What happens when you are sick or injured and need medical attention? You go to a doctor's office, or a hospital emergency room, or a community clinic. In most instances, the first professional you will have contact with is a nurse. In a growing number of cases that do not need a doctor's attention when a nurse specialist is on hand, it is that nurse who can handle the medical problem with a diagnosis and proper medication, just as effectively as the doctor.

A good portion of today's news headlines are devoted to medical and healthcare issues. Scientific breakthroughs in DNA and gene therapy, surgical procedures, medications and equipment, are resulting in dramatic advances in medicine. New technology is out front leading the progress with discoveries of new and different ways to treat injury, disease and illness. In healthcare, change has become a constant, and the 21st century promises to be full of exciting surprises.

Nowhere is this more evident than in nursing, where change is having a positive impact on the way healthcare is delivered. The role of nurses in healthcare has been expanding for the last quarter of a century as nurses are now considered front line providers in treating patients, working collaboratively alongside physicians and surgeons, conducting research and teaching. The most pronounced change is in the area of specialization in nursing.

From anesthesia to trauma and many other specialties, nurses are completing the basic education, and then continuing to train for specialties they are suited for and have interest in. It usually requires additional education in school plus on-the-job training. Many nursing specialties have their own associations and publications. Many have certification programs and ongoing educational programs for additional credits. These nurses all begin as Registered Nurses (RN), registered in the state where they work.

Some nursing specialties have been around for many years, but recognition and respect has been hard to come by. Today's nurse is a savvy healthcare professional whose knowledge and skills are beginning to gain greater appreciation and recognition by the medical profession. Many studies in recent decades clearly show that nurses and nursing, especially in hospitals, are essential to the health and welfare of patients.

This report will highlight two nursing specialties that have been taking center stage: Dermatology Nursing and Vascular Nursing. Twentyfirst century living and the environment has created a huge rise in skin cancers and diseases, and problems in blood vessels, vein and lymphatic systems. This report is part of an ongoing series on nursing career specialties. Ask your counselor or librarian for other nursing specialties Careers Reports.