2025 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
Medical-Surgical Nurse
Medical-surgical (“ med-surg ”) nurses care for patients with acute illness , major surgery , and chronic diseases or conditions . Medical-surgical nurses simultaneously coordinate care for several patients on a designated medical-surgical nursing unit , who are in stable condition , are at high risk for a rapid deterioration in health status , and who are not ready to return home or transfer to a long-term care setting . They teach patients and / or families how to best care for themselves and when to seek medical and nursing care upon discharge . Medical-surgical nurses are an integral healthcare team member in promoting wellness and managing patient transitions from settings and levels of care .
n RN , ASN / ADN ( BSN or MSN preferred ) n Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
n 2 years of practice in a medical-surgical setting ; 2,000 hours of practice within the past 3 years . Practice may include clinical , management , or education . n CMSRN n Hospitals , continuing care n Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses ( www . amsn . org )
Military Nurse
With specialized training , care for military personnel . Whether overseas or at home , duties are typical of other nurses as the administer medication , treat wounds , set up triage , etc .
n RN , ASN / ADN or BSN ( BSN preferred , sometimes required ) n No certification . Completion of training program after enlisting in a branch of the Armed Forces . n Military bases , war zones , naval ships
n Army Nurse Corps Association ( www . e-anca . org ); Navy Nurse Corps Association ( www . nnca . org ); Society of Air Force Nurses ( www . safn . org ) n Resources : Navy Nursing ” by Mark Calogero ( Vol 60 , No 1 – January 20 Read at http :// bit . ly / 2kzeJ4B
Missionary Nurse
Provide healthcare and spiritual care in other countries . Set up clinics in under-served areas , educate patients on self- care and often participate in humanitarian work .
n RN , ASN / ADN or BSN
n No certification . Some missionary nurses pursue seminary / religious training and / or foreign language education . n Foreign / developing countries
n No general association . Various organizations such as Mennonite Nurses Association , Global Ministries of Missionary Nurses , Nurses for Africa , and Nurses Christian Fellowship .
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