We’ve all heard that there is a high demand for nurses, especially in 2017. However, if you are studying to be a nurse or planning to be a nurse in the future, there are so many specialties to choose from. One thing you may need to consider is job security. Although there is job security in nursing, some specialty positions are in dire need to be filled.

Let’s not forget, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that the demand for nurses in the United States will soar by 26% by 2020. With this in mind, there will be greater opportunities for nurses – and possibly even higher pay.

To help you choose your plan, we have compiled a list of the most in-demand nursing specialties of the year. Check them out:

Certified Nursing Anesthetist

Most people know that anesthetists make get a strong paycheck, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility – but did you know that nurses can follow in a similar direction? Nurse anesthetists are supervised under anesthesiologists and administer anesthesia to patients. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists and podiatrists to ensure anesthesia medications are safely administered. Nurse anesthetists who have earned their master’s will be in high demand, and the average salary is around $135,000 per year.

Certified Dialysis Nurse

When our kidneys stop working correctly, doctors will often recommend dialysis. Dialysis machines remove waste products from the body – basically acting as the kidney. This is one of the quickest growing specialties, and many of dialysis nurses work on cruise ships. Those who work in clinics tend to work a normal 9-5 schedule. Since most nurses work odd and long hours, this is a huge benefit worth considering. To become a certified dialysis nurse, you will need a minimum of 2,000 hours caring for patients on dialysis and will also need to pass a certification test. The average salary is $63,000

Certified Legal Nurse Consultant

If you don’t want to spend your entire career working in a hospital, you may want to look into legal nurse consulting. Many of legal nurse consultants work in a law office or work from home. When there are lawsuits regarding medical issues, people will come to you as a consultant for your medical and nursing expertise. However, this can be a very administrative type of career. There will be a lot of research, reviewing medical records and standards of care, preparing reports, and finding experts who can work as witnesses. $62,000 is the median salary.

Certified Nurse Midwife

If you love babies or working with mothers, this is a great career path. As a nurse midwife, you can deliver babies, provide healthcare to female patients, and assist with family planning education and pre- and post-natal care. Most people will be looking for midwives who have their master’s degree. There are various workplace opportunities, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and homes. The average salary is $84,000.

Nurse Case Manager

Registered nurses may consider being a case manager to take some time away from their regular duties. They monitor a patient’s progression and evaluate their care, but their main job is to find the most cost-effective care for the patient. They work closely with insurance companies and are often employed by them. The average salary for a nurse case manager is $69,000.

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Practitioner (NNP)

To work in the neonatal intensive care unit, you will need to be emotionally strong. The job entails delivering services to premature and critically ill. NNPs begin their service immediately after birth, when the baby needs care ASAP. They will usually connect premature newborns to lifesaving technologies. Sometimes the babies may need help breathing or getting certain nutrients, but they also incubate the little patients until their conditions begin to improve. NNPs may also provide ongoing infant care and education to new mothers regarding child care. Neonatal nurse practitioners on salary earn an average of $99,810 per year, and those who work part-time earned an average of $45.31 per hour.

Surgical Nurse Practitioner

Surgical nursing was once known as an entry-level position, but today it is considered a specialty. There are many skills that are required to be successful in this area of practice. Almost a sixth of all nursing specialties are surgical nurses. This is the largest group of nurse practitioners, and surgical nurse practitioners primarily assist with adult patients. You can also specialize in various areas. For example, the average salary for a Cardiovascular Surgery Nurse Practitioner (NP) is $108,547.

Ascend National Healthcare Staffing

If you are interested in becoming a nurse or travel nurse, we can help you find the workplace for you. Formerly known as Texas PRN, Ascend National Healthcare Staffing is dedicated to helping those in the health care field find the best job placement for their wants and needs. For more information, call us at (210) 714-3089.