The Many Types of Nursing Jobs: How Many Different Nursing Jobs Are There?
There are a variety of nursing jobs available in the workforce today. From working in a hospital to becoming a nurse practitioner, the options are endless. It can be tough to decide which nursing job is right for you, but don’t worry – we’re here to help! In this article, we will discuss the many different types of nurses employers are looking for, which nursing jobs are available now, and how to find the one that’s perfect for you.
Whether you’re just starting your nursing career or you’re looking to switch gears, read on for some great tips!
Different Types of Nursing Jobs
If you’re looking to start a nursing career or change into a new nursing profession, you’re in luck. There are many different types of nursing jobs available in the workforce today. From working in a hospital to becoming a nurse practitioner, the options are endless. It can be tough to decide which nursing job is right for you, but don’t worry – we’re here to help!
According to labor statistics, there are currently over two million nurses employed in the United States. The main types of nursing jobs include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses and vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. There are also a number of specialties within nursing, including critical care nursing, emergency
Here is a list of in-demand nursing positions for anyone who wants to work in patient care:
Registered Nurses (RN)
You may work with doctors to diagnose patients, assess patients, and educate patients. Registered nurses cannot prescribe medications but they may administer medications. Registered nurses may also assist surgeons in the operating room and during surgical procedures.
A registered nurse is the most common type of nurse. They work in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices, and are responsible for providing basic patient care or overseeing other nurses and medical staff. A registered nurse can also work as an emergency room nurse (ER nurse) or in mental health care facilities or a neonatal intensive care unit.
To become a registered nurse, you will need to complete an accredited nursing program. These programs are typically two or four years long and will give you the knowledge and skills needed to monitor vital signs and direct patient care. In addition to a nursing degree, most states require registered nurses to have a license. It takes approximately three years to obtain a nursing degree to become a registered nurse, and licensure is required in all states.
Most nursing students start their nursing careers as a registered nurse and then move on to other nursing positions. There are many different types of jobs for nurses, and each has its own set of requirements and responsibilities.
The expected job growth for registered nurse positions is 16%, which is much faster than the national average. As a registered nurse, you can expect to earn between $40,000 and $100,000 per year. This large salary range is based on things like experience, position, and location.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A licensed practical nurse is a registered nurse who has completed a one-year nursing program. LPNs work under the direction of a registered nurse or doctor and are responsible for providing basic nursing care.
LPNs earn an average salary of $40,000 per year but can earn as much as $55,000 in some states.
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
A certified nurse assistant is a healthcare professional which works with patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. CNAs are responsible for providing basic care to patients, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
CNAs earn an average salary of $25,000 per year but can earn up to $35,000 in some states.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
An advanced practice registered nurse is a nurse who has completed additional education and training to provide care for specific groups of patients, such as adults, children, or the elderly. There are several different types of these nursing careers, including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse-midwives, and nurse anesthetists.
Nurse Practitioners (NP)
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who have been trained to diagnose and treat illnesses. A nurse practitioner can also prescribe medication and order tests. Nurse practitioners typically work in clinics or doctor’s offices, but some may also work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
A nurse practitioner makes an average annual salary of $107,460.
Mental Health Nurse
Instead of providing medical care, a mental health nurse provides support and care to people who are struggling with mental health issues. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice.
A mental health nurse makes an average annual salary of $54,000.
Critical Care Nurse
A critical care nurse usually works in an emergency room or intensive care unit. They provide care to patients who are critically ill or injured.
As a certified emergency nurse, you could earn an annual salary of $80,000.
Cardiac Nurse
A cardiac nurse is one of many nurses employers are looking to hire. They provide specialized care to patients with heart conditions. They work with many elderly patients and other nursing staff to create a care plan for each patient.
The expected job growth for cardiac nurses is about 24%, and a cardiac nurse can expect to make an annual salary of around $70,000.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists are nurses who have received specialized training in a particular area of nursing care. They are responsible for providing expert care for patients with complex health problems.
These are nurses who have been trained in a specific area of nursing, such as pediatric or cardiac nursing. A clinical nurse specialist typically works in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
These nursing specialists make an average annual salary of $91,610 but can make up to $133,610 per year with either a master’s degree or lots of experience, which makes it one of the highest paying nursing jobs you can find. Expected job growth for CNS nurses is 19% annually.
Occupational Health Nurse (OHN)
Occupational health nurses are nurses who specialize in the prevention and treatment of workplace injuries and illnesses. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or companies that have their own health clinics.
The expected job growth for occupational health nurses is 20% annually, and these nurses make an average annual salary of $68,910.
School Nurse
School nurses are nurses who work in schools to provide care to students and staff. They may provide basic care such as first aid, or they may be responsible for providing comprehensive healthcare services to students.
School nurses provide healthcare services to all ages of students ranging from elementary, middle, and high schools. They may also work in daycare centers and other places that hire nursing staff.
School nurses typically earn between $50,000 and $60,000
Family Nurse Practitioners
A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a nurse who has completed additional training and education to provide primary care services to families. FNPs may work in clinics, hospitals, or medical office. These types of nurses typically earn an annual average salary of $95,000.
Clinical Nurse Educator
Clinical nurse educators lead nursing programs to educate new nurses. They may work in colleges and universities, teaching students how to provide nursing care and inspiring the next generation of nurses and patient care specialists.
Clinical nurse educators usually earn an average salary between $60,000 and $70,000 per year, but salaries go as high as $100,000 in some cases.
Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nurses provide medical care for children from infancy to late adolescence. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. As a pediatric nurse, you can earn an average salary of between $50,000 and $60,000 per year.
Travel Nurses & Home Health Nurses
A travel nurse or home health nurse are both in-demand nursing jobs due to the increasing number of people requiring medical care. Travel nurses are hired by hospitals and other health care facilities to work short-term assignments in various parts of the country.
The expected job growth rate for travel nurses is 26 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations. The job growth rate for home health nurses is expected to be 41 percent, which is even greater.
Many registered nurses enjoy home health work over being an ER nurse because it affords them more time with their families and is less stressful. As a travel nurse, you can very well earn a higher average salary than you would as a staff nurse in a hospital. You also get to choose your work assignments and the places you want to travel.
Travel nurses earn an average salary of $80,000 a year.
Nurse Managers
A nurse manager works with nurses and other members of the health care team to provide quality patient care. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a nursing unit or department.
To start working as a nurse manager, you usually need a bachelor’s degree in nursing and several years of nursing experience. A master’s degree in nursing or health care administration may give you an edge in the job market.
As a nurse manager, your average expected average salary is $96,000 per year, making it one of the highest-paying nursing jobs you can find.
Pain Management Nurses
Pain management nurses are one of many nursing specialties in the nursing field. They are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating pain. This can include prescribing medication, providing patient education, and working with other members of the health care team.
A pain management nurse earns an average salary of $79,000.
Oncology Nurses
An oncology certified nurse, or oncology nurse, is one of the nursing specialties that is responsible for providing care to cancer patients. They may work in a hospital setting, intensive care units, or in outpatient care centers where they provide chemotherapy and other treatments.
The expected job growth for oncology nurses is about 19%, which is much faster than the national average. Oncology nurses earn an average salary of $71,000 but can earn up to $100,000 depending on their experience and specialization.
Nurse Midwives (NM)
These midwives may also be called a labor and delivery nurse, maternity nurse, or childbirth educator. Nursing midwives can expect to make an average salary of $69,000 per year, and have an expected job growth rate of 16% per year.
A nurse-midwife is a registered nurse who has specialized in midwifery. Nurse-midwives provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. They also offer gynecological care to women of all ages. They often work in clinics, nursing care facilities, or hospitals, but they may also be self-employed.
Public Health Nurse
A public health nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in promoting and protecting the health of communities. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and private businesses. The expected job growth for public health nurses is around 19%, which is much faster than the average for all nurses.
Public health nurses earn an average salary of $68,000 per year.
Nurse Anesthetists (NA)
A certified registered nurse anesthetist is a registered nurse who has specialized in anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients before surgery and monitor their vital signs during surgery. They may also provide pain relief after surgery. Nurse anesthetists often work in hospitals, but they may also be self-employed.
In order to work as an NA, you must have a master’s degree in nursing and be certified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.
The average salary for a nurse anesthetist is $164,000 per year.
Radiology Nurses
As a radiology nurse you will be responsible for providing nursing care to patients who are having x-rays, MRIs, and other radiology procedures. You will also be responsible for educating patients on how to prepare for their procedures and how to care for themselves after the procedure is completed. These nurses may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.
The expected job growth rate for these nurses is 19% and you can earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually.
Geriatric Nurse
A geriatric nurse is responsible for providing nursing care to elderly patients. They may work in nursing homes, hospices, or in a patient’s home. These nurses are often responsible for managing multiple medications and helping patients with activities of daily living.
The expected job growth rate for geriatric nurses is 26% and you can expect to earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually.
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Other Types of Nurses Employers Look For
There are many other types of nurses that employers are looking for. These include critical care nurses, labor and delivery nurses, neonatal nurses, and nurse practitioners.
Each of these positions has an expected job growth rate of at least 19%, and most have an average salary that ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. So if you’re interested in a nursing career, there are many different options to choose from! And with the expected job growth rates for nurses, now is a great time to enter this field.
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