Nursing Specialties 101
This type of nurse provides care during surgery
What is an OR nurse
A patient recovering from a minor surgery on a med-surg floor. High or low acuity?
What is Low Acuity?
Nurses who administer chemotherapy and monitor for serious side effects usually work here.
What is an Oncology Unit
This basic certification is required for nearly all nurses working in hospital settings.
What is BLS?
A patient comes in with a broken arm and a sprained ankle.
Who is an ER nurse?
These nurses provide care to critically ill patients with life-threatening conditions
What is an ICU nurse?
Someone in the ICU on a ventilator and multiple IV meds. High or low acuity?
What is High Acuity?
A nurse caring for children, but not in critical condition, usually works in this unit.
What is the pediatric unit?
ICU and ER nurses are usually required to hold this advanced emergency certification.
What is ACLS?
A patient recovering from gallbladder surgery needs pain management and wound care.
Who is a med-surg nurse?
This nurse type helps mothers deliver babies.
What is a Labor & Delivery nurse?
A patient in the Neuro ICU recovering from a stroke. High or low acuity?
What is High Acuity?
A patient recovering from a heart attack but stable enough to leave the ICU is likely cared for in this type of unit.
What is a telemetry unit / step-down unit?
Telemetry and cardiac nurses must be comfortable reading these.
What are EKGs / telemetry strips?
A patient is in labor and 8cm dilated.
Who is a labor & delivery nurse?
This nurse works in the recovery room and monitors patients waking up after surgery.
What is a PACU Nurse (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse)?
A patient in the emergency room with a broken arm but stable vital signs. High or low acuity?
What is Low Acuity?
This unit provides care for women before, during, and after childbirth.
What is Labor & Delivery or LDRP Unit
This certification is essential for L&D nurses and focuses on resuscitation of newborns.
What is NRP?
A patient just had heart surgery and needs close monitoring for any complications. Who’s on it?
Who is a cardiac ICU nurse?
This nurse supports patients undergoing or recovering from cardiovascular procedures like open-heart surgery.
What is a CVICU (Cardiovascular ICU) Nurse?
A patient in the step-down unit needing close heart monitoring but not on a ventilator. High or low acuity?
What is High Acuity?
Nurses caring for patients experiencing mental health crises, mood disorders, or psychiatric evaluations typically work here.
What is the psych unit
Oncology nurses administering chemo are typically required to have this specialized certification.
What is ONS / Chemotherapy Certification?
A baby is born premature and needs special care in the hospital. Which nurse takes this baby?
Who is a NICU nurse?