2024 Career Planning Guide
NURSING SPECIALITIES KEY : n Minimum Education required n Certifications required n Experience needed n Certification credential n Possible employment n Professional Organization n References / Resources
Hospice Nurse
Care for dying patients through pain management and ed- ucational / emotional support to patients and their families . Because hospice patients have terminal illness , the hospice nurse aids them in living out the rest of their days with dignity , and as comfortably as possible .
n RN , ASN / ADN , or BSN n Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse certification exam n 2 years in related field n CHPN n Hospice care facilities , home care n Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association ( www . hpna . org )
Also see “ Palliative Nurse ” section .
Infectious Disease Nurse
Involves analysis of disease and their transmission , particularly at a time of prevalent “ super bugs .” Many nurses in this area have bachelors or master ’ s degrees , given the level of analytical and management work that can be involved .
n ASN / ADN or BSN n Certified Infection Control Certification n 2 years of relevant full-time experience in infection prevention and control recommended , not required n CIC n Hospitals , outpatient care clinics , research , community outreach / education n Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology ( apic . org )
Informatics Nurse
Also known as Informatics Nurse Specialist at the MSN-level or higher . Apply knowledge of nursing science to analytical and information sciences to improve the care of patients or populations , advocate for organizational and governmental policy , integrate technology into care settings , and / or translate data to knowledge / wisdom . Informaticists are skilled in computer science , information technology and nursing science .
n BSN ( or RN with Baccalaureate in relevant field ) n Informatics Nurse certification n 2 years full-time as a registered nurse and 30 hours of continuing education within 3 years n RN-BC
n Hospitals , continuing care ( i . e . long-term and assisted living centers ); ambulatory care centers ; out-patient surgery centers ; medical / physician offices ; home healthcare ; military service ; community health settings ; schools ; retail clinics ; correctional facilities ; consultants , IT vendors , research
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