking a course.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>3. <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/labor-and-delivery-nurse\/\"><b>Labor and Delivery<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8085\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Labor-and-delivery-nurse-Resized-scaled-e1710449825777.jpg\" alt=\"labor and delivery nurse\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/asn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ADN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/rnc-ob\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">RNC-OB<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/rnc-iap\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">RNC-IAP<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/rnc-mnn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">RNC-MNN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/fhm\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">FHM<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/pals\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">PALS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/nrp\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">NRP<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/c-efm\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">C-EFM<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/labor-and-delivery-nurse\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">1,676<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/labor-and-delivery-nurse\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,263<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/labor-and-delivery-nurse\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$49.50<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many hospitals offer nurse residency programs for labor and delivery (L&amp;D) straight out of nursing school, making this an excellent specialty option for new nurses. Most residency programs are 2 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 12 months long and involve a theory component and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/5-benefits-of-a-mentorship-in-nursing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nurse mentorship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">L&amp;D nurses provide care to mothers and newborns, ensuring safety throughout labor. They typically care for two to three patients per shift, monitoring vital signs, timing contractions, assisting with delivery and administering medications. L&amp;D wards can have high-stress moments and be emotionally draining. However, they tend to have a calm, relaxed environment with a low patient-to-nurse ratio.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>\u00a04. <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/long-term-care-nurse\/\"><b>Long-Term Care<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8086\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Long-term-care-nurse-Resized-scaled-e1710450225971.jpg\" alt=\"Long-term care nurse\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/asn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ADN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/gero-bc\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">GERO-BC<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/long-term-care-nurse\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">1,270<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/long-term-care-nurse\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$1,942<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/long-term-care-nurse\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$44<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term care (LTC) is a great place to start your career as an RN. LTC offers a supportive environment to build foundational nursing skills and confidence. Working in this setting allows new nurses to develop a deeper understanding of patient care and the nursing process, as you often have the opportunity to work closely with a consistent group of patients over time. New nurses can hone their assessment and critical thinking skills in this specialty while working on interpersonal and empathetic communication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>5. <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/pediatric-med-surg\/\"><b>Pediatrics<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6569\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/03\/Pediatric-Nursing-Resized-scaled-e1710450295130.jpg\" alt=\"Pediatric Nursing\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cpn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CPN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/pals\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">PALS<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/pediatric-med-surg\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">512<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/pediatric-med-surg\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,292<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/pediatric-med-surg\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$47.26<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an entry-level nurse, specializing in pediatrics is a rewarding yet sometimes bittersweet path, not for the faint of heart. Pediatric nurses work with the under-21 population and provide medical care to patients recovering from surgery or undergoing treatment. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, aiding in wound care, collaborating with healthcare teams and offering support to children and their families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sub-specialties within the pediatrics specialty are among the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/money-taxes\/highest-paying-rn-specialties\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">highest-paying RN specialties<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as pediatric cardiac cath lab, cardiac stepdown, cardiovascular operating room and post-anesthetic care unit nursing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>5 In-Demand Nursing Specialties for Experienced Nurses<\/b><\/h4>\n<h5><b>1.<\/b> <a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/stepdown\/\"><b>Stepdown<\/b><\/a><b> \/ <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/intermediate-care\/\"><b>Intermediate Care<\/b><\/a><b> \/ <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/surgical-icu-stepdown\/\"><b>Surgical Stepdown<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8088\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Stepdown-nurse-Resized-scaled-e1710453144211.jpg\" alt=\"stepdown nurse\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bls\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BLS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/acls\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ACLS<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/intermediate-care\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">10,471<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/intermediate-care\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,112<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/intermediate-care\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$42.56<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There&#8217;s a significant need for nurses in intermediate-level care. We grouped these specialties because, despite their diverse patient populations, they care for the same subtype of patients. Stepdown and intermediate care nurses look after patients who are stable enough to transition out of the intensive care unit (ICU) but not onto the general ward. Patients may still require frequent monitoring, assessment and intervention, but less monitoring than the 1:1 care provided in ICU.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurses don\u2019t need a higher level of education past their BSN to work in a step-down unit. However, this specialty is for nurses with more experience who are comfortable caring for and managing more complex patient needs. Duties may encompass vigilant monitoring of patients\u2019 vital signs, complex wound healing, pain management and medication administration. Stepdown nurses collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, offering education on continuing care, post-procedure recovery, complications, customized care plans and discharge planning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>2.<\/b> <a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/icu-nurse\/\"><b>Intensive Care Unit<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6954\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/06\/ICU-nurse2-Resized-scaled-e1710453230435.jpg\" alt=\"Young patient with pediatric intensive care unit nurse\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and specialty-specific education and training<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/ccrn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CCRN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/tcrn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">TCRN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/acls\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ACLS<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/icu-nurse\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">7,673<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/icu-nurse\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,178<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/icu-nurse\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$44.56<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ICU nurses are highly trained and specialized to care for critically ill patients. This high-stress specialty usually involves 1:1 nursing care to closely monitor and manage patients&#8217; vital signs, life support equipment, medication and care plans with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ICU specialty is for more experienced nurses with hands-on, practical experience caring for complex health challenges. They must possess advanced clinical skills and the proper training to operate and interpret the advanced healthcare monitors required for this job. They must also have highly developed critical thinking skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure to effectively manage changing conditions and emergencies in the ICU.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>3. <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/er-emergency-room-nurse\/\"><b>Emergency<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8089\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Emergency-room-nursing-Resized-scaled-e1710453455331.jpg\" alt=\"emergency room nursing aka emergency department nursing\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CEN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/tcrn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">TCRN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/acls\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ACLS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/pals\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">PALS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/tncc\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">TNCC<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/er-emergency-room-nurse\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">6,675<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/er-emergency-room-nurse\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,191<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/er-emergency-room-nurse\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$45.17<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The excitement of the emergency room is good for some and anxiety-provoking for others. This is an excellent specialty to explore if you\u2019re a nurse who thrives on change and works well under pressure and with the unknown. Emergency room RNs triage and assess patients, provide emergency interventions, administer medication, coordinate care with the healthcare team and manage emergencies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>4.<\/b> <a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/or-operating-room-nurse\/\"><b>Perioperative<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7989\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/02\/Surgery-Pexels-Resized-scaled-e1708477621661.jpg\" alt=\"surgical technician \/ perioperative nurse\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cnor\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CNOR<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/or-operating-room-nurse\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">2,460<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/or-operating-room-nurse\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,476<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/or-operating-room-nurse\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$48.52<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perioperative, or operating room (OR) nursing, is an excellent specialty to explore if you enjoy the anatomy of the human body, working as a team and having a little less interaction with patients. OR nurses set up surgical equipment, organize supplies, support the surgeon and surgical team, educate patients and their families, ensure a sterile environment and monitor patients&#8217; vital signs throughout surgeries and other procedures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>5.<\/b> <a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/home-health-nurse\/\"><b>Home Health<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5923\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/11\/Home-Health4-Resized-scaled-e1710453723464.jpg\" alt=\"Home health nurse\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/asn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ADN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/wcc\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">WCC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cwcn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CWCN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/gero-bc\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">GERO-BC<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/home-health-nurse\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">2,226<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/home-health-nurse\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,344<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/home-health-nurse\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$45.79<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A home health nurse must possess vast knowledge of chronic disease management, wound care and case leadership. They must have the skills and confidence to work autonomously, use developed critical thinking skills and provide extended care in a non-clinical setting. Many home health nurses manage an extensive patient caseload, coordinate care, give patient education, communicate with the interdisciplinary team and provide care within the community to a wide range of patients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>5 Niche Nursing Specialties\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n<h5><b>\u00a01. <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/oncology-nurse\/\"><b>Oncology<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8090\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Oncology-nurse-resized-scaled-e1710453878871.jpg\" alt=\"Oncology nurse\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/asn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ADN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and specialty-specific education and training<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/ocn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">OCN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cphon\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CPHON<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/oncology-nurse\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">2,283<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/oncology-nurse\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,210<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/oncology-nurse\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$45.57<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oncology RNs don\u2019t have any legal requirements to work in this specialty. However, many employers do require experience and prefer certification. To obtain the Oncology Certified Nurse certification, RNs need at least two years of nursing experience and 2,000 hours working in oncology before they can sit for the exam. The exam tests knowledge of professional practice, cancer science and symptom management.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main tasks of an oncology RN are to monitor and assess patients with cancer. Primary job duties include administering cancer-fighting medication like chemotherapy, inserting IVs and accessing ports. Oncology nurses must stay current with new research and drug development as they educate patients and their families on the best treatment plan available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>2. <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/psychiatric-nurse\/\"><b>Psychiatric\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8091\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Psychiatric-nurse-Resized-scaled-e1710454110854.jpg\" alt=\"psychiatric nurse\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/pmh-bc\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">PMH-BC<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/psychiatric-nurse\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">1,247<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/psychiatric-nurse\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,019<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/psychiatric-nurse\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$44.27<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychiatric RNs may work in a hospital or community setting with patients of all ages who have mental health conditions. Their primary duties include assessing mental health status, administering and monitoring medications, providing therapeutic interventions and offering comfort, support and education to patients and their families. They\u2019re the frontline of the care team that provides mental health support to psychiatric patients. This demanding job requires a nurse to have clear boundaries and the balance of a strong yet casual and calm personality.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>3. <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/dialysis-nurse\/\"><b>Dialysis<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8093\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/Dialysis-nurse-Resized-scaled-e1710454319457.jpg\" alt=\"Dialysis nurse\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/asn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ADN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cdn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CDN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/dialysis-nurse\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">604<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/dialysis-nurse\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,153<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/dialysis-nurse\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$47.06<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dialysis nurse is the primary care provider for patients with kidney disease. As a dialysis nurse, you work with patients with renal failure who require dialysis procedures. This highly specialized field requires knowledge about dialysis equipment, monitoring fluid balance, administering medications and assessing patients&#8217; condition throughout the procedure. The role of a dialysis nurse is to educate patients and their families on healthy living and proper choices when living with kidney disease. This function makes a deep understanding of kidney disease necessary for the job.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous work with renal patients on a med-surg unit, through internships or clinical rotations, offers valuable insights into whether this specialty would suit your interest. Generally, one perk of dialysis unit nursing is working within business hours to allow patients to sit for their treatment during regular daytime hours. However, this detail can vary if you work on-call. If night shifts aren\u2019t your thing, this may be a good specialty for your lifestyle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>4. <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/nicu-nurse\/\"><b>Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6953\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/06\/PICU-nurse-Resized-scaled-e1710453271205.jpg\" alt=\"Pediatric Intensive Care PICU nurse\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/asn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ADN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/nrp\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">NRP<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/pals\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">PALS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \/ <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/acls\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">ACLS<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/nicu-nurse\/travel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">459<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/nicu-nurse\/travel\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,399<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/nicu-nurse\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$48.02<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NICU nurses work with newborn babies who require special medical attention. This specialized field works with high-acuity infants in a sensitive environment. Nurses should have previous experience with newborn babies and critically ill patients before working in this specialty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A NICU nurse&#8217;s role includes closely monitoring a newborn&#8217;s development and well-being, providing specialized treatment procedures such as oxygen and respiratory support, ensuring proper nutrition intake, administering medication, infection prevention and control, and offering emotional support to families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>5. <\/b><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/nursing\/educator\/\"><b>Nurse Educator<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-7716\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/12\/Taking-certification-exam-or-HCP-class-Resized-scaled-e1702102421746.jpg\" alt=\"Preparing for a certification exam or taking an HCP class\" width=\"600\" height=\"315\" \/><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li><b>Education Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/bsn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">BSN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and then <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/msn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">MSN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/dnp\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">DNP<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relevant Certifications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/cne\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">CNE<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Job Demand: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/educator\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">162<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Weekly Travel Rate:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/educator\/salary\/#travel\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$2,923<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Average Hourly Staff Rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/educator\/salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 600;\">$45.66<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re passionate about passing your experience and expertise to the next generation of nurses, the nurse educator specialty may be for you. Becoming a nurse educator requires a strong clinical knowledge base and excellent communication skills to effectively teach others and pass your expertise along.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A nurse educator must stay current on the latest research in nursing to follow and teach best practices proficiently. Nurse educators must be patient in introducing new skills while creating a comfortable environment conducive for students to learn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are just a few nursing specialties available. With so many to consider, we hope you find one that aligns with your personality and fuels your passion for nursing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/register\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join Vivian Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to discover numerous job opportunities tailored to your expertise and specialty today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"background-color: #124e3b; color: #fdfeff; font-size: 20px; border-radius: 10px; padding: 15px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 120px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/browse-jobs\/landing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Browse Jobs<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find the career you\u2019ve always wanted, aligned with your passion and professional goals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":8083,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[123,303,465,75,426],"class_list":["post-8081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-resources","tag-nursing","tag-permanent","tag-registered-nursing","tag-rn","tag-staff"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/NICU-Nurse-Resized-scaled.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8081"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8081\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8083"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}