4 Jobs You Can Get with a Nursing Degree

Nursing is a recession-proof, in-demand career path. With over eighty specializations, prospective students have numerous options. Each discipline offers rewards and challenges, so consider them carefully before choosing your path. Below, you will find the most common jobs you can find with a nursing degree.

Types of Jobs You Can Get with a Nursing Degree

Nursing offers numerous career options in both the clinical and non-traditional settings. Below is a list of popular nursing jobs, although it is not an exhaustive one.

Traditional Nursing Jobs

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Entry-level position allowing individuals to gain experience from Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Vocational/ Practical Nurses (LVN/LPN). CNAs aid in patient care by completing tasks such as bathing, feeding, turning, stocking supplies, and helping with light medical procedures.

CNAs are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a training course before gaining employment in places like hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and hospices. CNAs often work in home health.

2. Licensed Practical/ Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)

This position has different names in different states. LPN/LVN is also an entry-level nursing position with more responsibilities than a CNA. LPNs/LVNs administer medication, set up and clean for procedures, provide basic care, and organize patient history.

LVNs/LPNs must have a high school or equivalent education, complete a LPN degree program, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) before entering the workforce and securing positions in hospitals, home health, residential facilities, and physicians' offices.

3. Registered Nurse (RN)

This is the largest group of nurses with a host of specialties and degrees for one to pursue once a bachelor's degree or higher has been acquired and the NCLEX-RN has been passed. The list below is extremely broad and offers several unique nursing positions:

• Forensic nurses are crime nurses trained to work with victims of human trafficking, abuse, and violence. While working, they collect evidence, photograph wounds, and injuries, and offer testimonies in court or other legal proceedings.
• Prison nurses work in correctional facilities to evaluate and maintain the treatment of the prisoners and in an emergency staff. Prison nurses can expect to help a vulnerable group of individuals and see some unusual conditions.
• Staff nurses typically evaluate, observe, and manage patients in hospitals. These individuals are responsible for administering medication and monitoring their patients for side effects or reactions while overseeing CNAs and LVNs/LPNs.

4. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

APRNs are registered nurses with a master's, doctoral, or postgraduate degree and provide patients with a higher level of hands-on care or work in administrative positions. You will find them listed below:

• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) focuses on women's reproductive health and the childbearing process. Thus, they are responsible for women's overall health, not only for pregnancy and thereafter, offering women a holistic health plan and treatments in hospitals, birthing centers, and in-home.
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) administers and monitors anesthesia for patients undergoing medical procedures. Since nurses undergo similar training as doctors in some states, CRNAs can work without doctor supervision. Working in environments such as hospitals, dental offices, and pain management centers.
• Director of Clinical Operations (DCO) manages the daily activities in a healthcare department or facility, like scheduling, training, defining, and enforcing policies. To be considered for this position, one must have a DNP.
• Nurse Practitioners (NP) train to provide care similar to a doctor but more focused on the patient rather than the diagnoses and treatment of illness and diseases. NPs have several disciplines, including family, pediatric, psychiatric, nurse education, and adult-gerontology, working in hospitals, private practices, and in-home.

Non-Traditional Nursing Jobs

So, you want to be a nurse, but working in a healthcare facility does not entice you, or maybe you want a change; here are some options to try. Again, this is just a starting point, not an exhaustive list.

1. Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Establishments

No one ever thinks about them until they need it, but sometimes, we get hurt and need medical personnel when having fun. Working in either clinical or non-clinical roles, there are exciting opportunities to handle anything from giving a child a bandage to treating medical emergencies or data entry. With the rise of medical resorts, nursing staff will be needed to help patients recover physically and mentally. One should be a BSN or MSN level RN to enter this area.

2. Cannabis Nurse

According to the American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA), a cannabis nurse not only supports wellness and healing but also provides education and supports the patients' needs. These nurses are trained to care for patients experiencing pain and/or other conditions while prescribed medical cannabis. Working in facilities such as product manufacturing, dispensaries, and hospitals, they are not authorized to provide products unless the law permits them. Also, a nurse must complete a certification course before working as a cannabis nurse.

3. Flight Nurse

Flight or transport nurses work on life-flight helicopters or other aircraft in civilian and military nursing environments. Job duties include giving medical attention during an emergency situation and keeping the patient stable until landing. A flight nurse needs at least five years of experience in intensive care or emergency room departments and can work on a 24/7 on-call rotation.

4. Organ Procurement Nurse

Operating as a liaison and care provider for the families of both the recipient and the donor during the transplant process, these nurses have unique positions. They provide grief support to families and manage the care of patients during a critical surgical situation. Coordinating and supporting the process from matching donors and recipients to assisting in the operating room and during recovery.

Different Types of Nursing Jobs

The nursing field is vast, with a wide array of opportunities to work in the traditional manner and beyond. If you have a passion for helping people, the nursing profession may be for you. If you are not one to offer bedside assistance, there is still a place for you. Combine your passions in many different ways as a nurse. Find an online nursing degree program today!