Career Options for Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) have a wide range of job choices. While some require more schooling, RNs have numerous well-paying and satisfying options. The nursing profession is always changing, offering various employment opportunities for RNs. With so many options, it’s easy to find a job that suits your interests.
Top Work Opportunities for Registered Nurses
Beyond the usual hospital roles, there are many positions for registered nurses. RNs work in doctors’ offices, home healthcare, hospice, and administration.While RNs need an associate degree in nursing (ADN), certain nursing careers demand more education and certifications. Specialized certifications offer professional benefits and can increase your earning potential.
If you want to enhance your nursing career, explore these opportunities:
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1. Nurse in Critical Care
Critical care nurses constantly watch over patients, young and old, with life-threatening injuries or illnesses. They need strong communication skills to work with patients and other healthcare professionals. Staying composed in high-pressure situations is essential.
How to Become a Registered Nurse
Minimum Education: ADN
Certification (Recommended): Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) from AACN Certification Corporation
Average Annual Salary: The average annual base salary was $71,470 as of November 2021, according to PayScale.
Outlook: The demand for critical care nurses should grow due to advances in intensive care technology and an aging population.
2. Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational health nurses (OHNs) provide health and safety programs to workers and communities. They prevent workplace injuries and illnesses while promoting employee health.
Minimum Education: ADN
Certification (Recommended): The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses offers two certifications: Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) for clinical practice and Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S) for administrative roles.
Compensation: The average annual base salary was $74,200 as of November 2021, according to PayScale.
Outlook: Occupational health nursing is one of the fastest-growing specialties.
3. Informatics Nurse
Informatics nurses blend information technology, computer science, and nursing theory to enhance patient care. They monitor, analyze, and create computer programs for clinical settings, like electronic medical records.
Minimum Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Certification (Recommended): Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Compensation: The average annual base salary was $79,950 as of November 2021, according to PayScale.
Outlook: In the 2020 Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey, 49% of nurse informaticists reported earning an annual salary over $100,000.
4. Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice registered nurses specializing in reproductive healthcare. They work in birthing centers, clinics, and hospitals, assisting with gynecological care, family planning, prenatal and postpartum care, and childbirth.
Minimum Education: Master’s degree in nursing (MSN)
Certification (Required): Nurse-midwifery certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board
Compensation: Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2020 indicates a median annual wage of $110,130.
Outlook: The BLS predicts a 45% job growth rate from 2020-2030.
5. Travel Nurse
The demand for travel nurses has surged due to the pandemic and a global nursing shortage. Travel nurses temporarily fill positions in healthcare facilities nationwide. These roles are short-term and can last from days to months.
Minimum Education: BSN
Certification: While there’s no specific certification for travel nurses, specialized credentials can open up more job opportunities.
Compensation: PayScale data from November 2021 shows an average yearly salary of $86,510.
Outlook: Nursing shortages have intensified, and travel nurses are in high demand.
6. Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners often specialize in areas like women’s health, oncology, or pediatrics. Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) care for patients of all ages and can serve as primary healthcare providers. Most work in family practice settings but can find roles in hospitals or clinics.
Minimum Education: MSN
Certification (Required): Available through two organizations: FNP-BC certification from the ANCC and FNP-C certification from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Compensation: As of May 2020, FNPs had a median annual wage of $111,680.
Outlook: Nurse practitioners, including FNPs, are expected to see a rapid 52% job growth rate through 2030.
7. Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses develop and implement programs to promote healthy practices and prevent disease in communities. They work with schools, clinics, and other organizations, focusing on topics like vaccination, sexual health, pregnancy, or mental health.
Minimum Education: ADN
Certification (Recommended): Certified Public Health credential from the National Board of Public Health Examiners
Compensation: As of November 2021, PHNs earned an average annual base salary of $61,210.
Outlook: Registered nurse employment opportunities in public health are expected to increase as organizations recognize the benefits of proactive health measures.
8. Geriatric and Continuing Care Nurse
Geriatric nurses specialize in treating elderly patients, often in continuing care homes and home health organizations. They collaborate with doctors, physical therapists, and families to create patient care plans and assist with daily tasks.
Minimum Education: ADN
Certification: Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC) from the ANCC
Compensation: The average annual base salary was $68,620 as of November 2021.
Outlook: The demand for geriatric nurses is growing with the aging U.S. population.
9. Oncology Nurse
Oncology nurses care for patients diagnosed with cancer, using a multidisciplinary approach that combines clinical skills with empathy and compassion. They work in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, physicians’ offices, home care, and hospice.
Minimum Education: ADN
Certification (Recommended): Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
Compensation: PayScale reports an average annual base salary of $76,350 as of November 2021.
Outlook: An aging population and advances in cancer treatment should drive demand for oncology nurses.
10. Legal Nurse Consultant
Legal nurse consultants work with law firms, healthcare facilities, and insurance companies to provide medical expertise in malpractice, liability, or personal injury cases. Their responsibilities include reviewing medical records, preparing reports, educating attorneys on medical terminology, conducting research, and providing evidence in trials.
Minimum Education: ADN
Certification (Optional): Two organizations offer certifications: the Legal Nurse Consultant Certified credential from the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board and the Certified Legal Nurse Consultant certification from the National Alliance of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants.
Compensation: Reports from November 2021 indicate an average annual base salary of $79,950.
Outlook: Demand for legal nurse consultants may remain steady as firms, facilities, and companies require their medical expertise.
11. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia for surgeries and medical procedures. These roles are among the highest-paid in nursing, and CRNAs work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, outpatient facilities, and dental offices.
Minimum Education: MSN
Certification (Required): CRNA credentials are available through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.
Compensation: CRNAs have a median annual wage of $183,580.
Outlook: Job prospects for CRNAs are promising, with a 13% job growth rate projected by the BLS from 2020-2030.
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