Nurse Specialist

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Use administrative, leadership, and nursing and skills to manage a team of nurses and provide quality patient care. Duties include coordinating with other healthcare professionals; ensuring effective documentation and security of patient records; evaluating staff performance; hiring, scheduling, and training nursing staff; providing hands-on patient care; and resolving complaints. May require interacting with family members and insurance companies.