20 Types of Nurses in the USA

The nursing profession includes a wide variety of specializations. This article is an overview of different 20 Types of Nurses in the USA and salaries . How many types of nurses are there in the US? By understanding these types of nursing specialities in the US, you can choose the perfect one that suits you best.

Why is the USA the best for nursing? From high salaries to work-life balance, the USA offers several benefits for its healthcare professionals. In addition to this, nurses in the United States can choose their specialization according to their interests.

1. Nurse Practitioner(NP)

An NP plays a crucial role in the US healthcare system. To become a Nurse Practitioner, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and should complete a Master’s in an NP-focused program. The salary of an NP in the USA ranges from $88,681 to $175,781 per year. 

Roles of Nurse Practitioner in the USA

• They conduct thorough assessments of patients, including medical history reviews, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests. 
• They use their clinical expertise to diagnose acute and chronic illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop individualized treatment plans. 

2. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) are the all-rounders of the US healthcare system. To become a RN, you need to have a nursing degree or diploma. The average salary of a nurse in the USA ranges from $61,798 to $140,868 per year.

Roles of Registered Nurses in the USA

• They communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team, including physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and therapists. 
• They provide information on medication administration, wound care, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle modifications.

3. Nurse Educator

Nurse educators play a crucial role in developing and advancing nursing professionals through their services in various educational settings. The average base salary of a nurse educator in the USA is $70,451 per year.

Roles of Nurse Educators in the USA

• They mainly design, develop, and evaluate nursing education to ensure alignment with professional standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in nursing education.
• They create educational materials, learning resources, and instructional strategies that facilitate effective teaching and learning experiences for students.

4. Psychiatric Nurse

Caring for mentally disabled people needs a more compassionate approach. These psychiatric nurses play essential roles in the mental health field by providing holistic care to mentally disabled individuals. The average salary of a psychiatric nurse in the USA is $118,464 per year.

Roles of Psychiatric Nurses in the USA

• They mainly conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ mental health status, including evaluating their psychological, emotional, and behavioral symptoms.
• They also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to formulate accurate diagnoses and develop individualized treatment plans.

5. Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses specialize in promoting the health and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents. The average base salary of a Pediatric Nurse in the US is $131,223 per year.

Roles of Pediatric Nurses in the USA

• Like other RNs, they conduct thorough assessments, mainly for pediatric patients.
• They monitor growth and development milestones, assess vital signs, and identify signs of illness or injury.

6. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in administering anesthesia and providing perioperative care to patients undergoing surgical, obstetrical, and other medical procedures. The average salary of a CRNA in the USA is $230,155 per year.

Roles of CRNA in the USA

• They monitor patients’ vital signs, adjust anesthesia levels as needed, and respond promptly to changes in patient status.
• They evaluate patients’ readiness for anesthesia and surgery, identify potential risks and complications, and develop individualized anesthesia care plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

7. Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in a specific area of clinical practice, such as oncology, critical care, pediatrics, or mental health. The average salary of CNS in the USA is $127,844 per year.

Roles of CNS in the USA

• They provide direct patient care, performing comprehensive assessments, developing individualized care plans, and implementing evidence-based interventions to promote optimal patient outcomes.
• They serve as consultants, providing expert guidance and recommendations on complex patient cases, treatment plans, and clinical interventions.

8. Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA)

The role of a GNA involves providing essential care and support to elderly patients in various healthcare settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care settings. The average salary of a Geriatric Nursing Assistant in the USA is $40,055.

Roles of GNA in the USA

• They help elderly patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility.
• They assist patients with transferring in and out of bed or chairs, using mobility aids, and maintaining personal hygiene to ensure their comfort and well-being.

9. Critical Care Nurse

The role of a Critical Care Nurse is vital in providing specialized care to patients who are critically ill or injured, typically in intensive care units (ICUs) or other acute care settings. The average salary of a critical care nurse in the USA is $72,183.

Roles of Critical Care Nurse in the USA

• They closely monitor and assess the condition of critically ill patients, including vital signs, cardiac rhythms, oxygenation levels, and neurological status.
• They use advanced monitoring equipment and technology to detect changes in patient status and intervene promptly to prevent deterioration.

10. Nurse Manager

The role of a nurse manager is to be the supremely responsible person who oversees nursing staff, manages patient care delivery, and ensures the efficient operation of nursing units or departments within healthcare facilities. The average base salary of a nurse manager in the USA is $117,687 per year.

Roles of Nurse Manager in the USA

• They set goals, establish policies and procedures, and allocate resources to ensure the effective delivery of patient care services.
• They mentor and coach staff members, identify learning needs, and facilitate opportunities for continuing education and skill development.

11. Nurse Midwife

The role of a Nurse Midwife encompasses a range of responsibilities related to providing comprehensive care to women throughout their reproductive lifespan, with a focus on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. The average salary of a Nurse Midwife in the USA is $112,119 per year.

Role of Nurse Midwife in the USA

• They provide prenatal care to pregnant women, including regular check-ups, screenings, and assessments to monitor the health and well-being of both the mother and the fetus.
• They assist women during labor and childbirth, providing emotional support, comfort measures, and pain management techniques such as breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and hydrotherapy.

12. Nursing Administrator

The role of a Nursing Administrator, just like that of the Nurse Manager, involves overseeing and managing nursing staff, operations, and resources within healthcare organizations. The average salary of a Nursing Administrator in the USA is $110,029 per year.

Roles of Nursing Administrator

• They provide leadership and direction to nursing staff, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth and development.
• They mentor and coach staff members, identify learning needs, and facilitate opportunities for continuing education and skill development.

13. Public Health Nurse

The role of a Public Health Nurse (PHN) is multifaceted, focusing on promoting and protecting the health of communities through various strategies and interventions. The average salary Public Health Nurse in the USA is $70,045 per year.

Roles of Public Health Nurse in the USA

• They educate individuals, families, and groups on topics such as nutrition, exercise, immunizations, and preventive health screenings.
• They collaborate with community stakeholders to develop and implement health improvement plans, prioritize health issues, and allocate resources to address identified needs.

14. Travel Nurse

The role of a travel nurse involves providing temporary nursing care in various healthcare facilities across different geographical locations. The average salary of a Travel nurse in the USA is $114,640 per year.

Roles of Travel Nurse in the USA

• They may work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or other healthcare facilities, often adjusting to different workflows and policies with each assignment.
• They may choose assignments based on location, specialty, or duration, allowing them to explore different regions and healthcare settings while gaining valuable experience.

15. Emergency room nurse

Emergency room nurses, also known as emergency department (ED) nurses, play a crucial role in providing rapid and effective care to patients in emergency situations. The average base salary of an ED nurse in the USA is $119,627 per year.

Roles of Emergency room nurse in the USA

• They coordinate care with other members of the healthcare team, follow established protocols and algorithms, and remain calm and focused under pressure to provide optimal care in high-stress environments.
• They address patients’ questions and concerns, provide referrals to community resources, and promote self-care practices to support patients’ recovery and well-being after discharge.

16. Occupational health nurse

Occupational health nurses (OHNs) play a critical role in promoting and maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of workers in various industries and workplaces. The average salary of an Occupational health nurse in the USA is $76,761 per year.

Roles of Occupational health nurse

• They conduct assessments of workplace hazards, ergonomic evaluations, and health risk assessments to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to promote employee health and safety.
• They develop and implement injury prevention programs, safety protocols, and risk management strategies to minimize workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses.

17. Home care nurse

Home care nurses provide essential healthcare services to patients in the comfort of their own homes, catering to individuals of all ages who require medical assistance, ongoing care, or support with activities of daily living. The average salary for nurses in the USA is $100,177 per year.

Roles of Home care nurse in the USA

• They ensure medication adherence, monitor for potential side effects, and communicate any concerns or changes to the healthcare team.
• They provide information on disease processes, symptom management strategies, lifestyle modifications, and preventive measures to optimize patients’ health outcomes.

18. Orthopedic Nurse

Orthopedic nurses specialize in providing care to patients with musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, including fractures, joint replacements, spinal disorders, and orthopedic surgeries. The average salary of an Orthopedic Nurse in the USA is $91,865 per year.

Roles of Orthopedic Nurse in the USA

• They assess patients’ musculoskeletal health and functional status, including mobility, range of motion, and pain levels.
• They educate patients and their families about orthopedic conditions, treatment options, and rehabilitation exercises, empowering them to participate in their care and recovery.

19. Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses specialize in providing care to patients with cancer, playing a vital role in supporting patients throughout their cancer journey. The average salary of an oncology nurse in the USA is $79,879 per year.

Roles of Oncology Nurse

• They conduct thorough assessments of patients’ physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs upon diagnosis and throughout the treatment process.
• They monitor patients’ symptoms, side effects of treatment, and response to therapy, adjusting care plans as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.

20. Dermatology Nurse Practitioner

Among the types of nurses in the USA, Dermatology nurse practitioners in the USA mainly focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of skin conditions. A Dermatology Nurse Practitioner can earn an average salary of $78,000 per year in the USA.

Roles of Dermatology Nurse Practitioner

• They can detect conditions ranging from acne and eczema to skin cancer and infections with their advanced knowledge.
• They mainly collaborate closely with dermatologists and other healthcare professionals.

These are the different types of nurses in the USA. Among these, which one is your favorite? If you are considering nursing jobs in the USA, Career Grids will be your guiding partner. As a government-approved agency, Career Grids ensures smooth processing and faster placements.