In recent years, the nursing field has undergone unprecedented growth that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. This growth is occurring alongside healthcare needs which are becoming increasingly complex. The result is a widening array of specializations in which nurses are able to practice. Specializations may involve either a narrowing and deepening of some focus or a combination of aspects of different areas with a simultaneous narrowing of focus. Common areas of focus include psychiatry, obstetrics, and geriatric nursing, among a variety of other options. What are the benefits these specializations are bringing to the nursing profession?
In nursing, there has become a greater demand at higher levels of the practice than lower ones, and those who specialize find that they are in higher demand. This enables those nurses to command higher salaries. Specialization also enables a nurse to become an expert in the area in which he/she is providing care, which can increase opportunities for career advancement. With more research and technological advancements emerging, specialization in the nursing career path has led to numerous opportunities.
Specialization, along with subsequent certification, gives patients and medical institutions a sense of assurance that a nurse is highly competent and skilled in a specific area of care. What’s more, it provides nurses with the opportunity to pursue work that is personally meaningful and fulfilling by specializing in an area of nursing care that is of the most interest to you.
With an increase in specialization comes a level of confidence and skill that carries over into the care a nurse provides to his or her patients. Despite this higher level of education, nurses are still prone to making mistakes that may result in patient complaints to the Illinois Nursing Board, which could put your nursing license at risk. Williams & Nickl has developed a reputation for assisting nurses when faced with risks to their nursing licenses. If you find yourself in a situation where your license is in jeopardy, Williams & Nickl can help you through the process.