81 Types of Nurses: Their Functions, Salaries, & Career Outlook

Registered nurses (RNs) make up the largest group of healthcare professionals in the United States, with nearly 4.7 million individuals employed in various settings. But narrowing down the type of nurse you want to be can be difficult.

From bustling emergency rooms to the serene settings of community clinics, nurses find themselves at the heart of the action. 

 In this article, we’ll explore over 80 different types of nurses and their roles in health care. As well, we’ll look at the nursing degrees, stress levels, career outlook, and median salary for each of these nursing roles.

So, whether you’re looking to become a nurse for the first time or ready for a change of scenery, we’re here to help you plan your next career moves.

Types of Nurses (A-Z)

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Understanding Different Nursing Specialties 

Nursing specialties are specific areas within nursing that focus on particular client populations, health conditions, or types of care. 

 These specialties allow nurses to develop expertise and provide high-quality, tailored care. There’s a growing need for specialized nursing roles because of:  

• An aging population 
• Advances in medical technology 
• Evolving health care needs  

Specializing in a particular field can lead to career growth, increased job satisfaction, and higher salaries. 

The median annual wage for registered nurses (RNs) is $86,070, although salaries vary from state-to-state.

Industry experts project the employment of RNs to increase by 6% from 2022 to 2032. This is faster than the average for all occupations. 

Here’s a look at some of the most in-demand nursing specialties.  

81 Types of Nurses

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Bariatric Registered Nurse 

• Function: Bariatric nurses specialize in caring for clients undergoing weight loss surgeries. They provide pre- and post-operative care, and support lifestyle changes. They also educate clients on nutrition and exercise.
• Stress: 6/10 – The role involves managing complex client needs but is rewarding because of positive health outcomes.
• Certification & Education Requirements: To become a bariatric nurse, you need an RN license with additional certification in bariatric nursing through the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
• Other Names: Bariatric nurse, certified bariatric nurse (CBN)
• Median Salary: The average annual salary is $80,071.
• Career Outlook: As obesity rates rise, experts expect the demand for bariatric nurses to increase.  

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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)  

• Function: CNAs provide basic care to clients, such as bathing, checking vital signs, dressing, feeding, grooming, and wound care. They may turn or move clients, help transport them, and support senior nurses with certain medical procedures. They also provide administrative support, like answering client calls.  
• Stress: 5/10 – While this role is physically demanding, it doesn’t typically involve high stress levels. 
• Certification & Education Requirements: CNA certification requirements vary by state. Most states require you to complete the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam to obtain a license.  
• Other Names: Nursing assistant, nurse’s aid, client care assistant, nursing attendant  
• Median Salary: The average annual salary for CNAs is $38,200. 
• Career Outlook: Industry experts project that employment for CNAs will grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Industry experts also predict a significant number of these openings will arise from the need to care for an aging population living with chronic or progressive diseases like diabetes and heart disease. 

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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)  

• Function: CRNAs administer anesthesia and monitor clients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They also provide pain management services for labor and delivery, trauma care, and chronic pain management. CRNAs must work closely with anesthesiologists to ensure client safety. 
• Stress: 8/10 – The role of a CRNA is highly demanding, physically and mentally. They’re responsible for the safe administration of anesthesia and must respond quickly in emergencies. 
• Certification & Education Requirements: To become a CRNA, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, obtain an RN license, and complete an MSN or DNP program. You must also pass the National Certification Examination (NCE). The NCE tests knowledge, skills, and abilities related to nurse anesthesia practice. 
• Other Names: Nurse anesthetist, nurse anesthesiologist 
• Median Salary: The average annual salary for CRNAs is $129,480. 
• Career Outlook: Industry experts predict employment for CRNAs will grow 38% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the national average for all occupations. They attribute this rapid growth to an aging population, the growing demand for health care, and an increased emphasis on preventive care. 

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Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)  

• Function: Clinical nurse specialists serve as clinical experts in specialized areas of nursing practice, such as cardiovascular health, oncology, or pediatrics. They provide comprehensive client care, including consultation, diagnosis, and treatment. They may also focus on a client population, like geriatrics, or educate and coach other nursing staff.  
• Stress: 5/10 – While the role of a CNS may involve complex cases and high-pressure situations, they typically have more autonomy than other advanced practice nurses and can focus on specific client populations or areas of expertise. 
• Certification & Education Requirements: To become a CNS, you must pass the NCLEX-RN, obtain an MSN, and typically have a year or more of experience as a nurse. A CNS who does research requires a doctoral degree.  
• Other Names: Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), advanced practice nurse 
• Median Salary: The average annual salary for a CNS is $94,545. 
• Career Outlook: The expected job demand is positive, which aligns with the increased demand for nursing professionals. 

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Clinical Nurse Supervisor  

• Function: A clinical nurse supervisor oversees and manages teams of nurses within a hospital or clinic. They ensure quality client care, manage staff schedules, and support nursing staff. 
• Stress: 8/10 – As a clinical nurse supervisor, you may face high stress levels due to managing other nurses and ensuring the best possible client outcomes.  
• Certification & Education Requirements: To become a CNS, you must pass the NCLEX-RN, have an MSN, and typically have several years of experience as an RN. You can also obtain a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Certification. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with leadership experience or advanced degrees in nursing administration or health care management.  
• Other Names: Nurse manager, nurse supervisor 
• Median Salary: The average annual salary for a clinical nurse supervisor is $89,949. 
• Career Outlook: Industry experts predict a positive job outlook for clinical nurse supervisors as the demand for healthcare services grows. In addition, many current nurses are reaching retirement age, creating a need for new leaders to take on management roles within health care facilities. 

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Critical Care Nurse (CCN) 

• Function: CCNs work in intensive care units (ICUs) and other high-intensity settings to provide specialized care for critically ill clients. They’re responsible for closely monitoring clients, administering medication or medical treatments, dressing wounds, tracking life support equipment, infusing blood products, and responding to medical emergencies.  
• Stress: 9/10 – Due to the critical nature of their work, CCNs often face high levels of stress and pressure as they must make quick decisions that can significantly impact a client’s life. 
• Certification & Education Requirements: To become a CCN, you must have an RN license and complete additional training in critical care nursing. Many employers also require the Certification for Adult Critical Care Nurses (CCRN) through organizations like the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).  
• Other Names: Intensive care unit (ICU) nurse 
• Median Salary: The average annual salary for CCNs is $94,610. 
• Career Outlook: The job outlook for CCNs is positive, which aligns with the increased demand for nursing professionals.  

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Emergency Room Nurse (ERN) 

• Function: ERNs work in the emergency departments (EDs) of hospitals and other medical facilities to provide specialized care for clients with severe injury, illness, or trauma who need urgent care. They must quickly assess a client’s condition, administer medication or treatments, coordinate with other health care professionals, and make critical decisions under pressure. ERNs may also conduct triage to determine the priority of care for clients, help stabilize them, and manage their pain until more in-depth treatment is possible. 
• Stress: 10/10 – The fast-paced and unpredictable nature of working in an emergency room can lead to high stress levels. 
• Certification & Education Requirements: To become an ERN, you must have an RN license and complete additional training in emergency nursing. Many employers also require the Certification for Emergency Nursing (CEN) through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) 
• Other Names: Trauma nurse, emergency department nurse 
• Median Salary: The average annual salary for ERNs is $86,737.  
• Career Outlook: The job outlook for ERNs is positive, which aligns with the increased demand for nursing professionals.  

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Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)  

• Function: FNPs provide specialty care to individuals of all ages. They can diagnose or treat common illnesses, prescribe medication, perform routine check-ups, and manage chronic conditions. FNPs often work in outpatient settings such as clinics or private practices and may educate clients on preventive care measures. 
• Stress: 6/10 – While the responsibilities of an FNP are demanding, they typically have more control over their schedule and workload than other types of nurses.  
• Certification & Education Requirements: To become an FNP, you must obtain an RN license and complete an MSN or DNP. You must also pass the Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC) exam through the ANCC certification.  
• Other Names: Primary care nurse practitioner, nurse practitioner (NP) 
• Median Salary: The average annual salary for FNPs is $127,976.  
• Career Growth: The job outlook for FNPs is positive, which aligns with the increased demand for nursing professionals.  

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Forensic Nurse 

• Function: Forensic nurses provide care for victims and perpetrators of violence, abuse, or neglect. They work closely with law enforcement and legal systems to collect evidence and testify in court cases. Forensic nurses may also work in hospitals, clinics, or community-based organizations to provide medical care, counseling, and support services to individuals affected by violence. 
• Stress: 8/10 – The emotional toll of working with survivors of violence is high for forensic nurses. However, they play an important role in seeking justice for victims and making a positive impact on their lives. 
• Certification & Education Requirements: To become a forensic nurse, you must obtain an RN license and complete additional training in forensic nursing. This may include a certification from the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) or an MSN in forensic nursing. 
• Other Names: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), forensic nurse examiner 
• Median Salary: The average annual salary for forensic nurses is $65,466.  
• Career Growth: The job outlook for FNPs is positive, which aligns with the increased demand for nursing professionals.  

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Health Informatics Nurse Specialists 

• Function: Health informatics nurse specialists are RNs with training in data and information management. They use technology to collect, organize, and analyze health information to improve client care. 
• Stress: 6/10 – The job may involve working with large amounts of complex data and staying updated on constantly evolving healthcare technology. However, the role also offers a sense of satisfaction from improving client care through efficient data management. 
• Certification & Education Requirements: To become a health informatics nurse specialist, you must obtain an RN license.  
• Other Names: health information technologist, medical registrar, health information technician, medical records specialist 
• Median Salary: The median salary for health informatics nurse specialists is $62,990. 
• Career Growth: Industry experts expect the demand for skilled health informatics nurse specialists to grow due to the increasing use of technology in health care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, experts project that employment for medical records and health information technicians, which includes health informatics nurses, will grow 8% from 2022 to 2032. 

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Home Care Registered Nurse 

• Function: Home care registered nurses provide critical nursing services to clients in their homes. They clean wounds or sores, change bandages, and administer medication. They work closely with clients, families, or other health care professionals to develop personalized care plans and ensure quality client care. 
• Stress: 7/10 – Working in-home care is emotionally demanding as nurses often form close relationships with clients and their families. The job may also involve dealing with difficult client situations and working independently without the support of a larger medical team. 
• Certification & Education Requirements: To become a home care RN, you must obtain a nursing license. Some employers might require additional training or certifications in home health nursing. ANCC offers a Home Health Nursing Certification (RN-BC).  
• Other Names: home health nurse, home health RN 
• Median Salary: The median salary for home care registered nurses is $101,717.  
• Career Growth: The job outlook for home care RNs is positive, which aligns with the increased demand for nursing professionals.  

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Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse 

• Function: ICU registered nurses provide specialized and critical nursing care to severely ill or injured clients. They monitor and assess patient conditions, administer medication, and work with other health care team members to develop individualized treatment plans. 
• Stress: 9/10 – Working in the ICU is extremely stressful as nurses deal with high-pressure situations and critically ill clients. They may also face emotional challenges while caring for clients’ families during difficult times. 
• Certification & Education Requirements: To become an ICU RN, you must obtain a nursing license and complete additional training in critical care nursing. Some employers may also require certifications such as the CCRN certification. 
• Other Names: critical care nurse, ICU nurse 
• Median Salary: The median salary for intensive care unit registered nurses is