RN’s specializing in treatment of a particular organ or body system are usually employed in hospital specialty or critical-care units, specialty clinics, and outpatient care facilities.
Cardiovascular Nursing– in this field, nurses help patients who are recovering from heart diseases and other heart conditions, for instance bypass surgery, angioplasty, or pacemaker surgery. Most often, this care is delivered in hospitals, but it can also be at the home of a patient. Duties often include counseling patients about various cardiovascular diseases and how they can be prevented.
Dermatology Nursing– assistance to patients who are recovering from wounds, injuries, or skin diseases is provided by nurses in this area of practice. Skin cancers are also treated, as well as post-plastic care, and because the skin is actually the largest organ of the body, there is great demand for dermatology nurses. Duties include treatment of acne, cosmetic procedures, and cancer screening.
Gastroenterology Nursing– patients who have issues with their digestive tracts and gastrointestinal tracts are the focus of this practice. Some of the specific afflictions include diarrhea, constipation, Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, rectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, and various food allergies. Duties include the assessment, diagnosis, and identification of outcomes, as well as the planning and implementation of care.
Gynecology Nursing– a.k.a. OB/GYN nursing, this field addresses the care of females from the time of puberty right up through menopause. In most cases, care centers around the processes of pregnancy, labor, and actual childbirth, as well as any issues which might afflict the female reproductive system. Duties include care for women during childbirth, and treatment of hormone disorders, reproductive cancer, and other gynecological problems.
Nephrology Nursing– nephrology nursing focuses on the care and treatment of patients who are experiencing kidney problems. It could also include care for patients who are at risk for kidney disease, and are in a pre-disease condition. Care can be delivered in a hospital or clinic setting, and sometimes even in the home. Duties include care of patients with kidney disease, sometimes in a dialysis situation.
Neuroscience Nursing– this area of nursing generally has to do with treatment of individuals who have inherited or acquired neurological conditions. Some examples are multiple sclerosis, brain injuries, spine injuries, meningitis, Parkinson’s Disease, encephalitis, epilepsy, brain tumors, and strokes. Duties include monitoring neurological exams, issuing medications, and consulting with physicians.
Ophthalmic Nursing– disorders related to the eyes are the particular domain of ophthalmic nurses. Nurses perform pre-op procedures, and play an essential assistant role during eye surgeries, as well as post-operative care. Duties include assessing and treating patients with various eye injuries and diseases.
Orthopedic Nursing– nurses involved with orthopedics focus on musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis, and on injuries to the bones. Such conditions as broken bones, fractures, replacements of hips and knees, osteoporosis, and genetic bone malformations are all potential areas of care for nurses in this field. Duties include providing care for patients with arthritis, joint replacements, and bone fractures.
Otorhinolaryngology Nursing– commonly referred to as ‘head and neck’ nurses, caregivers in this specialty most frequent provide care for people with disorders of the ears, nose, and throat. Other related areas such as the skin, neck, and oral cavities may also come into play for treatment of various illnessed, disorders, and chronic pains. Duties include treating patients with ear infections and allergies.
Respiratory Nursing– sometimes called a pulmonary nurse, this specialist commonly cares for and treats patients who have have issues related to breathing. For instance, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, tuberculosis, and lung cancer commonly fall into this category of treatment. Duties include caring for and educating patients with all kinds of respiratory problems and diseases.
Urology Nursing– nurses in this area treat patients who have diseases which are related to the urinary system, such as incontinence. Typically, a urology nurse has an active role in the education and prevention of problems for patients in the areas of the body related to urinary function, e.g. bladder, kidneys, ureters, urethra, and the entire urinary tract. Duties include providing checkups and caring for patients with urinary tract problems.