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
Heart Failure Nurse
Heart failure nursing is the provision of holistic care to the specific individual with Stage A through D heart failure due to any etiology. Heart failure nursing care can take place in any inpatient or outpatient setting and address the acute or chronic needs of patients and their support systems. Prevention can be viewed in relation to individuals, high-risk families, the community and populations.
n RN, ASN / ADN or BSN n Certified Heart Failure Nurse( CHFN) exam
n 2 years( full-time) as RN( or equivalent of 4,160 hrs); 1,200 hrs clinical practice caring for heart failure patients within the last two 2 years; 30 hrs of continuing education in the last 2 years( 15 hrs must be heart failure specific)
n CHFN n Hospitals, continuing care, home healthcare, community health settings n American Association of Heart Failure Nurses( www. aahfn. org)
Hematology Nurse
Involves treating patients with blood disorders and can include working in blood research, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, blood tests, and the patient education involved in all procedures.
n ASN / ADN or BSN n Oncology Certification and Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology
n For Oncology Certification: one year as an RN within 3 years of application; 1,000 hours of oncology nursing practice, within 2.5 years of application; 10 accredited CNE contact hours in oncology. For Pediatric Hematology Oncology certification: 1 year as an RN within 3 years of application; 1,000 hours of pediatric oncology or hematology nursing practice within 2.5 years of application; 10 CNE contact hours in pediatric hematology or oncology
n OCN and CPHON n Hospitals, physicians’ offices, hospice centers, radiation centers n Association of Pediatric Hematology Nursing( www. aphon. org)
Also see“ Pediatric Hematology / Oncology Nurse” section.
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