There are many options for nurses who specialize in a work setting or type of treatment, ranging from ambulatory care to providing infusions to patients. Lean more about the different types available below:
Ambulatory Care Nursing– this kind of nursing centers around patients who are being treated on an outpatient basis, i.e. they have not been admitted to a hospital. Much of the treatment in this area involves issues with chronic pain and a wide variety of injuries, but most often in a non-hospital setting. Duties include providing care and education to help patients with chronic illnesses and pains manage them better.
Critical Care Nursing– this type of nursing calls for professionals who have advanced skillsets and are specially trained to deal with high-risk patients in a hosptial setting. Also known as ICU nurses. they often have to deal with life-threatening situations that are not for the faint of heart. Duties include assessment of a patient’s condition, planning for a program of care, and implementing that care program.
Trauma and ER Nursing– emergency room nurses care for patients who have experienced some kind of bodily trauma, and can evaluate and recognize the situation quickly. This kind of care might be delivered in hospitals, ambulances, urgent care clinics, sports arenas, and even helicopters. Duties include providing nursing interventions in emergency situations, such as blood drawing, inserting tubes, and administering medications.
Holistic Nursing– this kind of nursing takes an approach where the ‘whole person’ receives treatment. This is usually in the context of mind, body, and spirit, and seeks root causes for medical problems rather than treating symptoms exclusively. Duties include serving as facilitators during the healing program, and treating problem root causes.
Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing– patients who are in the final stages of life are cared for by nurses delivering hospice or palliative care. It often involves counseling of patients and families about what to expect, and how to live out remaining days with dignity, independence, and minimal pain at that late phase of life. Duties include providing care, issuing medications, and monitoring health conditions for patients.
Infusion Nursing– nurses in this field specialize in giving patients through needed injections. Part of their care includes monitoring of fluid tubes, monitoring infusions, and ensuring that there are no negative impacts between any of the medications administered to a patient. Duties include monitoring fluid tubes and infusions, and verifying that no negative interactions between medications occur.