11 Types of Nurses & Nurse Specialties
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Published on: 09/26/2025
Last Updated: 09/26/2025
6 minute read
Nurses provide essential care across a wide variety of specialties. Choosing the right path for you involves understanding your interests and career goals, as well as the educational requirements for each role.
The article outlines 11 prominent types of nurses, their educational requirements, responsibilities, and typical work environments.
Whether you are just starting your nursing journey or considering advanced practice roles, this guide will provide clarity to help you make an informed decision for your studies and career.
Nursing Education and Degrees
Your nursing education will depend largely on the type of nurse you want to become. Here is a closer look at various nursing degrees and the roles they can lead to:
- BSN-level roles: A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) provides foundational clinical training, preparing nurses for a wide range of entry-level roles. Graduates who pursue this path will also need to obtain an RN license to practice.
- MSN-level roles: A master of science in nursing (MSN) or MSN-direct entry (MSN-DE) allows nurses to specialize in advanced practice, education, and leadership roles.
- Doctoral-level roles: Doctoral programs, such as a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), prepare nurses for the highest levels of clinical practice and leadership.
Each degree opens doors to specific nursing specialties, influencing career opportunities and your general scope of practice.
BSN-Level Nurse Types
BSN-level nurses are trained to provide direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Because of the high demand for qualified nurses, earning a BSN and passing the NCLEX-RN can lead to numerous opportunities in patient care.
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurse responsibilities include:
- Providing direct patient care
- Administering medications
- Monitoring patient conditions
RNs typically require a BSN degree and must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain an RN license to practice legally.
2. Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
Critical care registered nurses specialize in the care of patients with severe, life-threatening conditions. They focus on tasks such as:
- Managing bedside care
- Creating and adjusting plans of emergency care with other treatment staff
- Monitoring patients for subtle changes in health status
While some individuals with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) may qualify to become CCRNs, employers and some states require a BSN for this role.
3. Cardiac Registered Nurse
Cardiac registered nurses specialize in caring for patients with heart disease, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions. Their special skills may include:
- Performing catheterizations
- Administering defibrillator treatments in emergencies
- Reading and interpreting cardiac and vascular test results
Similar to CCRNs, cardiac registered nurses may hold an ADN; however, most hospitals prefer candidates with a BSN.1
4. Oncology Registered Nurse
Oncology nurses care for patients undergoing cancer treatment. They may be asked to take on these specialized duties:
- Chemotherapy device operation
- Treatment plan creation with other oncology providers
- Identification of emergency oncology situations
Most oncology nurses hold a BSN, and many pursue additional oncology nursing certifications to demonstrate advanced knowledge and competency in this specialized field.
5. Travel Nurse
Travel nurses take temporary assignments in hospitals and healthcare facilities across different regions. They address staffing shortages and gain diverse clinical experiences by working with various populations.
MSN and MSN-DE-Level Nurse Types
MSN and MSN-DE programs prepare nurses for advanced practice roles, leadership, and specialization in patient care.
6. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists focus on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices. They act as leaders, educators, and consultants within healthcare systems, often specializing in populations such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and mental health.
7. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Family nurse practitioners provide primary care for individuals and families. They diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and emphasize preventative care. FNPs often work in:
- Clinics
- Private practices
- Community health centers
In some states, a family nurse practitioner may need a licensed doctor as a supervisor to provide any of the above services.
8. Certified Nurse-Midwife
Certified nurse-midwives provide care for patients during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.
They focus on holistic care and often develop long-term relationships with patients, providing both medical and emotional support.
9. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
PMHMPs specialize in mental health care, including assessment, therapy, and medication management. They treat patients with conditions such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Bipolar disorder
A PMHNP can work in a variety of settings, from community mental health centers to psychiatric facilities.
10. Nurse Educator
Nurse educators train and mentor future nurses in academic or clinical settings. They develop curriculum, guide students through clinical experiences, and promote best practices in nursing.
Doctoral-Level Nurse Types and Specialties
Doctoral-level nursing roles represent the highest levels of clinical expertise, leadership, and advanced patient care.
11. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
CRNAs administer anesthesia for surgeries, procedures, and pain management.
They require advanced training, precision, and the ability to respond quickly to changes in patient conditions.
How to Choose the Right Nursing Pathway
Selecting a nursing specialty requires careful consideration of personal interests, strengths, and career goals. As a prospective nurse, you can ask yourself the following questions to help determine the right path for you:
- Do I prefer direct patient care or leadership roles?
- Am I more interested in acute care or preventative care?
- Which patient populations do I feel most drawn to serve?
- What pace of work and type of environment best suit my skills?
Ultimately, self-assessment tools and reflection on personal values can help guide your decision-making.
Work Settings for Different Types of Nurses
Nurses work in a wide variety of environments depending on their specialty and level of nursing degree, including:2
- Hospitals: RNs, CCRNs, cardiac nurses, oncology nurses, and CRNAs
- Clinics and outpatient centers: FNPs, MHNPs, and cardiac nurses
- Community and home health: Travel nurses, FNPs, and certified nurse-midwives
- Academic institutions: Nurse educators and CNSs
By understanding these different work environments, you can better envision your day-to-day and choose the specialty that best aligns with your personal preferences and goals.
Thinking About a Future in Nursing?
From foundational roles like registered nurse to advanced specialties such as nurse practitioner or CRNA, each nursing pathway offers unique opportunities to impact patient lives and healthcare outcomes. The demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, making now an excellent time to enter the profession.
If you are interested in a career in this field, explore the programs at 樱花视频. We offer a robust curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, and expert guidance to help students succeed across these diverse nursing roles.
With the right preparation, you can pursue a meaningful career, serving patients in hospitals, community settings, and beyond.
Sources:
- Burger, Catherine. 鈥淗ow to Become a Cardiac Care/Cardiology Nurse.鈥 RegisteredNursing.org. Last updated April 7, 2025. Accessed August 18, 2025..
- Monti, Janice, Ph.D. 鈥淲ork Settings for Nurses.鈥 NurseJournal.org. Last modified November 18, 2024. Accessed August 18, 2025..
