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15+ Types of Nurses with Job Descriptions and Salaries

Nurses have many different options to choose from when picking a nursing career path. There are also various degree options for nurses. Entry-level nurses typically don’t need anything more than a high school diploma, while some advanced practice registered nursing positions require more.

On this page, we will provide an overview of various types of nurses along with educational requirements, job descriptions and salaries.

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15 types of nurses and what they do

1. Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurse

Labor and delivery (L&D) nurses, also known as obstetric nurses (OB) work with women in triage, antepartum mothers, intrapartum mothers, surgical patients, and postpartum mother/baby couplets.

  • Educational Requirements: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Certifications: NCC Credential in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB), Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM), Neonatal Resuscitation Program® (NRP®)
  • 2021 Average Salary: $90,523

2. Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurses help patients who are recovering from the side effects of anesthesia. They monitor a patient’s vital signs, check their level of consciousness, and look for any side effects from anesthesia.

3. Operating Room (OR) / Surgical Nurse

Operating room (OR) nurses are registered nurses who work in the operating room and take care of patients prior to, during, and after invasive surgery or medical procedures.

4. ICU / Critical Care Nurse

ICU nurses or critical care nurses provide specialized experience, knowledge, and skills to patients with life-threatening illnesses or conditions.

5. Emergency Room (ER) Nurse

An emergency department (ER) nurse quickly triages, stabilizes, revives, or resolves life-threatening situations before getting the patient the further care that they need.  

6. Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Registered nurse first assistants (RNFA) monitor patients’ vital signs during surgical procedures. If complications arise, the RNFA must spring into action, helping the surgeon and other medical personnel stabilize the patient.

7. Temporary Nurse Aide

A temporary nurse aide works on a short-term contract to assist nurses and nurses’ aides.

8. Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Nurse

A progressive care unit (PCU) nurse helps patients who need intermediate care to the point where they are ready to go home. 

9. Nurse Navigator

A nurse navigator helps navigate the patient through the treatment process by connecting them to resources and information to make informed decisions. They also assist the patient from initial diagnosis to end-of-life treatment if necessary.

10. Private Duty Nurse

A private duty nurse is a registered nurse who provides patients with one-on-one, long-term care in their homes. They take care of a patient’s basic, daily needs and help with chronic health problems. 

11. Dermatology Nurse Practitioner

Dermatology nurse practitioners specialize in the treatment of diseases and medical conditions that affect the surface of the skin. 

12. Medical-Surgical Nurse

Medical-surgical nurses are registered nurses who provide care for adults with many different medical issues and who are preparing for or recovering from surgery.

  • Educational Requirement: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Certifications: Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (RN-BC), Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN), Certified in Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCCTM)
  • 2021 Average Salary: $87,049

13. Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse

A cardiac cath lab nurse assists doctors and provides care to cardiac patients during the post-catheterization recovery period. They also examine patients before the procedure and monitor their vitals throughout the entire process. 

14. Hospice Nurse Practitioner

Hospice nurse practitioners help patients and their families feel more comfortable with death and ensure they have the emotional support needed throughout the process.

15. Quality Assurance Nurse

Quality assurance nurses evaluate nursing practices within an agency or department and recommending changes for improvement. 

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Nursing jobs by category

Additional types of nurses

Entry level nursing roles

[Learn more about different levels of nursing.]

Other types of registered nurses (RNs)

Registered Nurses

Types of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

Frequently asked questions

How should I choose what type of nurse to become?

Your nursing career path comes down to your education level, your nursing license, and how you prefer to work. Speaking with an experienced nurse or a career advisor at your school could help narrow down your decision.

How many nursing specialties are there?

There are dozens, if not hundreds of different areas that nurses can specialize in. A nurse might choose a specialty that allows them to work with a certain patient population (such as children), specific health conditions (such as cardiac care), or work settings (such as home health nurses). Some types of nurses don’t even work directly with patients, but instead specialize in areas like research, education, or staff management.

What degree do I need for my nursing specialty?

The degree you need as a nurse depends in large part on where you want to specialize. Advanced practice nurses typically require a higher level degree, while others might require only an Associate Degree.

Here are some examples of the various types of nursing degrees and bridge programs you can take to earn them:
– Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
– Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); ADN-to-BSN bridge program
– Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); BSN-to-MSN bridge program; RN-to-MSN bridge program
– Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP); BSN-to-DNP bridge program
– Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
– Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)

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