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What does a Nurse Specialist do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A nurse specialist is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in a particular area of nursing. Nurse specialists work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings to provide direct patient care, conduct research, and teach other nurses.

Nurse Specialist job duties include:

  • Advocate for patients and their families
  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to plan, implement, and evaluate patient care
  • Educate patients and their families about health conditions and disease prevention
  • Identify patient care goals and develop individualized plans to help patients achieve those goals
  • Monitor patients’ progress and adjust care plans as needed
  • Perform physical examinations and order diagnostic tests
  • Prescribe medications and treatments
  • Provide emotional support to patients and their families
  • Keep detailed medical records

Nurse Specialist Job Requirements

A Nurse Specialist is a Registered Nurse with additional education and experience in a specialty area. Most Nurse Specialists have a Master's degree in Nursing, and many also have a Doctorate. Certification as a Nurse Specialist is available through several organizations, and most states require licensure. Experience as a Registered Nurse is required, and some Nurse Specialists also have experience as a nurse educator or administrator.

Nurse Specialist Skills

  • Patient care
  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Documentation
  • Empathy
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Patience
  • Physical stamina
  • Problem solving
  • Time management

Related: Top Nurse Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Nurse Specialist

A Nurse Specialist is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in a particular area of nursing. Nurse Specialists play an important role in the healthcare system, providing expert care and guidance to patients and families.

If you are interested in becoming a Nurse Specialist, you will first need to obtain a registered nursing (RN) license. To do this, you will need to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you can then pursue further education and training in your chosen specialty area. Many Nurse Specialists complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, although some may opt for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

After completing your advanced degree, you will need to obtain certification in your specialty area from a professional organization such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Once you have your certification, you will be able to practice as a Nurse Specialist in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Related: Nurse Specialist Resume Example

Related: Nurse Specialist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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