15 Types of Nurses & What They Do
Nursing is one of the most important jobs in healthcare, and the need for qualified nurses just keeps growing. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that nursing jobs will grow by 9% over the next decade, with nearly 200,000 positions opening each year. If you’ve ever thought about a career in nursing, now is a great time to jump in.
Not only does nursing offer strong job security and great pay, but it’s also a career where you can make a real difference. Whether you want to work in a busy hospital, help patients in their homes, or even travel while working, there’s a nursing path out there for you.
To help you explore your options, here are 15 types of nursing jobs and what they’re all about.
Entry-Level Nursing Jobs
If you’re just starting your nursing career, there are a couple of great entry-level jobs that can help you get your foot in the door. These roles don’t take as much time to qualify for but still give you valuable experience and a chance to make an impact.
1. Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Certified nursing assistants are often the first point of contact for patients, helping with daily tasks that make a huge difference in their care. As a CNA, you might check vital signs, assist with personal hygiene, or help patients move around. You’ll also keep things running smoothly by cleaning rooms, stocking supplies, and documenting patient information.
This role is perfect if you’re looking for a quick entry into healthcare. CNAs typically complete a state-approved training program and certification exam, which can take just a few months. While this is considered an entry-level position, it’s a great stepping stone for moving up in the nursing field.
2. Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
Becoming an LPN is another excellent way to kick off your nursing career. LPNs have more responsibilities than CNAs but less than registered nurses. You’ll work directly with patients by checking vital signs, treating wounds, administering medication, and helping with basic care like bathing and dressing.
LPNs often work in hospitals, nursing homes, or directly in patients’ homes. What’s great about this job is that you can earn your license in about a year, making it an ideal choice if you’re eager to start working sooner rather than later.
Core Nursing Roles
Core nursing roles are at the heart of healthcare. These positions involve direct patient care and form the foundation for most nursing careers. If you’re looking for a job that combines hands-on work with opportunities to grow, these roles are for you.
3. Registered nurse (RN)
Registered nurses are essential in nearly every healthcare setting. As an RN, you’ll provide and coordinate care for patients, monitor their progress, create care plans, administer medication, and assist with procedures. You’ll also be the bridge between patients and doctors, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
This job is a great starting point if you’re interested in nursing but haven’t decided on a specialty yet. RNs can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and more. Plus, it’s a stepping stone to advanced roles like nurse practitioner or healthcare administrator.
4. Nurse practitioner (NP)
If you’re looking to take on more responsibility and play a bigger role in patient care, becoming a nurse practitioner might be your next step. NPs can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage treatment plans—responsibilities that are similar to those of a physician.
NPs are often found in primary care settings, helping to bridge the gap caused by the nationwide physician shortage. They can also specialize in areas like pediatrics, women’s health, or acute care.
Specialized Nursing Careers
Specialized nursing roles are perfect for those who want to focus on specific areas of healthcare. These positions allow you to use advanced skills to make a difference in unique and impactful ways.
5. Assessment nurse
Assessment nurses, also called clinical assessment nurses, play a critical role in diagnosing patients accurately. They gather key information by asking patients about their symptoms, reviewing their medical history, taking vitals, and even evaluating emotional or psychological factors. This information is then passed to doctors to help form a clear diagnosis.
If you have strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills, this might be the job for you. Assessment nurses are found in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers.
6. ER nurse
ER nurses thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. They treat patients with critical injuries or illnesses and help stabilize them for further care. Responsibilities range from setting broken bones and inserting IVs to performing tracheotomies and handling life-or-death situations.
This job is physically and mentally demanding, often requiring 12-hour shifts and the ability to think on your feet. If you enjoy solving urgent problems and working under pressure, ER nursing can be incredibly rewarding.
7. Geriatric nurse
Geriatric nurses specialize in caring for older adults, managing chronic conditions, and addressing issues like vision loss, hearing impairments, and dementia. They also provide critical support to families, helping them navigate care decisions and treatment plans.
With the aging population continuing to grow—about 20% of Americans will be 65 or older by 2030—the need for geriatric nurses is skyrocketing. These professionals work in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and patients’ homes.
8. Pediatric nurse
Pediatric nurses provide care for infants, children, and teens. They work closely with pediatricians to treat everything from common illnesses to more serious conditions. Beyond medical care, they’re skilled at calming kids’ fears and communicating with families to achieve the best outcomes.
If you enjoy working with children and want to make a difference early in patients’ lives, pediatric nursing could be a great fit. These nurses work in family practices, hospitals, and children’s clinics.
Advanced Practice Nursing Roles
Advanced practice nursing roles are for those who want to take their expertise to the next level. These positions come with more responsibility, autonomy, and, often, higher pay. If you’re ready to lead and specialize, these careers might be your next step.
9. Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified registered nurse anesthetists are among the highest-paid and most respected nurses in healthcare. They administer anesthesia for surgeries, monitor patients, and manage their recovery from anesthesia. CRNAs often work independently or alongside anesthesiologists in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and pain management clinics.
This career requires a doctorate in anesthesia and years of experience as an RN, but it’s well worth the investment.
10. Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice nurses who provide expertise in a specific area of healthcare, such as mental health, geriatrics, or oncology. While they can diagnose and treat patients, CNSs often act as consultants, training nursing staff and improving processes in healthcare facilities.
If you’re passionate about leadership and improving patient care on a broader scale, becoming a CNS is a great option.
Leadership and Administrative Nursing Roles
If you’re a natural leader or enjoy the organizational side of healthcare, leadership and administrative nursing roles might be the perfect fit. These positions allow you to shape policies, manage teams, and ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
11. Nurse manager
Nurse managers oversee nursing staff, ensuring patients receive top-notch care while keeping operations efficient. They handle everything from creating staff schedules and managing budgets to hiring nurses and collaborating with other departments.
If you’re ready to take on a leadership role but still want to stay connected to patient care, becoming a nurse manager is a great choice.
12. Nursing administrator
Nursing administrators take leadership one step further by managing the entire nursing department of a healthcare facility. They focus on strategic planning, budgeting, compliance, and aligning nursing operations with the organization’s overall goals.
This role requires a blend of clinical and business knowledge, making it ideal for nurses who want to drive organizational change and improve healthcare delivery.
Unique and Flexible Nursing Careers
For nurses who crave variety, independence, or the chance to work outside traditional healthcare settings, unique and flexible nursing careers offer exciting opportunities. These roles allow you to tailor your career to fit your lifestyle and passions.
13. Nurse midwife
Nurse midwives specialize in women’s health, particularly pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. They often assist with alternative childbirth experiences like home births or water births but are equally at home providing prenatal care and general women’s health services.
If you’re drawn to empowering women and helping them through life’s major milestones, this might be the job for you. Nurse midwives are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and can work in hospitals, birthing centers, or independently
14. Home care nurse
Home care nurses provide personalized care for patients in their own homes. Their work includes administering treatments, monitoring health conditions, and assisting with daily activities like bathing or dressing. Patients may include elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or those recovering from illness or surgery.
This role offers more autonomy and flexibility than many traditional nursing jobs. It’s also highly rewarding for those who enjoy building one-on-one relationships with their patients.
15. Travel nurse
If you’re an adventurer at heart, travel nursing might be the perfect fit. Travel nurses step in to fill temporary staffing gaps in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Assignments typically last a few months, giving you the chance to explore different parts of the country (or even the world) while doing meaningful work.
Travel nurses enjoy competitive pay, housing stipends, and the opportunity to gain experience in diverse healthcare settings. It’s a great option for nurses who are flexible, adaptable, and ready to take on new challenges.
Exploring nursing careers opens up a world of opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to specialize, there’s a nursing path that fits your goals and passions. It’s an incredibly rewarding field, and the impact you make will last a lifetime.
