Nursing is more than just a profession it’s a calling. But what makes nursing truly special is the diversity of paths available. With countless nursing specialties, nurses can pursue careers that fit their passions, personalities, and skills.
This guide explores the world of nurse specialties, explaining career paths, salaries, education requirements, and tips on answering questions like “What nursing specialty should I do?” or “Which nursing specialty is for me?”
Why Nursing Specialties Are Important
Specialization ensures patients receive care from professionals with expertise in specific fields. For nurses, it opens doors to higher pay, professional growth, and personal fulfillment.
How to Decide: What Nursing Specialty Should I Do?
If you’re asking “what nurse specialty should I do”, consider:
- Do you thrive under pressure? ER nursing may fit.
- Love kids? Pediatric nursing could be ideal.
- Prefer holistic care? Community health nursing may suit you.
- Want autonomy? Explore nurse practitioner specialties.
Categories of Nursing Specialties
Hospital-Based Nurse Specialties
ICU nurses, surgical nurses, ER nurses.
Community and Public Health Nursing
Focus on prevention, education, and outreach.
Advanced Practice & Nurse Practitioner Specialties
FNPs, CRNAs, and CNS roles.
Non-Traditional and Emerging Nursing Careers
Nursing informatics, educators, and telehealth nurses.
Overview of Different Nursing Specialties
There are over 100 different nursing specialties worldwide, each requiring unique skills and training. Some are clinical, others administrative, but all contribute to healthcare’s ecosystem.
The Most Popular Nurse Specialties in 2025
Medical-Surgical Nurse
Handles a wide range of patient care in hospitals.
Emergency Room Nurse
Thrives in fast-paced trauma care.
Pediatric Nurse
Cares for infants, children, and teens.
Oncology Nurse
Supports cancer patients through treatment.
Geriatric Nurse
Specializes in elderly care.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Focuses on mental health disorders.
Nurse Anesthetist
One of the highest-paying nurse specialties.
Nurse Practitioner Specialties
Offer advanced autonomy in diagnosing and treating patients.
Travel Nurse
Provides short-term contracts in various locations.
Hospice & Palliative Care Nurse
Focuses on end-of-life comfort and dignity.
Nurse Practitioner Specialties Explained
Nurse practitioner specialties are advanced roles where nurses act almost like physicians.
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Broad, lifelong patient care.
- Acute Care NP: Works in critical care and hospitals.
- Pediatric NP: Specializes in children’s health.
- Psychiatric NP: Provides mental health therapy and medication management.
- Women’s Health NP: Specializes in reproductive and maternal health.
- Adult-Gerontology NP: Focuses on aging adults.
Matching Personality to Nursing Specialties: Which Nursing Specialty Is for Me?
- Compassionate & nurturing → Pediatrics or Hospice
- Adrenaline-driven → ER or ICU
- Detail-oriented → Surgical nursing
- Leadership-minded → Nurse practitioner specialties
- Research-oriented → Nurse educator or informatics
If you’re asking “which nursing specialty is for me”, personality is often the best guide.
Skills Needed Across Different Nursing Specialties
- Critical thinking for ER/ICU
- Empathy for pediatrics, geriatrics, hospice
- Technical expertise for anesthesia & surgery
- Leadership for advanced practice nursing
Education & Training Pathways for Nurse Specialties
- ADN: Basic entry into nursing specialties
- BSN: Unlocks more career options
- MSN: Required for advanced roles
- DNP: For leadership & high-level practice
Licensing & Certification Requirements
Certifications vary across different nursing specialties, such as:
- CCRN for critical care
- CPN for pediatrics
- PMHNP for psychiatric nurse practitioners
Salary Expectations in Nursing Specialties
- ER Nurse: $75K–95K
- Oncology Nurse: $80K–100K
- Nurse Practitioner: $110K–130K
- Nurse Anesthetist: $180K–220K
Challenges Within Different Nurse Specialties
- Burnout from long hours
- Emotional toll in oncology/hospice
- Balancing certifications & ongoing education
Balancing Work and Life Across Nurse Specialties
Some roles like case management or informatics provide flexibility, while ER/ICU demand irregular schedules.
How Technology Shapes Nurse Practitioner Specialties
Telehealth and AI are transforming nurse specialties, creating new opportunities in virtual care, data analytics, and remote monitoring.
Global Opportunities for Nurses in Specialized Careers
Travel nursing and global health initiatives allow nurses to work worldwide, expanding skills and experiences.
What Nurse Specialty Should I Do? Decision Checklist
Ask yourself:
- What do I enjoy?
- Do I prefer high or low pressure?
- What lifestyle do I want?
- Am I willing to pursue more education?
Future Trends in Nursing Specialties
- Growing demand in geriatric nursing
- Rising need for psychiatric nursing
- Expanding telehealth roles
Advice from Experienced Nurses on Career Choices
- “Don’t choose only for salary choose for passion.”
- “Specialize where your personality fits.”
- “Always keep learning—nursing evolves.”
With so many different nursing specialties, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re wondering “What nursing specialty should I do?”, “Which nursing specialty is for me?”, or exploring advanced nurse practitioner specialties, the key is aligning your skills and passions with the right path.
Nursing specialties aren’t just jobs they are lifelong journeys in caring, learning, and making a difference.
