7 Fastest Growing and Trending Nursing Specializations

Are you looking for some trending nursing specializations to craft your career trajectory? If so, you have come to the right place to determine your career direction.

Nurses, as the first responders in clinical care, are considered the linchpin component of healthcare. Alongside providing a full continuum of care, nurses instill hope in the lives of hundreds of people. The healthcare sector is growing short of these skilled professionals due to booming numbers of an aging workforce and baby boomers. The BLS projects a 15% increase in employment across healthcare by 2030, with a 6% growth for nurses alone. Consequently, various nursing specialties are seeing unprecedented growth for nursing professionals.

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Nurses can base their career decisions on clinical interest, population, and financial outcomes. Unlike registered nurses, specialized nurses earn more than $117,00 per year, up to a maximum of $77,000. So, specializing in your desired niche paves the way for the fulfillment, career growth opportunities, and higher earning potential.

Keep reading to find the trending nursing specializations.

Trauma nurse

Trauma nurses are at the forefront of helping patients with acute injuries or illnesses where the cause of such diseases may be unidentified, accidental, or intentional. Trauma nurses play a proactive role in the emergency department. They communicate effectively with both incoming patients and their team members. Due to the fast-paced environment of an emergency department, it is hard for nurses to spare time for continuing specialized education. Thus, many nurses go for online education in popular institutions. For example, UTA online nursing programs are known for their high-quality curriculum and innovative distance learning options. Such programs allow working nurses to continue learning at their own pace and meet their career goals. Trauma nurses earn a median salary of $92,398 per year. If you like taking challenges head-on, consider becoming a trauma nurse.

Nurse anesthetist

A nurse anesthetist is one of the highest-paying nursing jobs, with an expected growth of 40%, faster than the average, in the coming years. The primary role of a nurse anesthetist includes administering anesthesia to patients during surgical procedures. They monitor the bodilyresponses of patients to anesthesia before, during, and after surgeries. They observe the vital signs of patients and make necessary adjustments. These professionals must be adept in a wide range of skills, such as working well under pressure, quick discernment in critical situations, and exceptional problem-solving skills.

Moreover, becoming a nurse anesthetist requires an advanced degree, certification, and years of experience. That’s how these professionals earn a decent paycheck of $202,470 annually. This might be a good fit if you want a lucrative career in nursing.

Neonatal nurse

Since there will always be babies, you won’t be at a loss for jobs as a neonatal nurse. These professionals work with the infant population, mainly in intensive care units. Neonatal nurses look after at-risk infants suffering from genetic diseases, congenital disabilities, or drug dependency. They may also assist during labor procedures. They care for these infants until they leave the hospital or even after the birth phase. Other duties of a neonatal nurse include running diagnostic tests on babies, monitoring their vital signs, and devising care plans. They work closely with their parents and educate them on how to care for their babies and implement disease-preventive measures. Neonatal nurses pocket an average salary of $100,944 per year. If you are an expert at dealing with babies or like caring for them, add this option to your list.

Nurse educator

Nurse educators teach junior nurses or train them to provide quality patient care. They contribute to the healthcare sector by shaping the new generation of nurses. Besides teaching diploma and undergraduate students, they also offer refresher and continuing education courses to working nurses. Nurse educators are also responsible for creating and modifying nursing curricula, conducting research, and counseling nursing students. These professionals work in settings like hospitals, universities, colleges, nurse-training programs, and more. You will need a master’s degree and clinical experience to qualify for this job. As a nurse educator, you can earn a median salary of $104,975 per year. Try this field to get off the hospital floor or transition from patient care to a less stressful career.

Psychiatric nurse

Psychiatric nurses contribute positively to the lives of patients struggling with various mental health conditions. They address psychological disorders like mood disorders, psychotic disorders, substance abuse disorders, and more. Apart from mental health conditions, apsychiatric nurse also helps patients navigate daily challenges like poverty, career displacements, and the loss of someone. They take a holistic approach to treatment, educating patients and their families along the way. They work with individuals, groups, and families. Besides medicationadministration and therapy, they are also responsible for mental health assessment and crisis intervention. Psychiatric nurses earn a decent sum ranging between $73,400 and $90,600. This might be your deal if you are more into psychiatric illnesses than biomedical issues or possess qualities like empathy and compassion.

Geriatric nurse

The rising number of baby boomers has marked a surge in demand for geriatric nurses. These professionals work with older adults to treat their illnesses and help them embark on the road to well-being. They are educated and trained to provide individualized care to elderly patients and cater to their specific needs. They implement treatment plans laid out by doctors to sustain health and enhance their quality of life. They also support the mental and emotional well-being of patients living with chronic health conditions. They advocate for patients lacking mental capacities or having deteriorating brain functions. They educate elderly patients about their health conditions, treatment options, and preventive care. Suppose you are looking for a more purposeful and meaningful career. In that case, specializing in geriatric care might be a better option.

Nurse administrator

Nurse administrators are qualified professionals who work to keep the healthcare system running smoothly. In the administration department, they oversee the successful completion of tasks. They supervise primary care nurses and coordinate tasks and procedures. They work out policies and procedures and ensure adherence to them. In terms of staff management, they bridge the gap between medical professionals and the HR department. They manage the budget and ensure protocol compliance. Their strong communication and mediation skills help them resolve issues between staff members. Their exceptional job skills help them earn a decent sum of $101,340 per year. If you pay attention to details or possess remarkable leadership skills, this might be a good fit for you.

Conclusion

Nursing is no longer a profession dedicated to patient care only. Although the primary goal of nurses is providing quality care to patients, there are now numerous ways to do it. This means you can contribute to the patients’ lives while doing what you are good at. Whether it’s the patient population or personality characteristics, you can always find an option for yourself. Refer to this article for more information on trending nursing specializations.

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