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
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 preferred) n Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse( CMSRN)
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 Acute care settings, 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.
Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
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