According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, specialty is a special or distinctive quality, mark, state, or condition, a special subject of study, line of work area of interest, or something like that.
In nursing, the term “specialty” frequently carries connotations of hierarchy or exclusivity—suggesting that some areas of care are more important or distinguished than others. However, to align more closely with mindfulness and respect for the full breadth of nursing practice, a shift in terminology from “specialty” to “area of focus” would be a more inclusive and thoughtful approach.
By using the phrase “area of focus,” we acknowledge that every aspect of nursing, whether it’s medical surgical, pediatric care, geriatrics, emergency nursing—or any other field—requires dedication, skill, and deep expertise. Each area of focus is valuable, and none should be viewed as more important than another. This shift in terminology encourages a mindset that fosters greater respect for the diversity of roles within the profession and enhanced respect for all departments, regardless of your lifelong career choice. It acknowledges that all nurses play a vital role in the assessment and care of the patient and allows nurses to work to the highest level within their area of focus. It doesn’t value or de-value the skills of one nurse over the other but ensures that nurses across all areas can be valued and provide needed patient care.
“Areas of focus” invites nurses to approach their practice with mindfulness, recognizing that their contributions—whether they work in acute care, community health, or education—are integral to the well-being of patients and communities. It doesn’t value the number of tasks that a person has to perform or the skills but the care that the nurse provides across the spectrum or life span of the patient. As a profession, it moves us away from a competitive or comparative mindset to an inclusive, respectful one that nurtures a culture of collaboration, where every area of nursing is seen as vital to providing quality, holistic patient care.
This shift helps us honor the uniqueness of each nurse’s path, while reinforcing the idea that every area of nursing is a critical and vital piece of the larger patient-centered healthcare delivery system. This shift in mindset puts the focus back on the whole patient, mind, body, and soul, allowing the nurse to provide compassionate, kind care in a holistic and humanistic approach not just focusing on a single diagnosis. This shift might help retain nurses at the bedside in the area that they love without feeling that they need to leave or move on.
In this way, “area of focus” doesn’t just describe what a nurse does; it acknowledges the intentional, thoughtful engagement required to excel in any given aspect of nursing. It encourages a deeper, more mindful connection to the work, highlighting the importance of every role and fostering an atmosphere where all contributions are valued.
It’s time for leaders and educators to change the narrative and words we use to describe nurses, so they all feel valued. Let’s move from “specialty” to “area of focus” so that one nurse isn’t seen as more important than another. All nurses are extraordinary and resilient. They should feel comfortable in their choice of on and retain their passion and purpose. As a leader, I urge all leaders and educators to make this language shift. Let’s celebrate and value the work of all nurses in our profession and lift each other up. We’re all special and have something to offer the profession in our lifelong area of focus.
Catherine Lombardi, MSN, RN-C, NE-BC, NHPD-BC is Director of Nursing Medical Surgical Nursing at New York-Presbyterian-W, Bronxville, NY.
