Nursing Careers - Exciting Specializations to Consider

By Brent McNutt

There are numerous choices to consider when taking up a specialization in nursing. Specializing allows you to practice in the field that interests you most, whether it is in the psychiatric, pediatric, neuroscience, genetics, or any other medical field. Of course, getting in a specialized field will require you to take up further studies, but you can think of it as a wonderful opportunity to wear your landau scrubs free shipping and expand your horizons and advance your career, not to mention that specializing also pays significantly better than a regular nursing job. Below are only some of the most exciting fields in nursing today, which you might want to consider:

Genetics Nurse

A genetic nurse cares for patients with genetic diseases or problems such as hereditary breast cancer, Huntington's disease, cystic fibrosis, spinocerebellar atrophy, and neuromuscular diseases. The responsibilities of a genetic nurse include testing, screening, identifying risks, early detection, and administering treatment. Genetic nurses may work in either inpatient or outpatient facilities and may work as case managers, counselors, educators, researchers, program coordinators, and administrators. This type of specialization typically requires long-term patient and ongoing care, as well as building relationships with the patient and the family. A genetic nurse has to be able to deal with negative outcomes, handle disclosing and breaking sad news to the patient and the family, and keep private and confidential information to his or herself. To be a genetics nurse, one must be a registered nurse with a BSN, MSN and doctorate degree.

Neuroscience Nurse

A neuroscience nurse cares for patients who have a dysfunction or condition of the nervous system such as alterations in cognition, communication, consciousness, rest and sleep, mobility, sensation, and sexuality. It involves planning and implementing interventions to promote healing and support bodily functions. A neuroscience nurse also educates patients and their family regarding the particular condition and helps the patient cope and adapt to persistent neurological difficulties. Those who wish to pursue this specialization may work as a staff nurse, nurse care manager, clinical nurse specialist, head nurse, or executive. Helpful characteristics include patience, tact, people skills, understanding, flexibility, and medical-surgical assessment and related skills.

Pediatric Nurse

A pediatric nurse primarily cares for children and adolescents. The responsibilities of a pediatric nurse go beyond disease prevention and health promotion; he or she must be prepared to respond t the psychological and emotional aspects of health and illness in children. A pediatric nurse also manages mental and physical disabilities, as well as responds to chronic and acute illnesses in children. Possible roles in this field include nurse practitioners, staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist, case manager, and nurse manager. To be a pediatric nurse, it helps to be empathetic, patient, flexible, and be less prone to stress, and of course, have a fondness for children.

Psychiatric Nurse

A psychiatric nurse cares for patients of all ages who suffer from mental illness or mental distress such as bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, dementia, and schizophrenia. Various roles are available for this specialization including staff nurse, therapist, counselor, case manager, or clinical nurse specialist. In this type of field, one must undergo additional training in psychological therapies and must have a lot of patience and understanding.