According to the American Nurses Association, those with nursing jobs commit to protecting, promoting, and enhancing health, preventing illness as well as injury, and easing suffering through proper diagnosis and treatment methods. With a workforce consisting of well over 2.5 million members, nursing is the largest occupation in the clinical healthcare sector.
There are a total of three educational avenues to becoming a nurse. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an associate’s degree in nursing (AND) are the two most often chosen. Accredited programs from hospitals also offer diplomas, however, as associate and especially bachelors become the standard these diploma programs are being phased out. Additionally, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
While quality nursing programs are available from several institutions, a select few stand out from the pack. Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, for example, is the top ranking school for nursing. With a multitude of nursing tracks to pursue, a stellar MBA and PhD curriculum, and paid residencies, Johns Hopkins is an excellent choice. Not far behind, the University of Pennsylvania, a private research school, offers a Bachelors as well as accelerated graduate programs. The University of Washington is another prestigious school with top billeting by U.S. News and World Report.
Description of 5 Popular Nursing Jobs
Certified Dialysis Nurse: These nurses specialize in patients with malfunctioning kidneys who rely on dialysis machines for waste elimination. Because of a remarkable increase in demand with a low supply of qualified candidates, certified dialysis nursing is a rapidly expanding specialty. As an added bonus to the security and low competition, nurses in this arena typically work a coveted 9-5 schedule.
In order to qualify, individuals must possess an RN license as well as 2000 hours of dialysis and nephrology care experience. An extra 15 hours of credited nephrology training is also required. For their efforts, the median salary is currently $63,500.
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC): For nurses unconcerned with working in a hospital setting, CLNC makes an excellent career. These individuals may find themselves working for law firms, insurance companies, private corporations, or government agencies, using industry experience to provide advice on medical lawsuits.
Generally having an RN license as well as specialized CLNC training, these professionals research, investigate, review records, and identify care standards which they use to populate reports and summaries. The average salary for a CLNC is $62,100.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Besides baby delivery CNMs offer many health services to female patients. These services include gynecological examinations, education on family planning, and pre/postnatal care. CNMs have, on average, attained a master of science in nursing and conduct their business in hospitals, private offices, clinics, and from patient homes. Highly valued for the delicate and personal nature of their work, CNMs earn a median wage of $84,000.
Nurse Anesthetist: The nurse anesthetist is unquestionably one of the highest-grossing specialties in the field. Maintaining and delivering anesthesia, these nurses work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and even dentists to provide proper medication.
Nurse anesthetists work in private doctor and dentist offices, pain clinics, and hospitals. With an up-to-date RN license, critical care experience, a two year anesthesia training program, and certification from the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), a top salary of $135,000 can be achieved.
Nurse Case Manager: For any nurses looking for some distance from general nursing duties, case manager is a job worth considering. Managers observe patient progression, assess the care they receive, and provide alternative treatments if needed. The professionals walk a fine line, balancing patient advocacy with the fiscal efficiency of the institutions they work for. Besides medical facilities, nurse case managers can also be found in insurance companies.
Though typically awarded internally to experienced nurses, there are case management certificate programs available. Case managers make an average of $68,032.
With diligence and hard work, nursing jobs can provide a wealth of experience and become truly incredible and lucrative careers.
