Are you looking to kickstart your career in the nursing field? But with so many options, it is overwhelming and hard to decide which one is best for you.
Nursing is the most respectable, always on standby, and significant workforce in the healthcare system. It is a profession that demands resilience, strength, and patience.
Dealing with patients daily takes its toll on even the toughest individuals, which is why the profession itself is respected globally.
Today, nurses play a significant role in the healthcare industry, with positions that stretch far beyond just patient care.
Through advanced educational degrees, they acquire newer skills, take on more challenging roles and inspire junior nurses to perform at their best to improve the quality of care for patients.
If you’re empathetic, resilient, and ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role in nursing, here are eight positions that are always high in demand.
Registered Nurse (RN)
A registered nurse (RNs) assists physicians in planning treatment and managing patient cases to provide quality patient care.
According to American Nurses Association (ANA), by 2022, there will be more jobs available for RNs than in any other profession.
The reason is, more than 500,000 RNs retire almost every year due to various reasons, and there’s a need for 1.1 million new RNs to fill in and expand those positions.
A registered nurse is a central and well-known position in the healthcare sector, which leads to other prominent specializations including, Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.
Since many employers in leading medical institutes prioritize RNs with expanded leadership and advocacy skills, a BSN Program is ideal for a broader understanding of patient care.
- Required Education: ADN/ASN or BSN recommended
- Required Certification: NCLEX-RN
- Demand: 9% increase as of 2020-2030
- Salary: $36/hour, and $70,000 to 75,000/year on average
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse
ICU or critical care nurses perform complex tasks looking after patients with life-threatening medical conditions.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offers multiple specialty certifications for critical care nurses.
Due to the complexity and significance of the role, ICU RNs opt to specialize in a particular field and age group medical cases.
With the nature of their job, critical care nurses have excellent leadership & communication skills and are the most sought-after nursing field, especially post COVID-19.
- Required Education: Associate degree or BSN recommended
- Required Certification: CCRN
- Demand: Increased by 9% as of 2020-2030
- Salary: $70,000 to 75,000/year on average
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
An LPN works directly with RNs and doctors to carry out numerous basic routine tasks like:
- Vitals check
- Sample collection
- Injections
- Manage medicines
Licensed practical nurses are in-demand and valued positions in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.
Also, they have hands-on experience in almost every area of a medical institution, which is a great pathway to advance further in the nursing field.
- Required Education: LNP Diploma
- Required Certification: One-year community college certification
- Demand: Expected to increase by 9% as of 2020-2030
- Salary: $48,000-49,000/year on average
Emergency Room (ER) Nurse
The ER nurses are the hospitals’ first responders to patients in the emergency room. Also, they can stabilize traumatic and seriously injured patients alongside the emergency medical staff.
ER nurses are known to possess strong communication and immediate problem-solving skills. These skills are crucial for those who serve in ERs and other quick-response medical personnel.
- Required Education: ADN/ASN, or BSN
- Required Certification: CEN
- Demand: Expected to increase
- Salary: $90,000/year on average
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
A CRNA is an advanced specialized course. These are certified and trained nurses to administer anesthesia to the patient before an operation in hospitals and clinics.
Due to their responsibilities for monitoring a patients’ vitals during medical procedures, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported it to be a very lucrative and high-in-demand role.
- Required Education: MSN or DNP
- Required Certification: NBCRNA certification
- Demand: 45% (Much faster than average
- Salary: $117,000/year on average
Travel Nurse
The travel nurse performs the same duties as an RN. The difference is that travel nurses work on project-based tasks either nationally or internationally, filling vacant gaps with their specialty in hospitals and various health organizations.
The role of a travel nurse could be the best option for someone who likes to travel, build connections, and grow their nursing career through networking and international experience.
- Required Education: ASN/ADN, or BSN
- Required Certification: RN
- Demand: Continued growth
- Salary: $100,000/year on average
Cardiac Nurse
These are nurses responsible for overseeing cardiovascular issues in patients. They are often employed in an ICU, assisting patients with heart problems or who underwent heart surgery.
As a result, these nurses must possess the ability to work in a stressful environment.
In addition, these nurses can further grow with continued education in their corresponding field for a better work experience and still be sought-after by hospitals and medical organizations.
- Required Education: ADN or BSN
- Required Certification: RN with experience
- Salary: $80,000/year on average
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
A family nurse practitioner holds an advanced degree to care for individuals and families in all age groups.
They conduct reviews, provide treatment plans, and prescribe medications.
According to the BLS, employment for these nurses is much faster than average.
- Required Education: MSN
- Required Certification: RN, ANCC with experience
- Salary: $117,000/year on average
Final Thoughts
Breaking into nursing or any other career, in general, requires research and planning of what is to come ahead.
As you can see, there is a wide array of nursing professions to choose from, each with its own set of challenges and requirements. We hope this list gave you an insight into the demanding nursing careers that align with your capabilities.