Across Australia, nearly half a million nurses work to keep the nation healthy, meaning that the nursing sector makes up the largest clinical workforce in the country. However, while the majority of registered nurses work in standard nursing roles, specialisation is increasingly in demand, and those that continue to develop their education, skills and expertise can expect to earn much larger nursing salaries, with some of the highest paid roles going to those who complete post nursing certification qualifications.
These specialist roles cover a variety of areas and sectors, often providing medical care for certain conditions or demographics. But what kind of nursing specialities are currently in demand, and how can you choose the right one for your career path? In this article, we’ll explore those questions and more. Read on and learn everything about the different types of nursing speciality in Australia.
What Is a Nursing Specialty?
Within the healthcare industry, a nursing specialty refers to an area of expertise or a role for which nurses receive specialised training and education. As the many of the roles associated with nursing job specialties have emerged in response to the increasing complexity of medical treatments, technological advancements, and evolving patient demographics, many also require a deeper understanding of the people and medical conditions they treat.
Ultimately this leads to improved patient outcomes, with medical interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of patients. Nursing specialties allow nurses to focus their skills and knowledge on particular aspects of healthcare, which in turn contributes to more effective and efficient patient care. For instance, critical care nurses excel at monitoring and providing urgent care for patients with life-threatening conditions, while neonatal nurses specialise in guiding women through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Such specialisation ensures that patients receive the highest level of care from professionals who are experts in their specific field.
Different Types of Nursing Specialities
The diverse array of nursing specialties covers a wide range of roles, each with its own unique responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. These specialties cater to various patient populations and medical conditions, ensuring that healthcare services are tailored to meet the distinct requirements of each situation. Below, we look at some of the most in demand specialities in Australia today.
Critical Care Nurse
Critical care nurses work in intensive care units (ICUs) and specialised wards, caring for patients with life-threatening illnesses, injuries, or surgeries. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, manage ventilators, and provide emotional support to patients and their families during times of crisis. They may also be involved with surgical procedures
in a clinical setting, assisting surgeons in the operating room or emergency room.
- Skills and Qualifications — Critical care nurses need strong assessment skills, quick decision-making abilities, and the capability to remain composed in high-pressure situations. They typically hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and many pursue post graduate certifications in critical care nursing.
- Salary — The salary for critical care nurses in Australia can vary depending on experience, location, and healthcare facility. On average, they can earn between $70,000 to $100,000 per year.
Paediatric Nurse
Paediatric nurses specialise in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. They provide preventive care, administer vaccinations, assist in paediatric procedures, and offer support to families, ensuring children's physical and emotional well-being.
- Skills and Qualifications — Paediatric nurses require a compassionate and patient-centred approach, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work with children and their families effectively. A Bachelor of Nursing or a postgraduate diploma in paediatric nursing is typically required.
- Salary — Paediatric nurses in Australia can expect to earn around $65,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on factors such as experience, location, and healthcare facility.
Mental Health Nurse
Mental health nurses work with patients experiencing psychiatric disorders and mental health challenges. They provide counselling, administer medications, develop treatment plans, and offer support to patients and their families.
- Skills and Qualifications — Mental health nurses need empathy, strong communication skills, and a non-judgmental attitude. A background in psychology or mental health nursing is beneficial, along with a Bachelor of Nursing degree.
- Salary — Mental health nurses can earn between $65,000 to $90,000 per year in Australia, depending on experience and location.
Oncology Nursing
Oncology nurses specialise in caring for patients with cancer. They administer chemotherapy, monitor patients' responses to treatment, provide symptom management, and offer emotional support to patients and their families.
- Skills and Qualifications — Oncology nurses need a deep understanding of cancer treatments, excellent communication skills, and the ability to provide compassionate care. A Bachelor of Nursing degree and additional training in oncology nursing are usually required.
- Salary — Oncology nurses in Australia can earn around $70,000 to $95,000 annually, based on experience and location.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice nurses who specialise in a specific clinical area. They assess patients, develop and implement treatment plans, provide expert consultations to healthcare teams, and contribute to research and education.
- Skills and Qualifications — Clinical nurse specialists need advanced clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. A master’s degree in nursing and certification in the chosen specialty are typically required.
- Salary — The salary for clinical nurse specialists varies based on experience, specialty, and location. On average, they can earn between $80,000 to $110,000 per year.
Nurse Midwife
Nurse midwives specialise in providing care to pregnant women, assisting in childbirth, and providing postpartum care. They offer prenatal education, monitor foetal development, assist in labour, and support women throughout the childbirth process. They may also be involved in neonatal intensive care.
- Skills and Qualifications — Nurse midwives need strong clinical skills, empathy, and effective communication abilities. A Bachelor of Nursing and a postgraduate qualification in midwifery are typically required.
- Salary — Nurse midwives in Australia can earn around $75,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
Nurse Manager
Nurse managers oversee nursing departments, ensuring efficient operations, quality patient care, and staff management. They coordinate schedules, handle budgeting, and collaborate with other healthcare leaders to maintain high standards of care.
- Skills and Qualifications — Nurse managers need strong leadership skills, organisational abilities, and a thorough understanding of healthcare management principles. A Bachelor of Nursing and relevant managerial experience are usually required.
- Salary — Nurse managers can earn between $90,000 to $120,000 per year in Australia, depending on experience and the size of the healthcare facility.
Geriatric Nurse
Geriatric nurses (sometimes known as gerontology nurses) specialise in caring for elderly patients, addressing their unique healthcare needs and promoting quality of life. They provide preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and offer support to both elderly patients and their families.
- Skills and Qualifications — Geriatric nurses need patience, compassion, and the ability to manage complex medical needs of elderly patients. A Bachelor of Nursing and additional training in geriatric care are beneficial.
- Salary— Geriatric nurses in Australia can earn around $70,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
Nurse Educator
Nurse educators are responsible for educating and training aspiring nurses and current nursing staff. They develop curriculum, teach theory and practical skills, and evaluate the progress of nursing students.
- Skills and Qualifications — Nurse educators need in-depth clinical knowledge, strong communication and teaching skills, and the ability to adapt to various learning styles. A master or doctoral degree in nursing education is typically required.
- Salary — Nurse educators in Australia can earn between $80,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on experience and the educational institution.
Palliative Care Nurse
Palliative care nurses specialise in providing comfort and support to patients with serious illnesses, focusing on pain and symptom management and improving the quality of life during the end-of-life stage.
- Skills and Qualifications — Palliative care nurses need compassion, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work closely with patients and their families during emotionally challenging times. A bachelor of science in nursing and specialised training in palliative care are often required.
- Salary — Palliative care nurses in Australia can earn around $70,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
How to Become a Specialist
To specialise in a nursing field, combine experience with postgraduate study. First, gain relevant experience in your chosen speciality. Work in a specialised clinical setting to develop advanced skills and be considered for specialist designations and roles.
Also do postgraduate education to complement your experience. Dr Andrew Lancaster from Lerna Courses advises, "Just working in a particular field isn't normally enough to be considered a specialist. Postgraduate qualifications are expected and may be mandated in enterprise agreements and by professional bodies offering certification." A nursing masters is the premier qualification, but you can also progress by completing a shorter graduate certificate or graduate diploma course.
How to Choose the Right Nursing Specialty
Choosing the right nursing specialty for you will depend on a few factors, most of which you will need to consider either during nursing school or at some point in your nursing career if you wish to advance or change path. Below, we cover some of the main considerations that will help you to choose the right nursing specialty for you.
Self-Assessment
Reflect on your strengths, interests, and passions. Consider what aspects of nursing appeal to you the most, whether it's working with a specific patient population, dealing with high-pressure situations, or focusing on preventive care.
Research
Explore different nursing specialties to understand their roles, responsibilities, and day-to-day activities. Learn about the patient populations you would work with and the conditions you would encounter.
Clinical Experiences
Utilise clinical placements during your nursing education to gain insights into various specialties and determine which ones resonate with you.
Talk to Professionals
Connect with nurses already working in different specialties to gain first-hand insights into the challenges and rewards of specific nursing paths.
Consider Education
Evaluate whether certain specialties require additional education or certifications and whether you are willing to invest the time and effort required.
Job Prospects
Research the job market for different specialties. Some specialties may have higher demand and offer better job opportunities.
Work-Life Balance
Consider the work schedule and demands of each specialty. Some specialties, like emergency nursing, may involve irregular hours and high stress, while others may offer more predictable schedules.
Long-Term Goals
Think about your long-term career goals. Some specialties may provide a clear path to advancement or specialisation, while others might be a stepping stone to other roles.
For more information on the nursing industry, as well as on medical scrubs and nursing clogs for healthcare professionals, explore the Scrubs IQ blog today.