12 Different Types of Nurses and What They Do (2024)

5. Emergency room nurse

Emergency room nurses nurses provide urgent care to patients in hospitals suffering from sometimes life-threatening injuries or illnesses. ER nurses often work alongside emergency medical staff and first responders, so they must have strong communication, critical thinking and collaboration skills to coordinate care and share information across these teams.

As an ER nurse, you can work in a variety of settings, from Level 1 trauma centers to rural hospitals or clinics, and across a range of nursing specialties, from trauma to pediatrics. ER nurses are registered nurses and must obtain at least an ASN.

Many ER nurses have a BSN and can go on to obtain additional certifications for specialized care, such asadvanced cardiac, pediatric, and newborn life support.

EducationASN (required) or BSN (recommended)
CertificationsRN; some hospitals might also require Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification
More readingHow to Become an ER Nurse;Working as an Emergency Room (ER) Nurse
12 Different Types of Nurses and What They Do (2024)

FAQs

How many different type of nurses are there? ›

Different types of nurses include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Nursing specialties can range from pediatrics to oncology, and require specialized training and education to provide expert care in their respective areas.

What is the lowest paid RN specialty? ›

Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are some of the lowest-paid nursing roles, but that is due to the fact that the educational requirements are less than most other types of nurses.

What is the hardest type of nurse to be? ›

Most stressful nursing specialties
  • Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. The ICU is an extremely high-pressure environment. ...
  • Emergency room nurses. ER nurses face stress levels that are similar to what first responders experience. ...
  • Neonatal ICU nurses. ...
  • Operating room nurses. ...
  • Oncology nurses. ...
  • Psychiatric nurses.
Dec 1, 2023

What type of nurse is most needed? ›

The following list comprises some specializations that are most in demand for nurses.
  • Critical care nurse.
  • Nurse practitioner.
  • Certified registered nurse anesthetist.
  • Clinical nurse specialist.
  • Oncology nurse.
  • Pediatric nurse.
  • Public health nurse.
  • Telemetry nurse.
Mar 28, 2023

What are the 4 C's in nursing? ›

This interactive workshop allows the beginning nurse to learn the importance of caring, comforting, compassion and communication in patient care.

What nurse is higher than a RN? ›

There are five levels of nursing: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Each level has different requirements, educational qualifications, and salary rates.

Who is the highest paid RN? ›

According to Medscape's 2022 APRN Compensation Report, CRNAs earn, on average, $217,000 annually, making this specialty the highest-paid nursing job.

What is the easiest RN job? ›

What is the easiest job for an RN? Working as an office nurse is one of the most relaxed options for RNs. Office nurses work in clinics with set hours, and provide basic, non-emergency medical care.

Which is harder ICU or ER? ›

Ultimately, if you're a high-energy person who's able to think on your feet and remain calm in a crisis, ER nursing would be a better fit. The ICU lacks the urgency of the ER, but there is an immense amount of pressure because of the severity of the illnesses.

What is the happiest nursing job? ›

Happiest Nurse Positions
  1. Certified Nurse Anesthetists. Many certified nurse anesthetists are happy with their position according to Career Explorer who surveyed many nurse anesthetists about job satisfaction. ...
  2. Clinical Nurse Specialist. ...
  3. Nurse Midwife. ...
  4. Registered Nurses.

Where do the smartest nurses work? ›

Case in point, within all general areas of nursing, the Medical ICU, Trauma ICU, Peds ICU, Neonatal ICU, are perceived to require the highest skill set of nurses.

Which type of nursing is best for female? ›

Since 496 out of every 1,000 people on Earth are female, there's a need for nursing graduates in these rewarding women's health careers.
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology Nurse. ...
  • Labor and Delivery Nurse. ...
  • Perinatal Nurse. ...
  • Lactation Consultant. ...
  • Certified Nurse Midwife.

Who hires the most nurses? ›

Nashville, Tenn. -based HCA Healthcare employs the most registered nurses of any health system, hospital operator or integrated delivery network in the U.S.

What type of nurse has the best schedule? ›

Many school nurses say that they enjoy these types of schedules as it gives them more personal time in their day or the ability to take on another job. Home Health agencies: Home health agencies seem to have the most scheduling flexibility for nurses as there are countless opportunities with independent companies.

What are the 5 levels of nurses? ›

5 Main levels of nursing practice
  • Nursing assistant (CNA) Nursing assistants also go by the title of nursing aides or CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants). ...
  • Licensed practical nurse (LPN) ...
  • Registered nurse (RN) ...
  • Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) ...
  • Nursing leadership careers.
May 17, 2023

What is the highest paid nurse? ›

According to Medscape's 2022 APRN Compensation Report, CRNAs earn, on average, $217,000 annually, making this specialty the highest-paid nursing job.

Who is the most famous nurse? ›

Florence Nightingale is known as the founder of modern nursing and possibly the most famous of historical nursing figures. She was a social reformer who laid the global foundation for professional nursing roles.

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