Nursing is a field full of variety and growth. It offers many career paths for those who love healthcare. If you’re starting or looking to grow in nursing, knowing the different jobs can help you choose your path.

There are many roles in nursing, from direct patient care to specialized and leadership positions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in registered nurse jobs from 2022 to 2032. This shows the growing need for skilled nurses, making it a great time to join the field.

Key Takeaways

• Nursing offers a diverse range of career paths, from entry-level positions to advanced practice roles.
• The nursing profession is projected to experience steady growth in the coming years, with a 6% increase in registered nurse employment expected by 2032.
• Nurses can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community-based organizations.
• Nursing jobs can involve direct patient care, clinical roles, leadership and administrative positions, and specialized areas like anesthesia, midwifery, and nurse education.
• Aspiring nurses can choose from a variety of educational and training programs to launch their careers in the healthcare industry.

Types of Nursing Careers

Nursing has many career paths, from basic to advanced roles. You can choose from direct patient care, specialized nursing, or healthcare leadership. Each path offers chances for growth and fulfillment.

Entry-Level Nursing Roles

Medical assistants (MAs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are key to healthcare teams. They help registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) with clinical and administrative tasks. LPNs and LVNs start with one to two years of training and work under RNs and doctors.

Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) Careers

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are RNs with a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher. They specialize in four roles: nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, clinical nurse specialist, or certified registered nurse anesthetist. APRNs have more freedom and big responsibilities. They give specialized, full care to patients.

“Nurses are needed in nearly all sectors of the healthcare industry, providing numerous job prospects and career directions.”

With an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, you can start a nursing career. More doors open with a master’s degree in nursing. APRNs need at least a master’s degree to work in their advanced roles.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are top-notch nurses with a focus on anesthesia. They work with doctors or on their own to make sure patients are safe and comfortable during surgeries and other medical treatments.

To become a CRNA, you start with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Then, you need at least one to two years of nursing experience. After that, you finish a doctoral program in nurse anesthesia, which takes about 3-4 years.

After school, CRNAs pass a big exam to show they’re ready. They also need a special license to work in their state. Each state has its own rules for CRNAs.

CRNAs earn a lot, with an average salary of $202,470 a year. The job is expected to grow by 13% by 2030. This is because more surgeries are done outside the hospital and there’s a need for CRNAs in rural areas.

CRNAs give anesthesia to over 50 million patients every year. They make up more than 80% of the anesthesia team in rural areas. CRNAs are key to the healthcare team, making sure anesthesia is safe and effective for everyone.

“CRNAs are the highest-paid nurses with an average salary of $214,200 in 2024.”

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

As more people get older, there’s a big need for specialized care for the elderly. This is where Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs) come in. They play a key role in meeting the healthcare needs of older adults. AGNPs focus on caring for patients from late teens to the end of life, especially the aging population.

The job outlook for AGNPs is very good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 38% increase in nurse practitioner jobs from 2022 to 2032. This is much faster than the average job growth. This increase is due to more baby boomers reaching their golden years and the need for specialized care.

To become an AGNP, you need a valid RN license, an MSN degree, and national certification in adult-gerontology primary or acute care. AGNPs earn a median salary of $109,820 a year. Your salary can go up based on experience and where you work.

The role of the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner is becoming more important as people age. They provide care that focuses on the needs of older adults. This makes AGNPs key to improving the health and well-being of this growing group.

“The aging population is one of the biggest challenges facing our healthcare system, and adult-gerontology nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to address this critical need.”

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

If you love women’s health and the natural birth process, a career as a certified nurse midwife (CNM) could be great. CNMs are advanced nurses who focus on caring for women from their teenage years to menopause. They provide a wide range of services.

To become a CNM, you’ll need 6-8 years of education. This includes a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse-midwifery. You’ll also need to pass a certification exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). After this, you can offer prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. You’ll also provide care for women’s health and primary care.

The need for certified nurse midwives is growing, with a 7% job increase expected from 2021 to 2031. More women are choosing natural birth, making CNMs more in demand. In the U.S., CNMs help with about 9% of all births.

Certified nurse midwives earn an average of $122,450 a year. California pays them the most, with an average salary of $169,530. The highest pay in a city is in San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA, at $191,470.

As a certified nurse midwife, you could work in a hospital, a private practice, or a birthing center. This career lets you deeply impact the lives of women and families. If you’re interested in this fulfilling path, look into the education and certification needed today.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who focus on caring for patients from birth to old age. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners says about 70% of nurse practitioners pick this path.

To be an FNP, one must first get a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Then, complete a graduate-level nursing degree and pass the FNP national board exam. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 38% job growth for nurse practitioners, including FNPs, from 2022 to 2032.

Diverse Opportunities for FNPs

FNPs can specialize in many areas like pediatric care, geriatric care, and mental health. They can work in various places, such as doctor’s offices, hospitals, and even correctional facilities.

Some key facts about FNP versatility:

• Up to 75% of FNPs see pediatric patients daily in family practice. They can also work in pediatric specialties like pediatric gastroenterology or cardiology.
• FNPs without a specialty degree can work in women’s health, obstetrics, and gynecology.
• FNPs can work in research or teach in nursing programs.
• Doctor’s offices were the biggest employer of nurse practitioners in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• In acute or urgent care, FNPs see 20 to 30 patients a day, focusing on diagnosing and treating a diverse patient community.
• Hospitals are the second most common place for FNPs after doctor’s offices, offering a chance to treat various conditions and patients.
• FNPs in skilled nursing facilities or long-term care focus on older adults, providing rehabilitation and medication management.
• Palliative care nurses, including FNPs, help patients manage symptoms and provide comfort in the final stages of illness.
• Retail clinics are becoming popular for FNPs, offering low-cost healthcare with shorter wait times than hospital ERs.
• Starting a private FNP practice requires insurance, reimbursements, and marketing, with rules different by state.
• FNPs in correctional facilities find the work rewarding, providing vital healthcare to inmates.

With their broad training, family nurse practitioners are key in meeting the healthcare needs of communities across the U.S.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs) are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). They focus on primary care and reproductive health for women of all ages. The need for women’s health care is growing, making this career very promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 38% job growth for nurse practitioners from 2022 to 2032.

To become a WHNP, nurses need a Registered Nurse (RN) license and a graduate degree in WHNP training. They also need certification in this specialty. This education lets WHNPs diagnose and treat various women’s health issues. They also provide preventive care, health education, and counseling.

Qualifications and Duties

Here are the typical qualifications and duties of a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP):

• Having an active Registered Nurse (RN) license and a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing focused on women’s health
• Getting certified as a WHNP from the National Certification Corporation (NCC)
• Offering comprehensive primary care, including preventive care, health screenings, and managing acute and chronic conditions
• Doing gynecological exams, ordering and interpreting tests, and prescribing medications
• Talking to patients about reproductive health, contraception, and women’s health topics
• Working with obstetricians, gynecologists, and other healthcare providers for complete patient care

The median annual salary for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNP) was $105,000 in 2019. The median hourly wage was $52.00. In top-paying states like California, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and Massachusetts, salaries can be even higher.

The future looks bright for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners. By 2030, there will be 8,970 more WHNPs than needed. This is because more women need healthcare services and there aren’t enough obstetricians and gynecologists. WHNPs are well-suited to fill this gap.

Nursing Leadership and Administration Roles

The healthcare industry is changing fast, making the need for skilled nursing leaders and administrators grow. These professionals are key to shaping nursing’s future and ensuring top-notch patient care. The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and the Nurse Administrator are two main roles in nursing leadership and administration.

Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is the top nursing leader in a healthcare setting. They manage nursing operations, oversee staff, and handle finances. They also bring in new tech and methods to better patient care and make things more efficient.

To be a CNO, you usually need an RN license and a graduate degree in nursing, health administration, or business. Some even have a dual MSN/MHA degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says medical and health services managers, like CNOs, will grow 28% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average.

Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators offer key support and human resources know-how in healthcare settings. They focus on hiring and training nurses and manage the business side of things. They often start with an undergraduate degree in nursing or a related field, but some jobs may require a master’s degree.

The job outlook for nurse administrators is bright, just like for CNOs. The BLS predicts a 28% increase in jobs for medical and health services managers, including nurse administrators, from 2022 to 2032.

CNOs and nurse administrators are crucial for the future of nursing and quality patient care. With their vision, leadership skills, and healthcare knowledge, they’re set to make a big impact. They will drive change and improve the patient experience.

Specialized Nursing Roles

The healthcare industry has more than just traditional nursing jobs. It offers specialized roles like nurse attorney and nurse educator. These roles let nurses use their medical skills in new ways.

Nurse Attorney

Nurse attorneys are needed a lot because they know both medicine and law. They work in places like hospital legal teams and law firms. They help with legal issues in healthcare. To be one, you need a BSN and an RN license, then three years of law school and pass a bar exam.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says jobs for all lawyers, including nurse attorneys, will grow 8% from 2022 to 2032. This is faster than most jobs. It shows how important nurse attorneys are in healthcare law and patient care.

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators love teaching and use their clinical skills to teach nurses. They work in schools, universities, and colleges. They help solve the nursing shortage by training the next nurses and educators.

To be a nurse educator, you usually need an RN license and an MSN or DNP in nursing education. Some places want those with a Ph.D. in nursing research. The BLS says jobs for postsecondary teachers, like nurse educators, will grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average.

“Nurse educators are essential in shaping the future of nursing, ensuring that aspiring nurses are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and compassion required to provide exceptional patient care.”

What Are Nursing Jobs? Career Options Explained

Nursing offers many career paths in healthcare. From entry-level to advanced specialties, it has diverse options. Whether you like direct patient care, leadership, research, or education, nursing has something for you.

The Registered Nurse (RN) is a well-known nursing role. RNs give full care to patients, give medicines, check vital signs, and work with other health teams. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says RN jobs will grow 6% in the next ten years.

There are more nursing roles beyond the traditional RN job. These include:

• Nurse Practitioners (NPs) – NPs are APRNs with extra training. They can do many tasks like doctors, like diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering tests, and giving out medicines. Jobs for NPs will grow by 40% in the next decade.
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) – CRNAs are APRNs who give anesthesia in surgeries. They make about $183,580 a year.
• Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) – CNMs are APRNs who give care in women’s health and childbirth, including delivering babies and helping before and after birth.

Nurses can specialize in many areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, emergency care, and more. Jobs are found in hospitals, clinics, long-term care places, schools, and community groups. Nursing lets people choose careers based on their interests and passions.

If you like hands-on patient care, advanced clinical skills, or leadership, the healthcare field has many nursing career options for you. With strong growth and good pay, nursing is a great healthcare profession for those looking for medical vocations.

“Nursing is not just a career – it’s a calling. Nurses have the privilege of making a profound difference in the lives of their patients every single day.”

Neonatal and Pediatric Nursing Careers

Nursing has many career paths, but neonatal and pediatric nursing is very rewarding. These nurses care for infants, children, and teens. They offer crucial support during tough times in their lives.

Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal nurses focus on premature and newborn babies, and older infants with health issues. They work in NICUs, checking vital signs, giving meds, and helping families. To be a neonatal nurse, you need an ADN or BSN degree and an RN license. Getting a special certification in neonatal care is also good to have.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says RN jobs, including neonatal nurses, will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032. This job is perfect for those who want to help newborns and make a big difference.

Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse

Pediatric endocrinology nurses help kids and teens with hormone disorders like diabetes and thyroid issues. They work with doctors to educate patients, manage meds, and check hormone levels. You need a strong background in both pediatric and endocrinology nursing for this job.

Choosing neonatal or pediatric nursing means you can change lives. These jobs are for nurses who care deeply and want to give the best care to young patients and their families.

Other Nursing Specialties

Pain Management Nurse

Pain management nurses are key in checking patients’ pain, giving the right treatments, and helping patients and their families manage pain. They are in high demand as healthcare looks for ways to ease pain without drugs.

To be a pain management nurse, you need a valid RN license. This can be an ADN or a BSN degree, plus two years of experience in pain management. Getting certified in pain management can also boost your skills and trustworthiness.

Nurse Researcher

Nurse researchers are crucial for nursing’s growth. They do research, look at data, and use evidence-based practices. This helps improve patient care and shape nursing research and clinical research. They work in schools, hospitals, or research centers.

Usually, they have a Ph.D. or a DNP degree and lots of research and clinical experience. Their work adds to nursing knowledge and makes patient care better.

“The role of the pain management nurse is to help patients find ways to cope with and manage their chronic pain through a variety of approaches, including non-pharmaceutical options.”

Conclusion

Nursing is a field full of variety, offering many career paths. It ranges from basic patient care to complex specialties. If you’re starting or looking to move up in nursing, exploring the different jobs can help you find the right fit for you.

The demand for nurses is growing, making it a promising career in healthcare. With more older people and new medical advances, nurses are needed more than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has also shown how crucial nurses are, creating new chances in telehealth and community clinics.

When thinking about your nursing career, consider the many roles out there. From basic nursing jobs to advanced APRN careers, there’s a lot to explore. Knowing what each job requires, its duties, and pay can help you pick the best path for your skills and goals.