13 Different Types of Nurses
and What They Do

1. Licensed practical nurse (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work closely with registered nurses (RNs) and physicians to provide patients with basic nursing care. Many new nurses start out as an LPN to gain nursing experience before advancing their career with an associate (ASN) or bachelor’s degree (BSN).

Due to an aging population, there is a growing need for LPNs and their duties in long-term care, such as rehabilitation centers, residential treatment centers and hospice. Employment for LPNs is expected to increase by as much as 5% from 2022-2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

4. Med-surgical nurse

A med-surg nurse works on the medical/surgical floor of a hospital. Med-surg nurses must have strong time management and organizational skills, as they often care for multiple patients at a time.

They also need to be skilled communicators in order to work effectively with multiple healthcare team members, such as doctors and surgical staff.

If you like a fast-paced work environment where no two days are the same, then a career as a med-surg nurse might be a good fit for you.

6. Oncology nurse

Oncology nurses are involved in many aspects of cancer diagnoses and treatment, from early detection to symptom management. They most often work in hospitals, but they can also be employed by home care organizations, specialty medical centers and ambulatory centers.

While cancer affects individuals of all ages, 69 percent of new cases are diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 55 and 84, according to the National Cancer Institute. As the baby boomer generation ages and the pool of older cancer patients increases, oncology nurses will become an even more important part of the healthcare workforce.

8. Nurse manager

Nurse managers are experienced nurse leaders who oversee a team of nurses and other healthcare staff. They help ensure positive patient outcomes and make it possible for an organization to achieve a higher standard of care.

Effective nurse managers must have a combination of strong leadership, critical thinking and communication skills to effectively manage teams and coordinate patient care. If you want to play a role in improving the standard of patient care, then a nurse manager might be the right position for you.

10. Public health nurse

Becoming a public health nurse can be a great way to transition away from a bedside role but continue making an impact in nursing. Public health nurses assess, evaluate, and implement interventions to improve healthcare systems and policies.

Public health nursing encompasses a wide variety of potential roles and responsibilities. You may get started in the field by pursuing a job as an occupational nurse, maternal and child health nurse, or school nurse. Advance your education to the master’s or doctorate level and you can potentially qualify for leadership, management, or directorial positions.

11. Nurse anesthetist

A nurse anesthetist is a special type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who is certified and trained in administering anesthesia to patients. They can provide care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physician’s offices, rural and medically underserved areas and the military. They can also work in non-clinical settings as a teacher, researcher, or administrator.

Due to fast-growing employment and ample career advancement opportunities, U.S. News ranked Nurse Anesthetist #10 on its list of Best Healthcare Jobs for 2023.

13. Nurse practitioner

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) provide advanced care that includes health promotion, health prevention, wellness and disease management, as well as diagnosis and treating acute, chronic, and episodic illness. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are a special type of NP that works with patients of all ages.

In some rural or medically underserved areas, NPs are increasingly becoming the front line for patient care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a nurse practitioner is $128,490 - and demand for NPs is expected to grow by 45% from 2022-2032.*