Nursing has evolved drastically over the years due to advancements in scientific technology, novel illnesses, and an increased number of patients. As a result, many new sub-fields have erupted in nursing to serve the various needs of patients. In this article, we will go through some unique nursing positions in high demand globally.
The nurse’s job is extremely stable and attracts a lot of individuals into the industry. This profession is in great demand in the United States, partly because of an aging population and rising diabetes and obesity rates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of certified nurses will increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031. Therefore, it is important to know which positions to target for an outstanding career in nursing.
Most in-demand nursing positions
Even though nurses work in a variety of settings, the majority of them work in hospitals with intensive care and ambulatory healthcare institutions. High salaries, secure employment, academic possibilities, and career advancement are advantages when employed in high-demand fields. You can explore MSN careers with Rockhurst University, which offers nurses an online opportunity to complete advanced nursing education with utmost flexibility. Some of the nursing specialties that are particularly in demand are listed below:
Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA): A CRNA is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who gives patients anesthesia, keeps track of their health status, and tends to them after surgery. CRNAs are employed in critical care facilities, such as hospital emergency departments and centers for intensive care. They work at hospitals, clinics, and various other medical facilities.
Neonatal nurses: Neonatal nurses are essential in providing babies and infants with crucial care. They offer infants the medical attention they need to recover from acute or chronic illnesses. Neonatal nurses care for newborns and babies with issues that may arise during development, delivery, or in the immediate postpartum period. This might involve premature birth, cardiac anomalies, surgical problems, or infection. Although the initial month of a baby’s life is known as the neonatal phase, many babies may experience sickness months after birth. Neonatal nurses can also look after newborns with chronic illnesses, even though most infants require medical attention for less than two months. This can involve caring for infants who need more time in the hospital due to sickness or premature birth. Until they are sufficiently well to go home, neonatal nurses look after the well-being of newborns at the healthcare facility.
Cardiac nurse practitioner: A specialist in medical services who focuses on treating patients with requirements linked to their cardiovascular condition is known as a cardiac nurse practitioner. To assist patients in managing problems, including cardiovascular disease, valve anomalies, and cardiac arrhythmia, they cooperate with other medical team members and oversee patient treatment care plans. Cardiac nurse practitioners play a crucial role in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and private cardiology practices by monitoring their patients’ long-term cardiovascular health and offering immediate aid in an emergency.
Oncology nurses: Oncology nurses are qualified and licensed nurses who provide medical care and guidance to cancer patients. They are crucial components of a sizable, collaborative group that includes oncologists, doctors, radiologists, nutritionists, and medical professionals. All ages of cancer individuals, from young children to elderly individuals, are cared for by oncology nurses. They can work in bone marrow transplant units, surgical wards, nursery chemotherapeutic units, general wards, nursing homes, or even in patients’ homes in the neighborhood.
Adult gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP): A healthcare provider who treats patients from adolescence to old age is known as an adult gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP), and they offer complete treatment while working under the direction of a licensed physician. An AGNP’s training and education as an advanced practice registered nurse enable them to provide senior nursing services to elderly patients with particular health care requirements associated with aging and holistic and focused therapy to adult patients. They can also specialize in treating long-term or complicated disorders, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and others. There are two categories of AGNPs. These include the Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP), an AGNP who specializes in palliative care, disease diagnosis, and treatment, and the Adult Gerontology-Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP), an AGNP who focuses on maintaining patients’ overall health and avoiding sickness.
Orthopedic nurse practitioners: An orthopedic nurse practitioner is a specialized advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who treats patients with diverse musculoskeletal illnesses and injuries. Patients with bruises, fibromyalgia, arthritis, fractures, and joint problems are frequently treated by them. They collaborate with doctors to aid patients in their post-surgery recovery, injury rehabilitation, and movement restoration. Orthopedic nurse practitioners often develop connections with their patients, offering ongoing care as they gradually regain their strength.
Family nurse practitioner (FNP): Family nurse practitioners have their practice or work in a doctor’s clinic. Patients of various ages, frequently from a young age to an advanced one, are seen by FNPs as they diagnose and treat diseases, health conditions, and various other medical afflictions. Additionally, they are in charge of evaluating an individual’s medical history before an appointment, addressing the signs and symptoms of the patient with the primary doctor, and analyzing test findings. They provide health examinations, diagnose ailments, prescribe medicine, and communicate with their patients about healthy practices, among other duties often associated with physicians. Physicians receive education in medicine and go to university to study medicine, whereas family nurse practitioners are educated to care for patients and their symptoms. This is the primary difference between these two distinct professions.
Nurse midwife: A nurse-midwife is a healthcare provider who treats relatively safe expectant mothers throughout the pregnancy and after childbirth. They offer counseling and assistance about the birth and labor process, outlining what the woman might anticipate and her care alternatives. Additionally, they assist the woman and her relatives by educating them on how to look after and nourish the infant. Nurse-midwives can work alone or in groups with other healthcare professionals. They often work in hospitals, private clinics, obstetricians’ offices, and different healthcare settings.
