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 n BSN n Certified Nurse Operating Room( CNOR) certification exam n Recommended experience in critical care and ER and continuing education in related fields n CNOR n Hospitals, physicians’ offices, ambulatory surgical units n Association of periOperative Registered Nurses( www. aorn. org)
Perianesthesia Nurse
Perianesthesia nurses, sometimes called recovery room nurses, care for patients during all phases of pre-anesthesia and post-anesthesia, ambulatory surgery, and pain management. These nurses are prepared to address the needs of patients who calmly recover from anesthesia, as well as those with adverse reactions.
n RN( BSN preferred) n Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse and / or Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse examinations
n Minimum of 1,800 hours of direct perianesthesia clinical experience as an RN during the 2 years prior to application n CPAN, CAPA
n Hospitals, ambulatory care, out-patient surgery centers, medical / physician offices, military service, correctional facilities n American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses( www. aspan. org)
Plastic Surgery Nurse
Care for cosmetic surgery patients by prepping for procedures, assisting surgeon during procedures, and providing recovery care in addition to educating patient on procedure and recovery.
n RN, ASN / ADN, or BSN n Plastic Surgery Nursing Certification board exam n 2 years in surgical nursing, half of which in plastic surgery n CPSN n Hospitals, physicians’ offices n International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses( www. ispan. org)
Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric Mental Health( PMH) nurses are trained professionals in high demand, who work at the forefront of our nation’ s most urgent health care challenges. PMH nurses form strong therapeutic relationships with people experiencing mental health and / or substance use disorders. They screen, diagnose, and provide
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