There are many various kinds of nurses in our present era, thanks to the rapid advancement of the nursing profession. Nurses are in high demand, and pursuing a career in nursing has a lot of appeal it, including great salaries, a wide range of options, and a sense of purpose. This article will teach you about the many sorts of nurses and the various career paths that each of them offers.
Best Nursing Career Opportunities
You may find it difficult to narrow down your search for a nursing career because of the wide variety of nursing professions available. There is a type of nurse for every interest, from an oncology nurse to a nurse practitioner.
Here are the top Nursing career opportunities you should consider.
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Cardiac Nurse
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Critical Care Nurse
- ER Nurse
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Geriatric Nursing
- Perioperative Nurse (Surgical/OR Nurse)
- Mental Health Nurse
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Manager
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administrator
- Oncology Nurse
- Orthopedic Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Travel Nurse
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses (RN) are responsible for providing and coordinating patient care, educating patients as well as the general public about various health concerns, as well as providing patients and their family members with guidance and emotional support. The majority of registered nurses collaborate closely with other medical professionals, including physicians and other specialists, in a variety of clinical settings. Whether you should pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or an Associate of Science in Nursing degree will depend on the kind of registered nurse you want to work as in the future. To become a registered nurse (RN), you will need to get either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing; thus, you will be able to start working in the field far earlier than in other medical professions. You have various career choices available to you as a registered nurse, and you can choose to work in a variety of specializations based on which ones interest you the most.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you would like to start working after only two to four years of schooling and are interested in a job in the medical area that allows you to work as part of a healthcare team to provide care for patients, then you might consider becoming a nurse.
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree |
Expected Job Growth | 15% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, residential care facilities, etc. |
Relevant Certifications | State Nursing License |
Salary Range | $60,300 – $75,900 |
2. Cardiac Nurse
Heart disease is currently one of the primary factors contributing to mortality rates in the United States.
Because an increasing number of patients are being diagnosed with heart-related conditions, the demand for cardiac nurses is expected to continue expanding.
In addition to this, as a cardiac nurse, you will provide assistance during surgical operations such as bypass surgery, angioplasty, or surgery to implant a pacemaker.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you are interested in topics that pertain to the cardiovascular system and would want the opportunity to assist in the performance of a variety of surgical procedures or the formulation of treatment programs for patients, read on.
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, Registered Nursing License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 16% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, In-Home Care and Rehab Centers |
Relevant Certifications | State Nursing License |
Salary Range | $67,490 median annually |
3. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, often known as a CRNA, is a nurse who has received extensive training and who specializes in providing anaesthetic assistance during surgical procedures. Because of the strong demand for these nurses in surgical settings and the extensive training that they get, CRNAs are among the nursing specializations that command some of the highest salaries in the healthcare industry. You are required to earn a degree from a graduate level program if you want to work toward becoming a licensed registered nurse anesthetist. Certified registered nurse anesthetists who are interested in furthering their education might consider enrolling in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you are interested in helping patients manage their pain before, during, and after undergoing medical procedures or receiving treatment for an illness
Education Requirement | Masters Degree (MSN), Registered Nurse License (RN) and One Year in Acute Care Setting |
Expected Job Growth | 16% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Surgical Centers, Specialty Doctor’s Offices |
Relevant Certifications | CRNA Certification |
Salary Range | $153,780 median annually |
4. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists are a subset of advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), and they are responsible for providing direct patient care by collaborating with other nurses and staff members to enhance the standard of medical attention that a patient receives. They frequently take on leadership responsibilities and may teach or advise other members of the nursing staff.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you would like to advance your career in nursing and have an interest in supervising a team of registered nurses while still working as a physician, you can consider becoming a nurse administrator.
Education Requirement | Master’s Degree and sometimes a Doctoral degree Expected Job Growth: 15% (much faster than average) |
Expected Job Growth | 15% (much faster than average) |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Physician’s Offices, In-Home Health Care services, etc. |
Relevant Certifications | N/A |
Salary Range | $85,723 median annually |
5. Critical Care Nurse
Critical Care Nurses and Registered Nurses share a lot of similarities, especially in terms of education level; nevertheless, the primary distinction between the two is that critical care nurses receive additional training for acute conditions. It is reasonable to expect a critical care nurse to attend to significant wounds while simultaneously monitoring life support systems in high-pressure situations.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you are interested in assisting patients through major traumatic situations, such as life-threatening illnesses or serious injuries.
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, Registered Nursing License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 19% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals and Doctor’s Offices |
Relevant Certifications | Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support |
Salary Range | $71,694 median annually |
6. ER Nurse
After conducting a thorough assessment of the patient and ensuring that they are stable, an emergency room nurse will execute a variety of activities alongside the rest of their team in the ER. By studying a patient’s medical records, an emergency room nurse is supposed to decide the appropriate dosage of medication to be given to the patient, as well as treat any minor wounds or ailments that may arise.
Choose this Specialty If: you are interested in assisting patients who have a wide variety of injuries or conditions while working in a high-pressure environment.
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, Registered Nursing License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 16% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals |
Relevant Certifications | Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) |
Salary Range | $62,010 median annually |
7. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
A family nurse practitioner, often known as a FNP, receives specialized education in primary care services for patients of all ages. Among a family nurse practitioner’s typical responsibilities are the diagnosis and treatment of sickness, as well as physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and the prescription of drugs.
If you are interested in providing more in-depth and all-encompassing medical treatment to people of all ages, you should consider selecting this specialty.
Education Requirement | Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) and Registered Nursing License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 16% increase |
Employment Locations | Doctor’s Offices and Hospice Facilities |
Relevant Certifications | 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours |
Salary Range | $100,910 median annually |
8. Geriatric Nursing
A geriatric nurse is a registered nurse who has completed further education and training to specialize in the care of elderly patients. This allows the geriatric nurse to give patients with treatment for accidents or ailments, illness, and to maintain their quality of life. In addition to providing care for elderly patients, they are also able to plan ahead for the care that their patients may require in the future and for long-term illnesses such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Classes in the Post-Nurse Master’s Practitioner Certificate program primarily focuses on geriatric conditions and will help you advance your career in this field. The program is designed for nurses who already have a master’s degree.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you are interested in assisting the elderly population with their fundamental requirements or more complex treatments, which may include medical care, therapy for physical disorders, or management of mental issues
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 19-26% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Doctor’s Offices and Nursing Homes |
Relevant Certifications | Certification in Geriatric Nursing |
Salary Range | $66,169 median annually |
9. Perioperative Nurse (Surgical/OR Nurse)
The pre- and post-operative care of a patient is the primary emphasis of a perioperative nurse, who is also sometimes referred to as a surgical nurse or an operating room nurse. They are able to prepare a surgical room for procedures, organize the instruments that are used during operations, and apply bandages to a patient during operations in order to control and sustain the patient’s bleeding.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you are interested in providing women with physical, emotional, or mental care before, during, or after the process of giving birth.
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 16% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Surgical Centers and Outpatient Facilities |
Relevant Certifications | CNOR and Certified Nurse First Assistant (CNFA) Certifications |
Salary Range | $68,450 median annually |
10. Mental Health Nurse
A mental health nurse is an expert in the assessment and treatment of patients suffering from a variety of psychiatric conditions. The provision of counseling services is also frequently counted among the fundamental responsibilities of this nursing specialty.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you are interested in cultivating genuine relationships with patients in order to give them with an all-encompassing level of care that attends to both their mental and emotional requirements.
Education Requirement | Master’s Degree and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 31% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Rehabilitation Centers, Psychiatric Facilities |
Relevant Certifications | N/A |
Salary Range | $64,50 median annually |
11. Nurse Educator
The care of patients is a topic that nursing students need to learn about, and nurse educators are the ones who teach them. They might cover the subject of nursing in its whole from a broad perspective or zero down on a particular aspect of the profession.
If you have a passion for encouraging others to pursue careers in the medical industry so that they can help create the next generation of nursing care, this is the specialty for you.
Education Requirement | Master’s Degree and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 19% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Universities, Community Colleges |
Relevant Certifications | Certified Nurse Educator Examination |
Salary Range | $68,450 median annually |
12. Nurse Manager
A supervisory clinical path is what’s expected of a nurse management in their capacity as a function. Many nurse managers transition into administrative roles, where they handle responsibilities such as hiring new nurses, setting shift plans, and making decisions regarding the organization’s finances and administration.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you are interested in working within the medical industry in an administrative capacity and would like to be in charge of nursing staffs.
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 19% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Surgical Centers and Outpatient Facilities |
Relevant Certifications | Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) or Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) |
Salary Range | $80,707 median annually |
13. Nurse Midwife
The care provided to women who are pregnant is the area of expertise of a nurse midwife. They also provide assistance during the process of labor and delivery, in addition to attending prenatal checkups. Just after delivery room, nurse midwives continue their care by educating and counseling new moms on how to adjust to life with a newborn.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you are interested in taking a more balanced approach to the health of women and the birthing process.
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 9% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals and Doctor’s Offices |
Relevant Certifications | American College of Nurse Midwives Certification |
Salary Range | $63,000 median annually |
14. Nurse Practitioner
Patients and their families benefit from the advanced nursing care that is provided by nurse practitioners, who operate as both primary and specialty care providers. In addition to this, they might carry out physical examinations, provide recommendations for testing, and prescribe drugs.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you would like to develop your nursing profession in order to provide more in-depth treatment that is comparable to the care provided by a doctor, but with a greater return on investment in terms of the expense of acquiring your degree, then you might consider getting a master’s degree in nursing.
Education Requirement | Master’s Degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree (DNP) |
Expected Job Growth | 31% Increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Doctor’s Offices |
Relevant Certifications | Certifications dependent on specialty of care |
Salary Range | $103,880 median annually |
15. Nursing Administrator
A nursing administrator performs duties that are related to those of a nurse manager but on a much more extensive scale. The supervision of complete nursing units and their respective teams is one of the most important responsibilities of a nursing administrator. The nursing administrator’s administration is essential to the efficient and effective operation of the unit, which is why she was hired in the first place.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you are someone who thrives on organizational management and would like to lead huge teams of nurses.
Education Requirement | Bachelor’s of Science Degree and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 20% Increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Outpatient Care Centers |
Relevant Certifications | Certifications dependent on area of specialty |
Salary Range | $96,540 median annually |
16. Oncology Nurse
Oncology nurses have extensive training in the treatment of cancer, and they also work to educate patients about the various treatment options or about whether or not they are in recovery. Oncology nurses will continue to track their patients’ progress and symptoms, and they may also recommend treatment options.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you are interested in a nursing career that will allow you to care for patients who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses and if you are able to educate both your patients and their families about the various treatments and outcomes that are possible, then you should consider becoming a critical care nurse.
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 19% Increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Cancer Treatment Centers |
Relevant Certifications | 1000 hours of training as an RN |
Salary Range | $65,470 median annually |
17. Orthopedic Nurse
Orthopedic nurses specialize in the treatment of conditions and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system, such as broken bones, arthritis, joint replacements, and osteoporosis. They are able to assist with the care of both physical concerns and the complex management of diseases.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you are interested in assisting with the casting of broken bones, the administration of pain medication, and the development of programs to manage muscular and bone disorders.
Education Requirement | Bachelor’s of Science Degree, and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 26% Increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Doctor’s Office, Rehabilitation Centers |
Relevant Certifications | Orthopedic Nurse Certification Exam (ONC) |
Salary Range | $76,282 median annually |
18. Pediatric Nurse
A pediatric nurse specializes in providing care for children of all ages, from infancy up through the adolescent years. Pediatric nurses, similar to other types of registered nurses, are able to conduct physical examinations, diagnose illnesses, and devise treatment regimens.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you have an interest in delivering primary medical care to children of all ages, from newborns through adolescents and young adults.
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 26% increase |
Employment Locations | Doctor’s Offices, Hospitals |
Relevant Certifications | N/A |
Salary Range | $64,600 median annually |
19. Public Health Nurse
A public health nurse is someone who advocates for communities and educates them on significant medical information that pertains to their community. They make it a priority to inform their patients about the various treatment options available, to encourage illness prevention, and to provide assistance to persons seeking medical care.
Pick this Area of Expertise. If you would prefer to support the health of a large population as a whole.
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 19% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospital, Community Clinic |
Relevant Certifications | Public/Community Health Nursing Exam |
Salary Range | $56,111 median annually |
20. Travel Nurse
Travel nurses are distinct from other types of registered nurses because they are free to move from one location to another in accordance with the terms of their employment contract and engage in patient care in a variety of settings. Travel nurses earn their regular hourly salary in addition to a housing stipend in addition to their compensation. In addition to the fulfillment that comes from working and gaining knowledge in different locations, travel nursing affords its participants the opportunity to enrich their experiences in both their professional and personal lives.
Pick this Area of Expertise. if you want to develop both professional and personal experience by experiencing numerous settings while living and working in a variety of different environment.
Education Requirement | Associates Degree or Bachelor’s of Science Degree, and Registered Nurse License (RN) |
Expected Job Growth | 19% increase |
Employment Locations | Hospitals, Doctor’s Offices |
Relevant Certifications | Dependent upon specialty |
Salary Range | Varies by Contract/Location |
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