11 Nursing Roles to Celebrate Nurses Month
Nursing is a diverse profession that encompasses a wide array of specialties and roles. From providing healthcare in underserved communities to advocating for patients' rights and more, nurses are essential in promoting wellness and treatment across settings.
Below are some common nursing roles:
11. Flight Nurse
Flight nurses provide comprehensive medical care on aircraft including planes and helicopters ensuring patients receive continuous advanced treatment during air transport. Patient transfers occur between facilities, particularly when treatments may be unavailable at the original facility. In addition to working in trauma centers, hospitals, and search and rescue organizations, flight nurses can pursue careers in the military and its reserves.
10. Forensic Nurse
Forensic nurses provide care and support to victims, along with collecting evidence of trauma that can be utilized in court. Forensic nurses may also provide testimony in court and collaborate with coroners and medical examiners to investigate causes of death. Forensic nurses primarily work within hospitals, community programs, and medical examiners offices.
9. Lactation Consultant
Lactation consultants have several different designations, including Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), among others. Lactation specialists work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, government services, and in community organizations. Their responsibilities can vary based on the certification level, but generally, they provide education, support, and reassurance on breastfeeding issues for both the mother and baby.
8. Mental Health Nurse
Mental health nursing is a specialized area of nursing that focuses on providing care and support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges or conditions. These nurses collaborate closely with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to evaluate mental health needs, create care plans, administer medications, offer therapy and counseling, and advocate for patients' rights and overall well-being.
7. Missionary Nurse
Missionary nurses provide education and guidance to people who may otherwise have limited access to healthcare. Many missionary nurses work on a volunteer basis with nonprofits, NGOs, and churches. They often work abroad, allowing missionary nurses to experience different cultures. In addition to education and disease prevention, missionary nurses also offer spiritual guidance to communities.
6. Nurse Advocate
Nurse advocates, also called patient advocates, educate and assist patients through the healthcare system. They work primarily in hospitals, long-term care centers, and outpatient care centers, serving as a liaison between the patient and the care team. Nurse advocates assist patients in understanding their different treatment options, navigating medical bills, and knowing their patient rights. Depending on the patient’s needs, nurse advocates can advocate for the patient with their insurance company, employer, and others.
5. Nurse Attorney
Nurse attorneys, who are licensed as both nurses and attorneys, leverage the dual expertise to handle healthcare-related legal cases and ensure compliance with medical regulations. Nurse Attorneys can work within healthcare organizations, government, law firms, or within industry, such as working for insurance or pharmaceutical companies. Nurse attorneys often choose to work as nurses first, gaining healthcare experience before going to law school.
4. Ophthalmic Nurse
Ophthalmic nurses specialize in the health and care of the eyes in patients of all ages. The Ophthalmic nurse works closely with ophthalmologists to treat different eye conditions and eye injuries. The Ophthalmic nurse can assist during surgery, administer medication, and test vision. Problems with the eyes are often linked to other illnesses or concerns, so thorough examination is a key factor in overall patient health.
3. Public Health Nurse
A public health nurse, also called a community health nurse, focuses on population health, particularly preventive care. The public health nurse advances the health of populations though partnership with community groups and the American Public Health Association (APHA). The mission of the APHA is to “advance population health through community and professional partnerships, evidence-based practice, workforce development, research, policy development, and advocacy.” Because the shared goal is increasing population health, public health nurses work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, community clinics and organizations, outpatient clinics, and in nonprofit settings.
2. Rehabilitation Nurse
Rehabilitation nurses specialize in helping patients recover from injuries or manage chronic illnesses. The goal of rehab nursing is to give patients their freedom and independence back. Rehabilitation nurses provide personalized care plans, assist with physical therapy exercises, educate patient and families to manage conditions and prevent complications, and provide emotional support to improve and promote overall health. Depending on the patient’s needs, they collaborate with different specialties to allow for maximum health improvement and adaptation.
1. Transplant Nurse
Transplant nurses provide care for patients and families throughout the organ donation and transplant process. This care includes both donors and recipients. Transplant nurses provide education to patients and families of donors and recipients and play a vital role during the surgical process. Transplant nurse responsibilities include, pre-operative care, assisting in the operating room, monitoring the patient during the procedure and post-operative care. Post-operative care includes monitoring for surgical complications, medication administration and patient education to ensure a smooth recovery.
Nurses profoundly influence patients’ lives. As we celebrate Nurses Month, let us honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of the nursing community in shaping the landscape of healthcare and fostering a healthier, more compassionate world for all.