February 4, 2024

3512 Views

Navigating Nursing Specializations: A Guide to Your Career Path

Posted on February 4, 2024January 30, 2024 by Medical Edge Recruitment

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Taylor Dupont, Inbound Marketing Specialist, Medical Edge Recruitment

Embarking on a nursing career is a journey loaded with numerous choices and opportunities. Aspiring nurses often find themselves at a crossroads when deciding on a nursing specialization that aligns with their interests, skills, and long-term career goals. The world of nursing offers a multitude of specializations, each with its unique demands and rewards. In this article, we will navigate the diverse landscape of nursing specializations, helping you make informed decisions that will shape your nursing journey.

Understanding the Nursing Landscape of Nursing Specializations

Before delving into specific nursing specializations, it’s essential to understand the broader nursing landscape. Registered Nurses (RNs) typically start with a foundational education in nursing, earning an associate or bachelor’s degree. This sets the stage for exploring specialized fields through further education, certifications, and hands-on experience.

General Nursing

General nursing roles, such as Medical-Surgical Nursing, offer a broad foundation. This nursing specialization involves caring for patients across various medical conditions and surgical interventions. It’s an excellent starting point for new nurses to gain comprehensive clinical skills and exposure.

Critical Care and Emergency Nursing

For those seeking a fast-paced and adrenaline-charged environment, Critical Care or Emergency Nursing may be the path to explore. Working in intensive care units (ICUs) or emergency departments demands quick thinking, acute assessment skills, and the ability to handle high-stress situations.

Maternal and Child Health

Maternal and Child Health Nursing focuses on the unique healthcare needs of women, infants, and children. This specialization includes roles in labor and delivery, neonatal care, and pediatric nursing. Nurses in this field play a crucial role in supporting families during significant life events.

Psychiatric Nursing

Mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and Psychiatric Nursing addresses the specific needs of individuals facing mental health challenges. Psychiatric nurses work in diverse settings, providing compassionate care, therapy, and support to patients dealing with mental health disorders.

Surgical and Perioperative Nursing

Surgical and Perioperative Nursing is centered around the surgical process. Nurses in this field collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive optimal care before, during, and after surgical procedures.

Community and Public Health Nursing

If your passion lies in community outreach and preventative care, Community and Public Health Nursing may be the ideal specialization. This field focuses on promoting health and preventing diseases in communities through education, advocacy, and intervention.

Geriatric Nursing

As the global population ages, the demand for healthcare professionals specializing in geriatrics continues to rise. Geriatric nurses work with elderly patients, addressing their unique healthcare needs and enhancing their quality of life.

Oncology Nursing

Oncology Nursing involves caring for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Nurses in this specialization provide support, administer treatments, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive care to cancer patients and their families.

Informatics Nursing

With the integration of technology in healthcare, Informatics Nursing has become an emerging field. These nurses leverage their clinical expertise and technological proficiency to manage healthcare data, electronic health records, and information systems.

Nurse Educator

For those drawn to teaching and shaping the next generation of nurses, becoming a Nurse Educator is a fulfilling path. Nurse educators work in academic institutions, sharing their knowledge and expertise with aspiring nurses.

Travel Nursing

For the adventurous spirits, Travel Nursing offers a unique opportunity to explore different regions while providing healthcare services. Travel nurses move from one location to another, filling temporary staffing needs in various healthcare facilities.

Choosing the Right Nursing Specialization

Selecting the right nursing specialization involves a careful consideration of your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Reflect on your experiences during clinical rotations, explore diverse areas of nursing, and seek guidance from mentors or experienced nurses.

Making your Decision: Account for All Contributing Factors

Passion and Interest

Identify areas of nursing that genuinely ignite your passion and interest. Your enthusiasm for the subject matter will drive your commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Skills and Strengths

Assess your skills and strengths. Certain nursing specializations may align better with your natural abilities, whether it be effective communication, attention to detail, or problem-solving.

Career Goals

Consider your long-term career goals. Some nursing specializations may serve as stepping stones to advanced practice roles or leadership positions within healthcare organizations.

Work Environment Preferences

Think about the work environment that suits you best. Are you drawn to the intensity of a hospital setting, the community-focused approach of public health, or the educational environment of academia?

Lifestyle Considerations

Evaluate lifestyle considerations, such as work hours, flexibility, and the potential for travel. Some nursing specializations may offer more flexibility or diverse work settings than others.

Advanced Degrees and Certifications

After gaining experience in a chosen nursing specialization, nurses often explore advanced degrees and certifications to deepen their knowledge and open doors to new career opportunities. Advanced Practice Nursing roles, such as Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist, typically require a master’s degree or higher.

Certifications, such as those offered by nursing organizations or boards, can enhance your expertise in specific areas. For example, obtaining certification in Critical Care Nursing or Oncology Nursing demonstrates a commitment to excellence in those respective fields.

Seeking Mentorship and Networking

Building a network of mentors and colleagues within your chosen specialization is invaluable. Connect with experienced nurses in the field, join professional organizations, attend conferences, and engage in online forums. Mentorship can provide guidance, advice, and insights that contribute to your personal and professional growth.

Remaining Active in Your Career

The nursing profession is dynamic, and healthcare needs are continually evolving. Remaining active in your career involves staying updated on industry trends, embracing innovative technologies, and being open to relevant information and new opportunities.

The Path Forward

If you remain steadfast in working toward your goals, honing your skills, and trusting your intuition, there is no doubt that you will choose the best nursing specialty for yourself. In doing so, you will provide yourself with a long and fulfilling career in healthcare.

Interested in working with an agency that will highlight your skills and help you to achieve your career goals?

Medical Edge Recruitment is a premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits. Let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By MAS Medical Staffing

January 31, 2023

4593 Views

The Most Sought-After Nursing Specialties for 2023

Posted on January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 by MAS Medical Staffing

MAS Medical Medical Staffing provided this article.

Caregivers such as yourself are seeking change in the most expansive field known as nursing. With an abundance of nursing specialties to choose from, narrowing your list can be tough. Let us help guide your journey while sharing the most sought-after nursing specialties for 2023 and each job outlook.

Top Nursing Specialties for 2023

Long Term Care (LTC)
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Medical-Surgical (Med/Surg) & Medical-Surgical Telemetry (Med/Surg Tele)
Neonatal Intensive Care
Occupational Health in SNF (Skilled Nursing Facilities)
Rehab
Home Care
Hospice

Long Term Care (LTC)

A long-term care nurse is a skilled nursing professional dedicated to caring for patients who require prolonged nursing and personal care. This includes patients with chronic illnesses or injuries who do not have the resources or support to be cared for at home and need to be in a long-term care facility. In an LTC setting, you care for patients admitted anywhere from a couple of weeks to months or even years. Several patients live in these long-term care facilities permanently or indefinitely. Because of that, LTC nurses can form and build long-term relationships and bonds while caring for their residents at the same time.

LTC Job Outlook: 9% predicted growth (2020-2030)

Duties for a Long-Term Care nurse include:

Implementing comprehensive patient care plans with medical and clinical staff
Providing specialized treatments for progressive and chronic conditions
Recording vital signs and administering medications
Operating medical equipment, monitoring and assessing patient status, and recording patient information in medical records
Assisting patients with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing
Offering education, emotional support, and guidance to patients, families, and caregivers

Is LTC right for me?

If you’re a healthcare professional who feels the pace of your job and workplace doesn’t give you enough time to grow the relationships you’d like with patients, long-term care nursing might be the career for you.

Character traits of an LTC nurse:

Patient
Compassionate
Attentive
Dependable
Trustworthy

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

ICU nurses care for patients with illnesses or life-threatening conditions/injuries in a hospital or facility’s intensive care unit. They monitor conditions, check for vitals, and administer medication.

ICU Job Outlook: Expected annual increase of 1.24 percent over the next few years

Is the ICU meant for you?

Character traits of an ICU nurse:

A great planner
Communicative
A critical thinker
Great at problem-solving
Organized

Medical-Surgical (Med/Surg)

This type of nurse provides direct care to a wide range of patients. They typically treat those suffering from several illnesses and complications, including post-surgical patients. This position is great for nurses looking to gain exposure and new experience.

Med/Surg Job Outlook: Projected to grow 12% from 2018 to 2028

Duties for a Med/Surge nurse include:

Admitting, transmitting, and discharging patients
Monitoring vital signs
Administering medications and helping with pain control
Operating and maintaining medical equipment – IV lines, feeding tubes, catheters, oxygen tubing, etc.

Is Med/Surg your match?

Character traits of a Med/Surg nurse:

Quick thinker
Thrive in high-pressure situations
Organized
Calm demeanor

Neonatal Intensive Care

Neonatal Intensive Care nurses provide care for infants needing intensive care for health complications such as cardiac disabilities, genetic conditions, or drug dependency. NICU nurses will provide this assistance throughout infancy up until the newborn stage.

Neonatal Intensive Care Job Outlook: 9% predicted growth (2020-2030)

Are you a nice match for the NICU?

Those well suited for the role will have the following character traits:

Caring and compassionate
A natural interest in caring for newborn babies
Kind heart
Have focus and decision-making skills

Occupational Health

Occupational Therapists primarily work in hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. They treat injured, ill or disabled patients using therapeutic methods in everyday activities. The key responsibilities of an OT may include planning individual treatment programs and goals, administering therapy approaches while instructing patients how to perform them, and organizing and maintaining equipment such as walkers, lifts, mechanical chairs, etc.

Occupational Health Job Outlook: Projected to grow 5% (2021-2031)

Is OT the right path for me?

If you have great interpersonal and communication skills, emotional intelligence (empathy and compassion), are well organized and obtain analytical and problem-solving skills, then you are more than likely a great fit for this type of position. Explore MAS Medical’s OT jobs today!

Rehab Nurse

Rehab nurses work with patients of all ages, their families, or caregivers soon after the onset of a disabling injury or chronic illness. They rebuild patients’ lives so they have freedom and independence again. They even work alongside other healthcare team members, including speech therapists, physical therapists, physiatrists, and more.

Rehab Nurse Job Outlook: 7% predicted growth (2019-2029)

Character traits for someone in this field:

Excellent teaching skills
Strong planning skills
Empathetic
A team player
Physically strong and able to lift and move patients

Home Care Nurse

As a Home Care nurse, your job will be to connect with your patients in a one-on-one environment that requires compassion and kindness. You will also be an educational resource—there to answer all questions that your patient or their family may have. This will require you to be knowledgeable about a vast number of topics and comfortable sharing your expertise with others. Home Care nurses are typically responsible for managing a patient’s healthcare plan, helping the patient keep healthy hygiene, and administering and maintaining records of all prescribed medications.

Home Care Nurse Job Outlook: Projected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations

Qualities of a Home Care nurse include:

Compassionate
Empathetic
A problem solver
Patient
Has stamina
Pays great attention to detail

Hospice Nurse

Hospice nurses care for patients with terminal conditions, focusing on keeping the patient as comfortable as possible and minimizing pain. They work under the supervision of physicians or advanced practice nurses and may supervise nursing assistants. The key responsibilities of a hospice nurse include treating and dressing wound sites, monitoring vital signs, and administering medications – particularly for pain management.

Hospice Nurse Job Outlook: Projected growth of 7% (2019-2029)

Hospice nurse character traits:

Communicative
Empathetic
Patient

Plenty of Opportunity for 2023

You tell us where you want to go and what you’re looking for, and we’ll help you get there. Your next adventure is right around the corner with MAS Medical Staffing. Our team of recruiters is ready to help you find the perfect nursing specialty to help you advance your career.

We hope you found this article on the most sought-after nursing specialties for 2023 helpful. If you have any insight or comments, please leave them below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

By Nadine Westwood

December 26, 2022

1968 Views

4 Signs Geriatric Nursing is Right for You

Posted on December 26, 2022December 5, 2022 by Nadine Westwood

The elderly require top-notch care. That has always been the case, and recent years have only highlighted the importance of geriatric medicine’s need for excellence. It plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry, and geriatric nurses are the force behind the delivery of care for seniors.

Elderly caregiving is incredibly fulfilling on a personal and professional level, whether it is a lifetime vocation or just a season in a nurse’s career. Your nursing abilities will advance due to working with patients with complex medical requirements. Furthermore, elderly nursing offers the chance to improve the lives of patients who require compassionate care now more than ever.

Here are four signs geriatric nursing is right for you.

You Are Patient, Compassionate, and Empathetic

To assist their patients in navigating the difficulties of aging, geriatric nurses must possess an abundant supply of tolerance, compassion, and empathy. It is crucial to understand verbal and nonverbal cues to communicate effectively with patients who may have lost some speech skills.

Geriatric nurses must be ready to empathize with patients who are upset about their physical deterioration and may be resistant or even hostile toward caregivers. If you’re looking to become a geriatric nurse, NeuralEffects.com can help you learn more about therapy for patients with dementia.

Beyond those difficulties, though, lies the chance to build enduring relationships with patients, attend to their complex needs, and advance professionally and personally.

You Are Physically and Mentally Strong

The duties and obligations of geriatric nurses can be very mentally and physically exhausting. Helping patients perform daily activities frequently involves physically supporting them, like lifting.

Many patients need physical assistance with tasks like showering or dressing, and it is necessary to turn patients in bed to avoid pressure ulcers (bedsores) from developing. A geriatric nurse’s duties include acting as a second pair of arms and legs for patients with trouble moving or coordinating.

In addition to attending to their patients’ physical requirements, geriatric nurses also consider their mental and emotional health. They must be friends with geriatric patients and show compassion and understanding, particularly for those who spend most of their time alone. Geriatric nurses must be able to spot signs of stress in their patients, so they need to remain upbeat even in potentially trying situations.

You Can Advocate for Patients

Some patients may have declining mental capacities that make it difficult to make health decisions and treatment decisions. Here, a geriatric nurse may serve as a patient advocate and bring in the patient’s family in discussions with the health care personnel involved. The geriatric nurse can offer suggestions and direction to patients and their families.

You Have the Necessary Academic and Certification Qualifications

The first stage to becoming a geriatric nurse is to graduate from an accredited nursing program. Most professions require a bachelor of science in nursing; however, some are open to people with an associate degree in nursing, an associate of science in nursing, or an associate of applied science in nursing.

After receiving your nursing degree, you need to take The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, which the National Council provides for State Boards of Nursing. When you pass this exam, you become a Registered Nurse.

Before concentrating on a specialty field like gerontology, it is preferable and frequently necessary to acquire practical nursing experience. Several hospitals demand at least two years of bedside nursing before switching to geriatrics.

As a registered nurse, you can acquire gerontological nursing certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Like any other specialization, geriatric nursing is not for everyone. It can be ideal for you if you believe that a person’s latter years deserve the same respect as their early ones. The future of nursing for the elderly is promising. More nurses will be required to offer competent nursing care as the population ages and more people move into elder care facilities.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. If housing is an issue, we have you covered with our housing page. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Kevin Devoto

August 11, 2022

2764 Views

Specialties To Consider as a Travel Nurse

Posted on August 11, 2022August 2, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

If you’re a nurse looking to change it up, you may consider becoming a traveling nurse. Travel nurses are always in demand, and there are many benefits to going this route on your career path. Travel nurses have job security, make more money than traditional nurses, and are able to visit a wide range of places all over the country, which makes it easier to avoid burnout. The key is determining which type of travel nurse you want to become. There are a wide variety of specialties.

NICU Travel Nurse

Sometimes, new families experience birth trauma that sends them to the neonatal intensive care unit. NICU travel nurses are responsible for providing care to babies who were born prematurely or who are otherwise too sick to go home right away. The parents of these babies are often distraught, which means it’s important for nurses in this field to be compassionate, kind, and willing to communicate with parents often. NICU nurses must have a wide variety of certifications, including the BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP certifications. NICU travel nurses can make an average of just under $80,000 per year.

Operating Room Nurses

Nurses who can work in operating rooms are highly sought after. Typically, operating rooms are the biggest source of income for a hospital, which means traveling OR nurses are usually very highly paid. There are three types of OR nurses. Circulating nurses take care of post-op patients and document their progress. Scrub nurses are responsible for assisting surgeons during operations. Finally, RN first assistants help with surgeries under the supervision of a surgeon. They can make incisions, suture wounds, and more. Operating room nurses must be calm in high-stress situations and have strong attention to detail.

Oncology Travel Nurse

Oncology nurses are in high demand all over the country. Oncology travel nurses are responsible for traveling to different areas of the country and providing care for cancer patients who are either in remission or terminal. These types of nurses must be highly educated about cancer treatment procedures and the side effects that can occur due to chemotherapy, radiation, or other types of cancer treatments. You must be highly compassionate and great at communication if you wish to do well in this role. You will need to be licensed and have at least one year of experience as well. The typical traveling oncology nurse will make nearly $101,000 annually.

Pediatric Travel Nurses

If you love to work with children, becoming a pediatric travel nurse may be for you. Pediatric nurses are responsible for caring for children, pre-teens, and teens. They may monitor vitals and administer medications, but they also perform developmental screenings. Because many children are afraid of going to the doctor, it is important that a pediatric nurse understands children and is compassionate. Pediatric nurses are also responsible for educating parents and children after a diagnosis. The job, which covers a wide range of skills and abilities, earns you about $98,000 annually.

ER Travel Nurse

Emergency rooms are always overcrowded and understaffed, so if you like a job that is fast-paced and always has something new to offer, becoming an ER travel nurse may be just right for you. ER nurses must be quick on their feet, well-organized, able to communicate well, and compassionate. You often need t make quick decisions and are what most people consider the front lines of a hospital. Many ERs require you to have PALS, BLS, and ACLS certifications in addition to your license and experience. ER nurses typically make nearly $107,000 per year.

Whether you want to work with children or are interested in the compassionate task of working in oncology, there is a travel nurse job for you. The key is to find the specialty that speaks to you. These are just a few of the specialties you can choose from. There are hundreds of specialties for travel nurses to choose from.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Jenny Hart

February 18, 2022

3254 Views

What Specialties of Nursing are in Highest Demand?

Posted on February 18, 2022February 1, 2022 by Jenny Hart

Are you looking into becoming a nurse? The nursing field is currently bursting with opportunity.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates nursing demand will increase by almost 10 percent between 2020 and 2030. That number is even higher for specialties of nursing, like nurse practitioners (45 percent).

If health and wellness are important to you, now is an excellent time to pursue a nursing career. Some of the most in-demand specialties include neonatal nursing and renal nursing.

Specialties of Nursing in High Demand:

Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal nurses take care of babies who are born prematurely or who have a variety of medical ailments, such as congenital disabilities, cardiac malformations, infections, and other functional problems. The first month of life is considered the neonatal period. Babies born too early are predisposed to health issues. When the babies are healthy enough, they are able to go home with their parents.

These nurses often work in the NICU (newborn intensive care unit). Jobs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing and sometimes a master’s degree.

Renal Nurse

A dialysis nurse, or renal nurse, works with people who have chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal failure. Dialysis patients require care because their kidneys no longer function. When loss of kidney function occurs, a dialysis machine is used to filter waste from the blood.

Dialysis nurses treat patients receiving hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. These positions require a bachelor’s degree, and nursing students pursuing this field should look for courses focusing specifically on dialysis.

Nephrology nurses, who specialize in kidney care, look after patients who have kidney-related health issues stemming from diabetes, high blood pressure, substance abuse, or other causes.

Clinical Nurse

Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) work in a wide variety of health care settings. For example, a CNS may have specialties in:

Type of care, such as psychiatric or rehabilitation
Type of problem, such as pain, wounds, or stress
Population, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or women’s health
Setting, such as critical care or emergency room
Disease or medical subspecialty, such as diabetes or oncology

The four primary roles for a CNS are expert clinician, educator, researcher, and consultant. A CNS has advanced degrees and training. A master’s degree is required.

Nurse Practitioner

As a result of a shortage of doctors in the U.S., nurse practitioners are among the most in-demand jobs in healthcare. In fact, according to the BLS, employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all other occupations.

Nurse practitioners typically work under the supervision of a doctor, and administer tests, prescribe medications, and diagnose certain ailments. Depending on the state, nurse practitioners can have their own standalone practices.

Nurse practitioners are required to hold bachelor’s and master’s level degrees in nursing and pass a licensing examination.

They may also be referred to as ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) or APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse).

Nurse Advocate

Instead of providing care, a nurse advocate represents the interests of a patient’s family in a care setting. These nurses work to maintain quality care and protect the patient’s rights. They also intervene should concerns arise and resolve issues. Nurse advocates also help clarify questions about care, billing, or treatments.

A bachelor’s degree in nursing, a few years experience, and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam are required for licensure to become a nurse advocate.

Eldercare Nurse

A geriatric or eldercare nurse specializes in the care of older adults. They typically care for frail or elderly patients with long-term, chronic medical conditions that are not related to an acute illness or injury. Eldercare nurses work to maximize patient comfort, ensure safety, prevent deterioration and maintain function.

This role is common for entry-level nurses.

The most common career paths for eldercare nurses include:

Geriatric Nursing Assistant
Geriatric Staff Nurse
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Home Health Nurse
Hospice Nurse

A certification in gerontology is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is awarded to registered nurses who meet specific requirements, including having at least three years of experience working with aging patients.

The need for this role is expected to increase dramatically over the next few years as the population of older adults grows. For instance, in 2019, the U.S. population of people age 65 and older numbered 54.1 million – a 36 percent increase from the 39.6 million counted in 2009.

Mental Health Nurse

Nursing students who wish to work in mental health can become Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMH) registered nurses (RN) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). People in this role enjoy career flexibility and strong compensation as a result of the high demand for their services. Mental health nurses represent the second largest group of behavioral health professionals in the U.S.

Mental health nurses employ a range of expertise within their role, including nursing, psychosocial, and neurobiological.

Mental health nurses have the following roles:

Conduct intake screening, evaluation, and triage
Provide case management
Coordinate care
Partner with individuals to achieve their recovery goals
Provide health promotion and maintenance
Teach self-care activities
Administer and monitor psychobiological treatment regimens
Practice crisis intervention and stabilization
Engage in psychiatric rehabilitation and intervention
Educate patients, families, and communities
Work within interdisciplinary teams

Each of these specialties of nursing is in high demand. Those looking to explore travel nursing can find increased job security by pursuing one of these specialties.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need to find housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Dan Matthews

July 26, 2021

8064 Views

What You Need to Consider Before Choosing a Nursing Specialty

Posted on July 26, 2021July 12, 2021 by Dan Matthews

There are more than 100 nursing specialties to choose from, whether you’re still a nursing student or years into your travel nursing career. If you’re passionate about a certain area, it’s never too late to make a change.

But, the overwhelming nature of choosing a specialty might be holding you back.

Some specialties focus directly on dealing with patients. Others are more “behind the scenes” or managerial. Which one is right for you? How can you be sure you’re going down the right path? What if you want to travel and use your skills and knowledge to help others across the world?

Let’s dive into a few things you should consider before choosing a travel nursing specialty and how your choice will impact your travel nurse career.

What is Your Passion?

Before you factor in anything else, consider what you’re most passionate about when it comes to travel nursing. Where do you find the most joy in helping others? If you love helping people but consider yourself somewhat of an introvert, you might want to think about the following specialties:

Nurse educator
Private duty nursing
Forensic nursing
Informatics
Legal nurse consultant

You don’t need to see patients face-to-face to help them and be an outstanding travel nurse. Technology has made it possible to do a lot of behind-the-scenes work that is just as crucial for patient care.

On the other hand, if you love being amid real patient interaction each day, your specialty should involve something more hands-on. You might even feel most passionate about a certain area of the body, like the heart, or gastrointestinal system. Honing your skills and learning about specific conditions like Transposition of the Great Arteries or reflux and GERD will allow you to help patients experiencing specific types of pain and discomfort.

Ask yourself what aspects of your job you like the best, and what makes you feel most fulfilled. No matter what you choose, you should feel content and happy at the end of each shift.

How Do You Want to Work?

Doing something you love isn’t always enough to be fully satisfied with a specialty. You also have to consider how you want to work (and where). Do you feel more comfortable in a fast-paced hospital setting, or would you prefer working from home? If you want t o work remotely, you could become a:

Clinical appeals nurse
Health informatics specialist
Nurse abstractor
Nurse auditor
Nursing instructor

Working remotely as a nurse will also allow you to travel. But, doing so can require licensing agreements to work in multiple states or even countries. So, consider the time and effort you want to put into traveling the world and helping others. It can take 2-4 years to officially become a travel nurse, but working from home throughout that time can help you to get your feet wet.

Alternatively, you could jump on the telehealth train. It has become increasingly popular thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, telehealth is very clearly here to stay, making healthcare more accessible for almost everyone.

The future of telehealth is mobile, which can allow you to check up on patients right from your phone with nothing more than a strong Internet connection. You can work with patients hundreds of miles away and provide them with the care and attention they need.

When you combine the aspects of travel nursing that you love, the type of environment you’re interested in, and consider the time and effort it can take for various certifications, you can narrow down your nursing specialty relatively quickly. Keep these considerations in mind if you’re thinking about a specialty, and know that no matter what you do, you’ll be making a difference.

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 15, 2020

13478 Views

Is Travel Nursing Right for You?

Posted on August 15, 2020January 26, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

If you’re an adventurous person, you may be interested in Travel Nursing. But is travel nursing right for you? There are many reasons people travel or combinations of reasons. Some people see the need for change to feel alive and see Travel Nursing as a chance to do that. You should remember that every decision has pros and cons.

When I made the decision to start Travel Nursing, I didn’t do it because I was unhappy with my job.

I was working home health care for local hospital-based home health and actually liked what I did. I worked PRN and picked up full-time hours (plus some most weeks). I was working 12 hour days every day and driving all over Southern Indiana, and truly enjoying myself and my patients. I decided because I was unhappy with my personal life. I felt stuck, stagnant, and needed a change of scenery.

When I decided to take the first travel assignment, I set up an appointment with my supervisor. I was well-liked by the staff (which may have been an advantage for me). I explained what I was considering and requested a Leave of Absence as a backup if I wanted to come back. My manager secretly hoped that I would fail in this adventure and went above and beyond to get my leave granted.

Many hospitals offer the option of a leave of absence.

Some Managers welcome you back with open arms but don’t expect it everywhere in reality. In my case, it was obvious I was going into Travel Nursing because I had been talking about it for years. Some places will do an LOA, but you are not guaranteed the same job.

“There are always going to be bad contracts, bad hospitals and bad situations.”

– The Gypsy Nurse

I have already discussed some of the Myths of Travel Nursing. If you haven’t read it, I suggest that you take a few minutes and review it.

Travel nursing can be a tough as well as a rewarding career. I’ve found that the nurses that explore travel nursing either love it or hate it. There doesn’t seem to be much in the middle ground.

Is travel nursing right for you?

The most important thing is to make certain that you go into Travel Nursing armed with as much information as possible beforehand. You can explore several internet forums, and I read them for about a year before taking my first contract; I suggest that you do the same.

There are always going to be bad contracts, bad hospitals, and bad situations. Armed with the knowledge, you will be better able to handle these hurdles. Over the coming weeks, I plan to cover some of the most common issues or problems among travel nurses. If you’re interested in more information, check out our F.A.Q.’s

By AB Staffing Solutions

May 21, 2019

13220 Views

Top 5 Travel Nurse Specialties

Posted on May 21, 2019January 14, 2022 by AB Staffing Solutions

This article provided by: AB Staffing Solutions

What are the top Travel Nurse Specialties?

Looking into travel nursing? Are you a new grad trying to decide on a specialty or a veteran nurse looking for a change? Here are a list of the top 5 travel nurse specialties and some information on each specialties. Currently, there is a considerable opportunity for growth and development in the nursing field. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the RN position outlook will increase by 15% from 2016 to 2026. Choosing or transitioning to the ideal position can be rewarding and life changing. Here are the top 5 in-demand Travel Nurse Specialties right now.

Labor and Delivery

If you’re a travel nurse looking for a position that focuses on the labor and birth of a newborn, this may be the right fit for you. There are approximately 4 million babies born in the United States each year. There will always be a need to help those mothers and their newborns. Because there is a need, L&D Nurses have great job security. There is also a high likelihood for contract extensions. This specialty is one of the top paying and most rewarding.

Emergency Room

Emergency room nurses, also known as trauma nurses, are responsible for patient care in emergency situations. An ER nurse is prepared for any situation and needs to have a wide range of skills! Emergency nurses are on the front lines. On any given day ER nurses see patients that have been in car accidents, fractured bones or suffered gun-shot wounds. Most importantly, an ER nurse thrives on chaos and is able to handle stressful environments quickly and efficiently.

Medical Surgical/Telemetry

These positions are ideal for someone who is starting their career and is new to travel nursing. Because there is high demand, there are many more locations to choose from when looking for a job as a Med Surg or Telemetry Nurse. This position is a highly trained, dedicated role to medical and postoperative care. Skills related to intravenous therapy drips, arterial lines, and central venous pressure lines are needed for these specialties.

Critical Care – ICU/SICU/MICU/NICU

The intensive care unit role demands an understanding mind, quick thinking, and dedication to achieving the skills necessary. Ready for a learning experience? ICU nurses are constantly exposed to different types of patients, procedures, and disease processes.

Additionally, our travel nurses tell us that this is one of the hardest, yet most rewarding specialties. Job security is positive, the demand is high, and because this position treats higher-acuity patients, it is also one of the top paying specialties. Another plus to choosing this specialty is the patient count is very low giving you more time to spend with those who need it.

Operating Room Registered Nurse

The Operating room nurse or perioperative nurse as they are now called, are involved in multiple stages of surgery. From before, during, and after, this is a position that is no stranger to responsibilities and tense work environments. Because surgeries generally only occur during the day, this position has daytime hours and often works 4 10-hour days. Furthermore, there are several jobs within this specialty. Scrub Nurse: works directly with the surgeon in the sterile field a Circulating Nurse: observes the surgical team in the non-sterile field to help maintain a safe, comfortable environment.

For additional role and salary information, refer to web resources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or Top Registered Nurse. Education and experience requirements may vary by position.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By The Gypsy Nurse

June 17, 2017

8421 Views

Non-Traditional Nursing Careers: What Is Travel Nursing?

Posted on June 17, 2017January 16, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Not all nurses work in a hospital or clinic setting. There are many Non-Traditional Nursing Careers to choose from. Travel Nursing is one of them!

Travel Nurses are nurses that work temporary contracts for hospitals or other medical facilities. Most commonly, a travel nurse works through an agency. There is also the option to work as an independent contractor or as a seasonal employee for a facility. I’m going to focus on working as a travel nurse through an agency.

Why is there a need for Travel Nurses?

The need for travel nurses is primarily due to the National Nursing Shortage. Other reasons that a travel nurse may be needed in a facility may be for staff training, strikes, multiple staff out on medical or pregnancy leave, some other Rapid Response need, etc.

Are the pay and benefits the same as a staff nurse ?

Generally travel nurse pay is slightly higher than a full-time employee at a medical facility. Depending on the severity of need; pay can be higher to attract healthcare professionals. If you figure in the housing, travel reimbursements, bonuses, the “package” may seem much higher. However, you must also consider if the company offers other benefits that a full-time employee enjoys.

Some of the larger Travel Nurse Companies have the same or comparable benefits as hospitals such as 401K, health Insurance provided or a reimbursement, CEU reimbursements, Licensure reimbursement, Life Insurance, Disability, Loyalty Rewards, Referral Bonuses, Completion Bonuses, Tax Advantage Programs, Travel reimbursement, Contests, Extension Bonuses.

What areas of nursing can you practice in as a traveling nurse ?

Travel nurses are contracted in a variety of settings including all specialties and facilities which may include: ICU, OR, ER, Med-Surg , Dialysis, Psych, Cath, L&D, PEDS, PICU, STICU, Home Health, Management, Supervisors, Long Term Care, Nursing Home, Rehab, Step Down, and Case Management.

What are the benefits and perks of being a traveling nurse ?

-Increased financial reward.
–Travel and seeing the World while you are still young and get paid.
-Learning new skills and working in different settings.
-Expand your horizons.
-Freedom to take off between assignments and the money to do things.
-Getting out of the rut and always experiencing new things in your work and environment.

Where do you live as a traveling nurse ?

Most companies provide a private one bedroom apartment or an extended stay hotel depending on what you negotiate, what is available in the assignment location and what you need. Housing can be quite varied. There is a growing number of travel nurses that provide their own housing via a housing stipend and choices may include shared apartment rentals, vacation rentals, or privately owned RV’s.

What is the typical term of a Travel Contract ?

Generally, travel nurses contract for 13 weeks at a time. Many travel nurses choose to extend another thirteen weeks if the need is there and they like the facility. Contracts or Assignments can range anywhere from 4 weeks to 26 weeks and overseas assignments generally range from 1 -2 years.

Can you choose any state in the country to work in ? Even Hawaii and Alaska ?

Yes; you will need a license for the state you will work in.

Do you get to choose where you want to go ?

Yes depending on the availability of assignments among the 300 Plus Travel Nurse Companies in the United States. One of the greatest benefits of being a travel nurse is that you are in control. There are Companies in other Countries as well Generally the English Speaking Countries and the Middle East. The Department of Defense and the Military contracts with Nurses and other Healthcare Professionals in other countries such as in Europe, Japan, Germany, Italy etc.

What about a transportation ?

Many people Travel by their own car so it is important to have a reliable vehicle. Some people fly and use a car rental or public transportation on contract. This is more common in larger cities where parking can be expensive. Some travel nurse agencies will fly a person to their assignment and provide a car rental; however this is becoming less frequent except contracts in Hawaii and Alaska.

How Do I get Started?

You’ve already started your journey for a non-traditional nursing career by researching the above information! To learn how to be a successful Travel Nurse, Check out the Step by Step to Travel Nursing Guide!

Understanding the Nursing Landscape of Nursing Specializations

General Nursing

Critical Care and Emergency Nursing

Maternal and Child Health

Psychiatric Nursing

Surgical and Perioperative Nursing

Community and Public Health Nursing

Geriatric Nursing

Oncology Nursing

Informatics Nursing

Nurse Educator

Travel Nursing

Choosing the Right Nursing Specialization

Making your Decision: Account for All Contributing Factors

Passion and Interest

Skills and Strengths

Career Goals

Work Environment Preferences

Lifestyle Considerations

Advanced Degrees and Certifications

Seeking Mentorship and Networking

Remaining Active in Your Career

Interested in working with an agency that will highlight your skills and help you to achieve your career goals?

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

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