50 Careers Related to Nursing

Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on providing care, support, and treatment to individuals, families, and communities to help them maintain or recover optimal health. Nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, homes, schools, and research institutions.

Nursing is a diverse and rewarding profession with numerous career paths. Whether you are interested in direct patient care, research, education, or administration, there are many nursing-related careers to explore. In this blog post, we’ll explore 80 careers related to nursing, including their roles, responsibilities, and required qualifications.

1. Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor patient conditions, and educate patients about health management.

2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

LPNs/LVNs provide basic medical care under the supervision of RNs and doctors, including wound care, vital sign monitoring, and assisting with daily activities.

3. Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses who diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide primary and specialty healthcare services.

4. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNAs help patients with basic needs such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They work under the supervision of nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare settings.

5. Critical Care Nurse

Critical care nurses specialize in treating patients with life-threatening conditions in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

6. Emergency Room (ER) Nurse

ER nurses provide fast-paced care for patients with urgent medical conditions, injuries, or trauma.

7. Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses specialize in caring for infants, children, and adolescents.

8. Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric nurses care for elderly patients, managing chronic conditions and age-related illnesses.

9. Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal nurses care for newborns, particularly premature or critically ill infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).

10. Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses care for cancer patients, administering chemotherapy, providing pain management, and offering emotional support.

11. Psychiatric Nurse / Mental Health Nurse

These nurses specialize in caring for patients with mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders, and emotional health conditions.

12. Cardiac Nurse

Cardiac nurses work with patients suffering from heart diseases, helping with treatments, rehabilitation, and medication management.

13. Orthopedic Nurse

Orthopedic nurses treat patients with musculoskeletal conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and joint replacements.

14. Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses focus on disease prevention and health promotion in communities through education and outreach programs.

15. Home Health Nurse

Home health nurses provide medical care to patients in their homes, often helping elderly or disabled individuals.

16. School Nurse

School nurses work in educational institutions, managing students’ health needs, administering medications, and providing health education.

17. Flight Nurse

Flight nurses provide emergency medical care during air transport in helicopters or airplanes.

18. Military Nurse

Military nurses care for service members and their families in military hospitals or combat zones.

19. Nurse Midwife

Nurse midwives provide prenatal care, assist with childbirth, and offer postpartum support.

20. Dialysis Nurse

Dialysis nurses help patients with kidney failure undergo dialysis treatment.

21. Transplant Nurse

These nurses assist in organ transplants, preparing patients and monitoring post-transplant recovery.

22. Perioperative (Surgical) Nurse

Perioperative nurses assist during surgeries, preparing patients and ensuring sterile conditions.

23. Occupational Health Nurse

Occupational health nurses work in businesses and industries to promote workplace safety and employee health.

24. Pain Management Nurse

Pain management nurses help patients deal with chronic pain through medications, therapies, and alternative treatments.

25. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery.

26. Nurse Educator

Nurse educators teach and train aspiring nurses in universities, hospitals, and healthcare institutions.

27. Nurse Researcher

Nurse researchers conduct studies to improve healthcare practices and patient outcomes.

28. Telehealth Nurse

Telehealth nurses provide virtual patient care through video calls, online consultations, and remote monitoring.

29. Infection Control Nurse

Infection control nurses prevent and manage the spread of infections in hospitals and healthcare settings.

30. Forensic Nurse

Forensic nurses assist in criminal investigations by examining victims of violence and collecting medical evidence.

31. Labor and Delivery Nurse

These nurses assist women during childbirth, monitor fetal health, and provide postpartum care.

32. Burn Unit Nurse

Burn nurses care for patients with severe burns, assisting in wound care and pain management.

33. Travel Nurse

Travel nurses work temporarily in hospitals and clinics across different locations.

34. Hospice Nurse

Hospice nurses provide end-of-life care, ensuring comfort and pain relief for terminally ill patients.

35. Wound Care Nurse

These nurses specialize in treating chronic wounds, burns, and pressure ulcers.

36. Genetics Nurse

Genetics nurses help patients with genetic disorders by providing education and treatment options.

37. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

CNSs provide expert patient care in specialized areas such as pediatrics, oncology, or geriatrics.

38. Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse

Aesthetic nurses assist with non-surgical cosmetic treatments like Botox, laser therapy, and skin care.

39. Dermatology Nurse

Dermatology nurses treat skin conditions, assisting with acne treatments, skin cancer, and eczema.

40. Case Management Nurse

These nurses coordinate long-term healthcare plans for patients with chronic illnesses.

41. Rehabilitation Nurse

Rehabilitation nurses help patients recover from surgeries, strokes, and injuries.

42. Urology Nurse

Urology nurses care for patients with urinary and reproductive health issues.

43. Radiology Nurse

Radiology nurses assist patients undergoing imaging procedures like MRIs and CT scans.

44. Legal Nurse Consultant

Legal nurse consultants assist attorneys in medical-related legal cases.

45. Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators manage hospital departments, overseeing staff and patient care policies.

46. Pharmaceutical Nurse

These nurses work in pharmaceutical companies, conducting research and educating healthcare professionals.

47. Trauma Nurse

Trauma nurses work in emergency departments, treating accident victims and critically injured patients.

48. Clinical Trial Nurse

Clinical trial nurses help conduct medical research and experimental treatments.

49. Toxicology Nurse

Toxicology nurses treat patients exposed to poisons and chemical hazards.

50. Veterinary Nurse

Veterinary nurses assist veterinarians in treating animals.

ALSO READ: 30 Careers Related to Law

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

In this section, I will provide you with FAQs and answers on “Careers Related to Nursing”. Keep on reading friend.

1. Do I need a degree to become a nurse?

Yes, most nursing careers require at least a nursing degree. Some common pathways include:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Requires a short training program (4–12 weeks).
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – Requires a diploma or certificate (1 year).
Registered Nurse (RN) – Requires an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) (2 years) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (4 years).
Advanced Practice Nurses (NP, CRNA, CNS) – Require a Master’s or Doctoral degree in nursing.

2. What is the difference between an RN and an LPN/LVN?

Registered Nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, administer medications, and coordinate treatments.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)/Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) assist RNs and doctors, providing basic care like monitoring vital signs and dressing wounds.

3. How much do nurses earn?

Nurse salaries depend on experience, location, and specialization.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – $30,000–$40,000 per year
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – $45,000–$55,000 per year
Registered Nurse (RN) – $60,000–$90,000 per year
Nurse Practitioner (NP) – $100,000–$140,000 per year
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – $180,000–$250,000 per year

4. What is the best nursing career for someone who doesn’t want direct patient care?

If you prefer non-clinical nursing roles, consider:

Nurse Educator (teaching and training nurses)
Legal Nurse Consultant (assisting attorneys in medical cases)
Nursing Informatics Specialist (working with healthcare data and technology)
Case Management Nurse (coordinating patient care plans)
Pharmaceutical Nurse (working with drug companies in research and education)

5. What is the fastest way to become a nurse?

If you want to start working quickly, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) takes only 4–12 weeks.
To become an LPN/LVN, you’ll need 1 year of training.
To become an RN, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes 2 years, while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes 4 years.

6. What is the most in-demand nursing specialty?

Some of the highest-demand nursing fields include:

Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Due to the increasing need for primary care providers.
Critical Care Nurse (ICU Nurse) – Hospitals need more nurses trained in emergency and intensive care.
Home Health Nurse – More patients prefer home healthcare over hospital stays.
Geriatric Nurse – The aging population is increasing demand for elderly care specialists.
Telehealth Nurse – The rise of remote healthcare services has created new nursing opportunities.

7. What nursing career pays the most?

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – $180,000–$250,000 per year
Nurse Practitioner (NP) – $100,000–$140,000 per year
Nurse Midwife (CNM) – $90,000–$120,000 per year
Nursing Director / Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) – $120,000–$200,000 per year

8. Can I work in nursing with a non-nursing degree?

Yes! If you have a degree in another field but want to switch to nursing, you can enroll in an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, which takes 12–18 months.

9. What is the difference between a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and a Doctor?

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and treat patients, but they do not attend medical school like doctors. Instead, they complete a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing and must be licensed.

10. Can nurses work from home?

Yes! Some nursing careers that allow remote work include:

Telehealth Nurse (providing virtual patient care)
Case Manager Nurse (coordinating patient care plans)
Legal Nurse Consultant (working on medical lawsuits)
Nurse Educator (teaching nursing courses online)
Nursing Informatics Specialist (working with electronic medical records)

11. How do I choose the best nursing career for me?

Consider:

Do you like patient care? → Choose clinical roles like ER Nurse, ICU Nurse, or Pediatric Nurse.
Do you prefer research or technology? → Consider Nurse Researcher, Nursing Informatics, or Pharmaceutical Nurse.
Do you want leadership or education? → Look into Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

12. What are the biggest challenges in nursing?

Long working hours and shift work
Emotional and physical stress
High patient loads in some hospitals
Exposure to illnesses and workplace hazards
Keeping up with medical advancements

13. Can nurses specialize in more than one area?

Yes! Many nurses obtain multiple certifications to work in different fields, such as an ICU Nurse who later trains as a Flight Nurse or a Pediatric Nurse who becomes a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

14. How can I advance my nursing career?

Earn certifications in specialized fields (e.g., Critical Care Nursing, Oncology Nursing).
Gain experience in different healthcare settings.
Pursue a higher degree (Master’s or Doctorate).
Take leadership roles (e.g., Nurse Manager, Nurse Educator).

15. Are there scholarships for nursing students?

Yes! Many organizations offer nursing scholarships, including:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarships
Johnson & Johnson Nursing Scholarships
National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarships
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Nursing Programs

16. Can men become nurses?

Absolutely! Nursing is a gender-inclusive profession. Male nurses work in every specialty, from ER and ICU to nurse anesthesia and leadership roles.

17. Can nurses own their own business?

Yes! Some entrepreneurial nursing careers include:

Private Nurse Practitioner (NP) Clinics
Medical Consulting Businesses
Health & Wellness Coaching
Legal Nurse Consulting Firms

18. Is there job security in nursing?

Yes! Nursing is one of the most stable career choices, with a high demand for nurses worldwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 6% job growth rate for RNs and a 40% job growth rate for Nurse Practitioners by 2031.

19. Can I travel as a nurse?

Yes! Travel Nurses work short-term assignments in different hospitals and can earn higher salaries with benefits like free housing and travel allowances.

20. How do I get started in nursing?

Decide on the nursing path (CNA, LPN, RN, NP, etc.).
Enroll in an accredited nursing program (ADN, BSN, or MSN).
Pass the NCLEX exam for licensing.
Gain experience in different healthcare settings.
Pursue specialization or advanced degrees if desired.