The number of actively practicing nurses in Connecticut has grown by 39% since 2020 and certain nursing career specialties, including nurse anesthetists, are projected to grow by nearly 40% by 2032. Compared to other occupations, nursing career specialties are skyrocketing statewide.
Consider this list of growing nursing career specialties in Connecticut to discover which branch of medicine might be the best fit for you.
1. Gastroenterology Nurse
Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that studies the function and diseases of the stomach and intestines, including the esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum, pancreas and more. In terms of nursing career specialties, gastroenterologists require both licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) to work alongside Connecticut patients.
Typical responsibilities assigned to gastroenterology nurses may include:
- Conducting esophageal manometry tests to measure the strength of muscle contractions in a patient’s esophagus
- Administering anorectal manometry tests to evaluate the function of a patient’s rectal and anal muscles
- Performing esophageal impedance tests to monitor liquid pushed up from a patient’s stomach into their esophagus
2. Dermatology Nurse
The field of dermatology, which treats conditions of the skin, hair and nails for patients of all ages, is home to several nursing career specialties. For instance, a certification as a Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC) or Dermatology Nurse Practitioner (DNP) could allow you to advance within your chosen practice, earning more responsibilities and higher pay.
An average day in the life as a dermatology nurse incurs typical duties like:
- Administering skin cancer screenings and educating patients on precancerous skin growths, such as squamous cell carcinoma
- Collecting skin tissue for biopsies and communicating the results to patients in a simple, empathetic manner
- Assisting with cosmetic skin procedures, such as chemical peels, medical-grade facials and laser treatments
3. Nurse Anesthetist
A nurse anesthetist, also referred to as a certified registered nurse anesthetist or CRNA, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who’s responsible for administering anesthesia and other medications, as well as monitoring patients’ vital signs. As one of the fastest-growing nursing career specialties, CRNAs have a prominent role in the workforce that includes:
- Creating individualized patient anesthesia plans alongside dentists, physicians, surgeons and other members of a care team
- Assisting or collaborating with physicians in administering anesthesia or doing so independently
- Monitoring vital signs and bodily functions to recognize and respond to changes in a patient’s condition
4. Endocrinology Nurse
Endocrinology is a branch of medicine that studies the endocrine system, the network of organs and glands that use hormones to control bodily functions like metabolism, growth and reproduction. Being that nearly 1 in 10 adults in Connecticut have diagnosed diabetes, and other hormone-related chronic diseases like hyperthyroidism are on the rise, endocrinology nurses are in high demand.
Typical responsibilities assigned to endocrinology nurses may include:
- Initiating insulin therapy for diagnosed diabetes patients and educating patients on diabetes management
- Drawing blood from patients to measure elements like blood glucose and monitoring vital signs like blood pressure
- Performing physical examinations on patients, such as checking the thyroid glands and inspecting abnormal pigmentation
5. Perioperative Nurse
Perioperative nurses, also referred to as certified medical-surgical registered nurses (CMSRNs), work alongside patients in the operating room, whether in hospitals or outpatient medical facilities. Unlike many of the nursing career specialties on this list, CMSRNs can also travel to provide patients with in-home care, both before and after their surgery.
Duties assigned to perioperative nurses over the course of a patient’s surgery journey range from:
- Communicating and collaborating with physicians and specialty medical providers, such as rehab therapists, about patients’ needs
- Managing and administering intravenous (IV) medications, including morphine, and changing post-surgical dressings
- Educating patients on how to manage treatment both pre- and post-surgery as well as providing at-home care plans
6. Rheumatology Nurse
Rheumatology refers to the diagnosis and management of inflammatory musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. As an evolving career specialty, rheumatology practices in Connecticut are often seeking medical assistants for entry-level clinical tasks as well as physician assistants—also known as rheumatology nurse specialists—to diagnose and treat patients.
Standard responsibilities assigned to nurses in rheumatology practices may include:
- Administering IV and injection-based medications, such as anti-inflammatory agents, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and corticosteroids
- Guiding patients through flare-ups by providing pain management via telehealth, offering both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies
- Advocating for patients with chronic autoimmune diseases in ambulatory settings, such as hospital outpatient centers and dialysis departments
7. Nephrology Nurse
Nephrology is the diagnosis and treatment of kidney issues in patients of all ages, from electrolyte disorders and kidney stones to chronic kidney disease and peritoneal dialysis. Nephrology nurses refer to RNs and LPNs who have received continued education in kidney diseases as well as Certified Dialysis Nurse Certifications. These nurses at the PACT Kidney Center commonly handle duties such as:
- Practicing in a diverse variety of settings, including dialysis centers, hospitals, long-term care facilities, transplant programs and home-based care
- Managing comorbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease while coordinating with specialty care teams
- Administering multiple renal replacement therapies, including but not limited to hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
8. Pediatric Nurse
Compared to the above nursing career specialties, pediatric nurses are the only professionals who specialize solely in the care of children, ranging from infants to teenagers. Pediatric nurses often work together with pediatricians at children’s care centers or family care practices, commonly monitoring their patients’ growth and development over several years.
The average workday for a pediatric nurse includes duties and responsibilities like:
- Drawing blood and administering childhood vaccinations, such as the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, within age-appropriate timelines
- Monitoring patient vitals like heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and pulse as well as keeping an accurate record for the duration of care
- Evaluating children for signs and symptoms of abuse and abiding by state-mandated reporting guidelines when abuse is suspected
Explore Nursing Career Specialties in Connecticut with PACT
Now, more than ever before, medical practices in Connecticut are seeking qualified candidates to join their care team. If you’re exploring nursing career specialties, or have developed a specialized skill set, consider a career with Physicians Alliance of Connecticut (PACT). Our multi-specialty medical group is committed to enhancing private-practice patient care in Connecticut.
Review our open positions today to embark on the specialized nursing career that’s right for you.
