Registered Nursing: Similarities and Differences Between RN Specialties
Venturing into the diverse world of nursing, from the dynamic environment of emergency rooms to the empathetic realm of geriatric care, we delve into the distinctive responsibilities, qualifications, and salary ranges across 14 distinct nursing specialties.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for Registered Nurses (RNs) stands at $77,600, equating to just over $37 per hour. However, this figure is a baseline, subject to variations based on experience, geographic location, and various other factors.
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When delving into the salary specifics for each nursing specialty discussed below, it’s important to consider that platforms like PayScale or Glassdoor rely on self-reported data, encompassing nurses with diverse educational backgrounds and years of experience residing across the U.S.
1. Emergency Room Nurse
For those seeking a fast-paced, high-skill acute care nursing role with daily unpredictability, the emergency room nursing field is a compelling choice. Emergency room nurses triage patients dealing with acute exacerbations of chronic diseases or life-threatening conditions, requiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a rapid patient turnover setting.
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Emergency Room Nurse Pathway:
To qualify for an ER role, an RN with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is essential. Further specialization can be pursued through certifications like Certified Emergency Nurse.
Emergency Room Nurse Salary:
Glassdoor reports an average annual salary of $120,466 for emergency room nurses.
2. Oncology Nurse
Working in hospitals or doctor’s offices, oncology nurses offer care to cancer patients across the age spectrum. Their responsibilities encompass administering medications, including chemotherapy, and educating patients and caregivers on managing disease symptoms at home.
Oncology Nurse Pathway:
An associate degree RN is the minimum requirement for oncology nursing, with specialization options such as the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification.
Oncology Nurse Salary:
Oncology nurses earn an average annual salary of $114,136, according to Glassdoor.
3. Cardiac Nurse
In the critical and rewarding field of heart health, cardiac nurses treat patients with acute and chronic heart conditions, operating in outpatient or inpatient settings. Further specialization avenues include working in a cardiac intensive care unit or diagnostic environments like the cardiac catheter lab.
Cardiac Nurse Pathway:
An ADN or BSN is necessary for cardiac care, with additional certifications available, such as:
Cardiac Nurse Salary:
Cardiac nurses, on average, make $105,835 annually, according to Glassdoor.
4. Surgical Nurse
Surgical nurses operate in hospital operating rooms and surgical centers, preparing patients for procedures, assisting during surgeries, and providing postoperative care. Specializations within surgery include cardiac, orthopedic, or gynecological surgery.
Surgical Nurse Pathway:
After obtaining an ADN or BSN and passing the NCLEX-RN, direct entry into a surgical nurse position is possible. Some facilities may prefer nurses with at least two years of experience in medical-surgical nursing.
Surgical Nurse Salary:
According to PayScale, surgical nurses earn an average of $35.44 per hour, equivalent to just over $65,000 annually.
5. Critical Care/ICU Nurse
Critical care nurses offer primary care to vulnerable patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with some specializing in areas like surgical or cardiac ICU. They collaborate with healthcare teams, administer medication, and monitor patients for changes in respiratory, cardiac, or renal status.
Critical Care/ICU Nurse Pathway:
Many critical care nursing roles require a minimum of two years of general nursing experience. Some hospitals offer ICU nurse residency programs for new nursing graduates. Specialization can be pursued through certification by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
Critical Care/ICU Nurse Salary:
According to PayScale, ICU nurses earn around $75,000 annually. However, Glassdoor reports an average annual salary of $114,675 for ICU nurses.
6. Pediatric Nurse
Devoted to working with children and their families, pediatric nurses provide primary care services to young patients, from infants to adolescents or young adults. While pediatric nursing generally covers patients under 18, specialization options include working with critically ill newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or in units like oncology, orthopedics, or surgery exclusively focused on pediatric patients.
Pediatric Nurse Pathway:
Working in pediatrics often requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), though some institutions hire nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Specialized certification, such as Pediatric Nursing Certification (PED-BC) or Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), is beneficial. Neonatal nurses may pursue the CCRN certification.
Pediatric Nurse Salary:
ZipRecruiter reports an average hourly wage of $33 or just over $68,185 annually for pediatric nurses.
7. Public Health/Community Health Nurse
Public health nurses, often employed by government agencies or large organizations, analyze data to make decisions about health trends. Community health nursing, a subset of public health, focuses on providing care to a specific community or population.
Public Health/Community Health Nurse Pathway:
RNs with an ADN or BSN can work in this specialty.
Public Health/Community Health Nurse Salary:
According to PayScale, public health nurses earn an average of $30.68 per hour or just over $69,000 annually, based on self-reported data.
8. Psych/Mental Health Nurse
Nurses specializing in mental health care are referred to as psychiatric or mental health care nurses. They work in various settings, including healthcare facilities, clinics, schools, or government agencies, creating care plans and offering counseling services tailored to individuals with mental health needs.
Psych/Mental Health Nurse Pathway:
Mental health nurses may hold associate’s or baccalaureate degrees and must possess an RN license. Further education and specialization can be achieved through the psychiatric-mental health nurse certification (PMH-BC) offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Psych/Mental Health Nurse Salary:
In high demand, psychiatric nurses earn $34.47 per hour or nearly $72,000 annually, according to PayScale.
Nurse Case Manager
Case Managers collaborate with patients and healthcare teams to develop care plans for managing chronic health conditions. They operate in various settings, including hospitals, care facilities, doctor’s offices, and clinics. Nurse case managers may also work remotely or in home health care. Organizational skills, empathy, and excellent written and verbal communication are essential attributes for case managers.
Case Manager Nurse Pathway
Many employers prefer case managers to have one to two years of primary care experience. Nurses specializing in case management may pursue certified case manager credentials from the Commission for Case Manager Certification.
Case Manager Nurse Salary
According to PayScale, the average case manager earns $77,434 per year, equivalent to approximately $37 per hour.
Travel Nurse
Travel nurses provide primary care nursing services to patients in different healthcare facilities, offering flexibility to travel locally, regionally, or across the U.S. to address staffing shortages, vacations, or strikes. Exceptional clinical skills, an adventurous spirit, and adaptability are essential for travel nurses.
Travel Nurse Pathway
Most travel agencies require a minimum of two years of clinical nursing experience before embarking on the first travel nurse assignment.
Travel Nurse Salary
According to Vivian, the average travel nurse’s salary is slightly over $2000 per week, with a range from $1786 to as high as $2757.
Long-term Care/Geriatric Nurse
Long-term care nurses operate in senior care facilities, including assisted living, nursing homes, and sub-acute care rehabilitation centers, often referred to as geriatric nurses due to the senior population they serve. These nurses must possess empathy, compassion, and an understanding of the unique mental, social, and physical needs of senior adults.
Long-term Care/Geriatric Nurse Pathway
Most long-term care facilities hire new graduate nurses, requiring minimal nursing experience beyond what was obtained during nursing school.
Long-term Care/Geriatric Nurse Salary
Glassdoor reports that the average salary for geriatric nurses is $129,090.
Obstetrics/Labor & Delivery Nurse
Obstetrics nurses operate in labor and delivery units in hospitals, birthing centers, and women’s health offices. They care for pregnant women, assist in deliveries, and provide postpartum care. Quick critical thinking and strong clinical competencies are crucial in this fast-paced environment.
Obstetrics/Labor & Delivery Nurse Pathway
Once an RN, qualification for obstetrics or women’s health is achievable. Specialization can be pursued through the NCC credential in inpatient obstetric nursing (RNC-OB).
Obstetrics/Labor & Delivery Nurse Salary
The self-reported annual salary for obstetric nurses on PayScale is $65,400.
Nurse Administrator
Nurse administrators, also known as nurse leaders or managers, oversee nursing services’ daily operations, including tasks such as staff hiring, policy updates, and financial management. Strong leadership skills are essential for nurse administrators to guide teams toward comprehensive business goals.
Nurse Administrator Pathway
Most hospitals and healthcare institutions require nurse administrators to hold a bachelor’s degree, while some may prefer a master’s degree in nursing, business, or healthcare administration.
Nurse Administrator Salary
BLS reports the annual salary of medical and health service managers as $101,340. The job outlook indicates a 28% job growth from now until 2031, faster than the average growth rate in the U.S.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
APRNs are specialized nurses with advanced degrees providing care in acute or primary care settings across the life spectrum. Specialties include nurse practitioner (NP), certified nurse midwife (CNM), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), and clinical nurse specialist (CNS). APRNs have an added layer of autonomy, offering medical care with or without provider oversight, depending on state regulations.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Pathway
APRNs start as fully licensed RNs with a BSN, then pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The APRN program duration varies from two to four years. After completing the program, APRNs must pass a national certification exam based on their specialty.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Salary
The career outlook for APRNs is positive, with over 100,000 needed between 2021-2031, indicating a 40% job growth. BLS reports an annual salary of $123,780 for APRNs, equating to just under $60 per hour.
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