5 Unique Nursing Specialties You May Not Have Heard Of
Nursing careers extend far beyond the specialties most patients encounter during routine care. Nurses can work in highly focused environments that require specialized clinical knowledge, equipment, and training.
What is a perianesthesia nurse? What does a hyperbaric nurse do? Here are five nursing specialties you may not have considered.
1. Perianesthesia Nurse
In medical terminology, peri means around or encompassing. Perianesthesia nurses care for patients before and after anesthesia procedures. They may assess patients before a procedure and monitor recovery afterward.
Important postoperative findings include:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Temperature
- Respiratory rate and oxygenation
- Level of consciousness
- Pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Patients may experience respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, or gastrointestinal complications as they recover from anesthesia. Perianesthesia nurses monitor closely, manage symptoms, protect the airway, and respond when a patient’s condition changes.
Is a Perianesthesia Nurse Different From a CRNA?
Yes. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia and provide related care before, during, and after procedures. Perianesthesia nurses commonly focus on preparing patients for anesthesia and monitoring recovery. Responsibilities vary by setting and role, and the two professionals may work closely together.
2. Hyperbaric Nurse
Many people associate hyperbaric chambers with scuba diving. Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy can treat decompression sickness, it also has other approved medical uses.
During treatment, the patient breathes oxygen in a pressurized chamber. A patient may be treated alone in a monoplace chamber or with other patients in a multiplace chamber. Hyperbaric nurses monitor patients, follow strict fire and oxygen-safety procedures, assess for complications, and provide education before and after treatment.
3. Forensic Nurse
Forensic nurses work at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system. They may care for people affected by sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child or elder abuse, trafficking, or other forms of trauma.
Their responsibilities may include treating injuries, collecting and preserving evidence, documenting findings, providing trauma-informed care, coordinating follow-up services, and testifying in legal proceedings. Some roles require additional education or certification.
4. Flight Nurse
Flight nurses provide emergency and critical care during air transport. They may work aboard helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft and care for patients with traumatic injuries, critical illnesses, obstetric emergencies, or other time-sensitive conditions.
The role requires strong assessment and critical-care skills, rapid decision-making, teamwork, and the ability to function in a confined environment affected by noise, vibration, altitude, weather, and limited resources.
5. Wound Care Nurse
Wound care nurses assess and treat acute and chronic wounds, including pressure injuries, diabetic ulcers, surgical wounds, burns, and wounds related to vascular disease.
Their work may involve measuring and documenting wounds, selecting dressings, monitoring healing, preventing infection, educating patients and caregivers, and collaborating with physicians, dietitians, therapists, and other care team members.
Finding the Right Nursing Specialty
Each specialty has different education, experience, and certification expectations. Before choosing a path, research the role, observe the work when possible, and speak with nurses who practice in that setting. The right specialty can shape your patient population, work environment, schedule, and long-term professional development.
