As per the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the opportunities for nursing jobs in our country are set to increase by 9% from 2020 to 2030. While hospitals often require nurses to help with patient care, interested and qualified candidates can also apply for jobs in other healthcare facilities like clinics and senior homes. Career growth, good salaries, contribution to society, and utmost job satisfaction are the reasons why many turn toward a nursing career.
Lucrative nursing jobs to pursue
More than 100 types of nursing jobs are available, each requiring different levels of seniority, qualification, experience, and specialization. Here are some attractive and promising jobs one can consider in this field:
- Certified nursing assistant
It is an entry-level nursing job requiring a minimum high school diploma or GED qualification. Candidates should pass the state-approved education and training program before they start working. One can apply to hospitals, clinics, hospices, and at-home care facilities. Certified nursing assistants monitor vital signs, bathe patients, dress them, and help them walk. Their average annual salary is $30,290. - Licensed practical nurse
The minimum qualification for this role is a high-school or equivalent diploma. However, candidates must also give the NCLEX-PN examination to earn a license. Licensed practical nurses are also called licensed vocational nurses in some states. They change bandages, collect blood, monitor vital signs, and convey patients’ concerns to senior registered nurses and doctors. The average salary for this role is around $48,070. - Registered nurse
To become a registered nurse, individuals must complete a two-year associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Registered nurses assist in diagnostic testing, assess patients, administer treatments per doctors’ advice, and communicate with patients’ families and educate them about patient care. They can work in hospitals, clinics, or nursing care facilities. After gaining experience, a registered nurse can pursue a master’s degree in nursing with specializations and become eligible for senior, higher-paying jobs. Their average annual salary is $77,600. - Surgical assistance registered nurse
A registered nurse with a surgical nursing certification and clinical experience can assist experts during surgeries. They may perform tissue dissection and suturing and provide wound exposure. They may also monitor and care for patients before and after surgery. Surgical assistance registered nurses earn an average income of $117,000 annually. - Emergency room registered nurse
A registered nurse with experience and certification in emergency nursing can work in a hospital’s emergency room. They perform preliminary assessments of patients admitted for reasons like trauma, heart attacks, respiratory issues, burns, and poisoning. They determine treatment, assist emergency doctors, and monitor the patient’s progress. Their average annual salary is $79,300. - Nurse anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have a master’s or post-master’s degree with a specialization in nurse anesthesiology. They should have about 3,000 hours of clinical experience, pass a national certification exam, and clear a state license examination. Nurse anesthetists help administer anesthesia and monitor patients’ health before, during, and after surgery. Their average annual salary is $167,870 - Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
An APRN with a nursing program specializing in psychiatry and mental health can get a job as a psychiatric mental health nurse. They can work in mental health and psychiatric clinics and assist psychiatrists in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with mental disorders. Their average annual salary is $113,870. - Nurse midwife
APRNs specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, prenatal care, and postpartum recovery can work as midwives. Their average annual salary is $100,600. - Family nurse practitioner
This is one of the most sought-after nursing jobs. Registered nurses can obtain a master’s degree or complete bridge programs and certifications to become family nurse practitioners. They work with children, teenagers, and adults in clinical and general physician clinics. Their average annual salary is $98,740. - Oncology nurse
Registered nurses with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree and an optional certification in oncology nursing can become oncology nurses. They care for patients in various stages of cancer. Oncology nurses can further specialize in any one area of cancer treatment. They administer chemotherapy and assist in counseling and comforting patients during recovery. They are a crucial part of the cancer treatment team.
Other high-paying nursing jobs include nurse researcher, travel nurse, informatics nurse, nurse educator, dialysis nurse, critical care nurse, geriatric nurse, public health nurse, and school nurse.
Popular nursing courses to pursue
Some popular programs that are crucial for various levels of nursing careers are:
- Certified nursing assistant course
- Certified post-anesthesia nurse course
- Family nurse practitioner post-graduate certificate
- Post-graduate nursing leadership certificate
- Nursing home administrator certificate
- Post-master’s certificate in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Associate degree in nursing
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Master’s degree in nursing education specialization
If someone is looking for jobs in nursing, they can visit employment websites. These websites list job openings in various sectors and provide details about the required qualification.