If you’re passionate about well-being and you’re looking for a job that enables you to make a difference in people’s lives, a career in a nursing specialty could be the right option for you. As well as providing you with a challenging working environment and the chance to take on an increasing amount of responsibility, you’ll have the opportunity to interact directly with patients and give them the professional care they require.
Jobs for Registered Nurses (RNs) in the U.S. are expected to grow by 7% between 2019-2029, which is faster than the average growth rate. This means that there will be an increasing demand for RNs over the next decade, with an extra 221,900 roles expected to be created.
As well as job security and high salaries, nursing gives you the opportunity to specialize in a field that you’re most passionate about. To find out what your future career could hold, take a look at some of the specialties available:
Table of Contents
1. Geriatrics
Working with older patients can be a rewarding career choice, particularly if you want to work in a range of different environments. In addition to working in a hospital setting, nurses who specialize in geriatric care also routinely work in retirement communities and care homes, as well as delivering care in the community.
Over the next 40 years, the number of people aged 65 and over in the U.S. is expected to double. This means there will be a sharp increase in the number of seniors requiring healthcare services. For nurses who specialize in this area, the increased demand will equate to a wider range of job opportunities and enhanced job security.
2. Labor and Delivery
Delivering patient care to expectant mothers and assisting during labor will be the main aspect of your role if you choose to become a labor and delivery nurse. As well as delivering antenatal care, you’ll also provide postpartum patient care to mothers after they’ve given birth. There’s no doubt that working in a maternity ward requires quick thinking and a high degree of knowledge, but it can be a fantastic choice for nurses who are passionate about improving patient care for parents and infants.
3. Infection Control
The impact of COVID-19 has highlighted just how important and challenging infection control can be. As infection-related issues become more mainstream, there will be increased demand for healthcare workers who specialize in this area. As well as undertaking RN duties, specializing in infection control gives you the opportunity to progress your career in numerous different ways.
Some healthcare providers will be looking for infection control specialists to take on leadership roles within wards and departments, for example. Alternatively, you may want to take on the role of an educator and teach people about the importance of effective infection control. Whether it’s training new healthcare workers, leading a team or educating members of the public, infection control specialists are going to play an increasingly important role as we begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Clinical Development
If you’re passionate about enhancing the nursing profession and making positive changes to the lives of patients and your colleagues, a clinical development specialty could be exactly what you’re looking for. When you specialize in this area, you’ll undertake nursing research, carry out evidence-based practice and introduce new initiatives to improve professional nurse development. With the chance to make changes to how nurses are trained and supported throughout their careers, a clinical development specialty combines your commitment to patients with your passion for nursing.
Choosing a Nursing Specialty
Although geriatrics, labor and delivery, infection control and clinical development are exciting specialties to consider, there are plenty more available. In fact, you can choose from a wide variety of courses and specialisms when you decide to become a Registered Nurse.
If you’re excited to kick-start your career in healthcare, read on to learn more about how you can become an RN in the U.S. Whether you’ve got some clinical experience or you’re completely new to the healthcare industry, there are training routes that will give you the qualifications, knowledge and experience you need. With a variety of programs to suit all types of nursing students, you could be practicing as a Registered Nurse sooner than you think!
Becoming a Registered Nurse
Most people assume that you need to complete a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in order to work as a Registered Nurse, but this isn’t the case. Although a BSN can provide the qualifications you need, you don’t have to complete this type of course to begin a career in nursing.
If you’ve already completed an associate’s degree in nursing or you’ve got a bachelor’s degree in another subject, for example, you won’t want to enroll on another four year, full-time course. Fortunately, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) can fast-track your training and get your career underway.
What Is an ABSN Program?
An ABSN enables you to obtain the qualifications you need to work as a RN in the U.S., but it allows you to complete the relevant courses in a shorter timeframe than a standard BSN. When you enroll on an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, for example, you could complete the required courses in as little as one year. Following this, you’ll be ready to sit the NCLEX and obtain state licensure. To learn more about program options and timetables on ABSN programs, click here.
Can You Study Online?
Absolutely! Online study is just one of the benefits associated with ABSN programs. Instead of having to attend campus full-time, online ABSN programs give you the chance to complete your coursework from any location. If you’re currently working and want to combine studying and gaining professional experience, for example, an online ABSN program could fit with your existing commitments and give you the opportunity to progress your career.
Although you’ll usually need to attend clinical placements or brief stints on campus, an online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing specialty program gives you the flexibility you need to begin your nursing specialty career.