2026 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
Clinical Nurse Specialist
A Clinical Nurse Specialist( CNS) is an advanced practice nurse with expertise in diagnosis and treatment in a specialized area of nursing practice. The CNS focuses on improved patient outcomes and nursing care in three areas: patients, nursing personnel management, and healthcare system.
n BSN and MSN( or PhD) n Certified Nurse Specialist( CNS) certification exam n 500 supervised clinical hours( during advanced practice education) n Varies( See www. aacn. org / certification / get-certified) n Acute care settings; also outpatient facilities and home care systems n National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists( www. nacns. org)
Correctional Facility Nurse
A challenging field that allows nurses to practice independently or as part of a team dedicated to assessing and treating inmates in the nation’ s detention systems. Requires particular adherence to strict safety regulations.
n LPN or LVN n Certified Corrections Nurse( CCN)( Not required, but helpful.) n 1 year in correction facility in current position n CCN n Jails, prisons, juvenile detention centers n American Correctional Association( www. aca. org)
Critical Care Nurse
Work involves practice in intense environments where critically-ill patients require complex interventions and continuous care. Pro- viders can further specialize in adult, pediatric or neonatal care.
n ASN / ADN( BSN or MSN preferred) n Certification for Adult, Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care Nurses n Two eligibility requirements options as per AACN:
n CCRN Option 1: 1,750 hours as RN or APRN in direct bedside care of acutely and / or critically ill patients during the previous two years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
CCRN Option 2: Practice as an RN or APRN for at least five years with a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct bedside care of acutely and / or critically ill patients, with 144 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application.
n Hospital ICUs, emergency rooms, managed care organizations, nursing schools, outpatient surgery centers n American Association of Critical-Care Nurses( www. aacn. org)
40 NSNA Imprint