Why Should You Advance Your Nursing Career
Perhaps you’ve already earned your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and are a registered nurse . However, now that you have experience in the nursing field, maybe you want to explore your options for advancing your nursing career.
There are many reasons to advance your nursing career. You may want to advance your role, aiming for a leadership position in the field. Or you may want to increase your salary, looking for a way to receive higher compensation for your work. Whatever your ultimate goal may be, advancing your nursing career can come with many benefits, including the following:
Become A Nurse Educator
Teaching is one of the best jobs for nurses who love helping people but want to move away from full-time patient care. You have already earned valuable experience in the field, and you could potentially pursue a role training the next generation of nurses.
A good nurse educator has:
- An advanced degree and strong academic background
- Deep clinical experience
- A desire to make a difference
- Eagerness to share their expertise with others
If this sounds like you, a career as a nurse educator could be a great fit. You can work as a staff development educator in a clinical environment, or as a professor or faculty member at a university or college. In most cases, you will need a masters degree in nursing to qualify for a position as a nurse educator.
Herzing University offers multiple nursing education program options for registered nurses looking to take the next step in their career. You may be able to transfer current college credit into a nursing education program to reduce both time to complete and cost.
Nurse education pathways with Herzing
Different Types Of Nursing Jobs
- Different Types of Nursing Jobs
During and after you complete your nursing program, whether it be a traditional, RN to BSN or accelerated nursing degree, you should be reviewing the different types of options that are out there for you. The healthcare field has numerous opportunities for individuals to get involved in, and whether you are entering the field or are continuing as a registered nurse , it is important to narrow down which type of nurse you would like to be. There are distinct types of nursing jobs, any of which you could successfully pursue with an accredited nursing degree and appropriate state licensure.
In this nursing blog:
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Medical Records And Health Information Technicians
Professionals who find work as a medical records and health information technician are in charge of coding, organizing, and tracking various health information data. Most work on a full-time basis, and the majority work in healthcare settings, such as medical and surgical hospitals.
That said, wages vary depending on the exact position held in this field and where the job is completed. As an example, the BLS says that health technologists and technicians earned median annual wages of $45,620 in May 2021, but “health information technologists, medical registrars, surgical assistants, and healthcare practitioners and technical workers” earned a median salary of $51,840. It’s important to note that professionals who work in this field for the federal government earned a much higher median salary: $99,750.
Job openings in this field are expected to grow from 9% to 11% through 2030, depending on the position, which is slightly higher than anticipated growth for all US occupations combined. Fortunately, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a degree in a related healthcare field should be more than sufficient to find work in this field.
Health Care It Careers
If you’re proficient in information technology, a BScN can help you work in a nursing IT role. As a nurse informatics specialist, you can help the hospital staff use the available technology effectively and efficiently by using your knowledge of both fields to act as a liaison between IT and medical professionals. You can also pursue other roles related to health information management, including management and leadership positions.
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Registered Nurse First Assist: Annual $101890 Or $4900/hr*
A Registered Nurse First Assistant is a perioperative registered nurse that functions as a first assistant during surgical operations. The role and responsibilities of an RNFA will vary greatly based on the institution. Large academic teaching hospitals might not employ as many RNFA due to residents and fellows.
Health Policy Nurse Salary
ZipRecruiter.com states the average national salary for health policy nurses is $79,429 as of June 2022. Nurses that work in this field often work as consultants, which makes the salary potential endless. Individuals will have the ability to work as much or as little as they wish. Health policy nurses typically work 40 hours per week, making their average hourly wage approximately $38.19, but this can vary widely.
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Why Should You Get A Master’s Degree In Nursing
MSN programs prepare a Registered Nurse to better serve their patients from a holistic perspective. Graduate-level nursing courses will cover topics such as ethics, public health, leadership, healthcare practice, and clinical skills.
One of the major benefits of an MSN degree is that not only does it offer more advancement opportunities and earning potential, but it also allows you to specialize in a role and/or patient population that interests you the most.
For instance, you can choose to specialize in a clinical specialty track as a Nurse Practitioner or choose a more administrative role, such as a Nurse Educator or Nurse Researcher.
Clinical Nurse Specialist: Annual $112267 Or $5400/hr*
Those who wish to work in a specialized unit or clinic should consider the Clinical Nurse Specialist path. In addition to diagnosing and treating various conditions, youll be looked upon as an expert within your healthcare team. Clinical Nurse Specialists focus on improving the status of nursing at the hospital. They are involved in research and bettering the care provided in the healthcare setting.
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What Can You Do With A Bsn Degree Besides Nursing
Combatting the nursing shortage will require the help of BSN graduates in a variety of roles. Registered nurses interested in better meeting patients needs and elevating their careers can start by earning a bachelors in nursing, such as through the online RN to BSN degree program at St. Catherine University.
Graduates with a BSN can work as bedside nurses in medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and physicians offices. They can also pursue careers as nurse educators, health policy nurses, nurse recruiters, nurse informaticists, forensic nurses, clinical research nurses, or nurse health coaches. If youre interested in one of these career paths, learn more about how a bachelors degree in nursing can help you succeed.
Bridge Completion And Accelerated Programs
Almost anyone can benefit from the flexibility of online nursing schools, but for working nurses and other professionals, saving time can be more of a sanity-saver than a perk. Many online nursing schools offer bridge or degree completion programs such as ADN to BSN, RN to BSN, BSN to MSN, and similar programs that factor in students’ previous education and training when establishing a course of study so that they do not have to repeat coursework. Some schools offer similar online nursing programs for students with degrees in different fields. By not requiring students to retake basic nursing and general education classes, these programs cut down the time to completion.
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What Is The Average Nurse Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in 2020 had a median pay of $75,330 per year, with the top 10% of earners bringing in more than $116,230 per year. This places nursing well above the nations average income, allowing nurses to achieve a high standard of living and opening the doors to earning even more through specialization.
Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
A BSN can potentially make you more competitive for registered nurse positions, and it typically takes four years to complete. This degree can give you greater control over your career by offering skills and experience. With a BSN, you may choose from a wider range of career paths and specialize in a field of nursing that interests you. Additionally, some hospitals and health clinics only hire RNs who hold a BSN.
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Family Nurse Practitioner: Annual $98041 Or $5120/hr*
The position of Family Nurse Practitioner is the career closest to functioning like a primary care physician. FNPs typically perform many of the same functions as an MD — working in a medical office, hospital, clinic, or nursing facility. Their responsibilities include patient consultations, assessments, prescribing medications and treatment, and more.
Family nurse practitioners earn an average of $98,041 per year, as of May 2022, according to Payscale.com. FNPs typically work 40 hours per week, making their hourly wage approximately $51.20.
Alternative Nursing Careers Beyond Bedside Care: What Jobs Can You Do If You Dont Want To Work With Patients Anymore
The exciting thing about a career in nursing is that it provides a huge variety of roles and career options, which means that youll never get bored working in this rewarding field.
However, if the long hours have taken their toll or if you want a change of pace and a shift in responsibilities, you might decide that the best option for you is leaving the bedside or the clinical environment and pursuing a different direction in your career.
Luckily for you, nursing is one of the few fields out there that offers a plethora of options, equally meaningful, be it in a hospital or non-hospital setting
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Clinical Laboratory Technologists And Technicians
Whether someone is considering a career change from nurse practitioner or looking to transition from registered nursing, a career as a clinical laboratory technologist or technician could be a suitable fit. These workers typically take on full-time roles, and it is fairly common to work evenings or weekends in facilities that stay open around the clock. However, hands-on care of patients is not a requirement for this job, which may be important for nurses who are hoping to transition toward a less personal side of the healthcare profession.
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians earned a median annual salary of $57,800 nationwide in May of 2021, and jobs in this field are expected to increase 11% from 2020 to 2030. This compares favorably to the 8% growth rate expected for all occupations combined. Clinical laboratory technologists typically need a bachelor’s degree to find work, whereas technicians only need an associate degree.
What Nurses Are The Happiest
*Salary Disclaimer:
The salaries listed are highly generalized. Nurses can expect to see major variances based on geography, experience, and a number of other factors.
When calculating hourly wages for nurse salaries, we used the following formula: For a nurse working 40 hours a week, we estimated 52 of those would be working weeks. 40 hours/week multiplied by 52 weeks/year = 2,080 hours per year. The hourly wage is equivalent to Annual Salary / 2,080 for a position with a 40-hour workweek. The same formula was applied for careers with a 36-hour workweek.
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Why Nursing Is An Excellent Career Path
Nurses are in HIGH demand. According to the BLS, in 2018 there were 3,059,800 Registered Nurses in the United States. By 2028, there will be a need for an additional 371,500 nurses, which is an expected growth of 12%. With the aging population, this number is expected to be even higher. Meaning that nurses should never have trouble finding work.
Is Nursing A Good Career Five Signs It Suits You
With our rapidly changing world comes uncertainty and instability. Sometimes that feeling of instability manifests in our careers and job security. But some career paths offer a door to much-needed steadiness and promise. A registered nursing job is one of those paths. Not only is it a stable profession to enter its also slated to grow, making it an ideal career path for many. The National Library of Medicine projects that between 2020 and 2029, there will be a 15% growth in healthcare, creating over two million jobs222,000 of which will be nurses.
You might find yourself wondering, is nursing right for me? Successful nurses are empathetic, outstandingly ethical, and have a love for helping people. They are also bound to professionalism and are seeking a competitive career. If these sound like qualities you possess, keep reading.
Despite popular belief, there are very many different career paths for a registered nurse and, frankly, there is a role suitable for just about anyone. There is direct care, which is probably what you imagine when you think of the work of a nurse, but it doesnt stop there. If youre interested in driving innovation in the medical and care fields, you could go into nursing research, or if you feel like your talents are best used as a leader, you can aim for a nursing training and management track. If you feel like youre a well of teachable knowledge, you can go into nursing education. The possibilities are truly endless.
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Rn To Msn Bridge Program
Who is it right for? RNs that have an ADN or Diploma
If you have your Associates Degree in Nursing, or if you have a diploma RN, you can either earn your BSN and then apply to an MSN program, OR you can earn both your BSN and MSN at the same time, known as an RN-to-MSN bridge program.
These typically allow RNs to earn their MSN about a year sooner than the traditional route.
Bsn Career Paths And Workplaces
There are an amazing number of career specialties for RNs with a BSN. Many require certification attesting to a nurses expertise. What you choose could determine where you work, from a regional trauma center to a rural hospital and more.
Heres a sampling of careers to give you an idea of whats out there.
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Pros And Cons Of Becoming A Cna
Because the training process to become a CNA is just 4-12 weeks, its a great way for individuals to get their first experience in nursing and determine if they want to further their career to become an LPN or RN. Many CNAs are already in a nursing school program and use this career as a chance to learn more about the healthcare world and gain additional real world application and knowledge.
Become A Nurse Faster With An Accelerated Nursing Degree
Grand Canyon University offers a wide range of nursing degree options for students who want to prepare for a rewarding career in healthcare. Programs such as the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is designed for those looking to change career paths and get into the nursing field as soon as possible. After receiving your BSN from GCUs ABSN program, you can choose to take the next step in your journey and explore different types of nursing jobs or even pursue graduate nursing education.
1COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on September 2021, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
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Medical Or Pharmaceutical Sales
You wouldn’t typically associate nurses and salespeople, but nurses often make a great fit for making connections with potential customers and answering questions about products and uses in the workplace. It’s important for companies to have salespeople with clinical experience to effectively sell their products. This role also has one of the lower barriers to entry as far as education goes, with most technical sales roles requiring a bachelor’s degree to get started.
What Can You Do With A Master Of Science In Nursing With A Concentration In Informatics
An MSN/INF can help prepare you to be a:
- Clinical director
- Nursing director
Nursing administration
Healthcare facilities are complex operations, especially among the varied nursing departments found in many major hospitals. RNs looking to work in the operational side of patient care may decide to take on administrative roles, such as clinical directors or directors of nursing to manage human, fiscal and physical healthcare resources. Experience as a registered nurse can give these administrators the understanding necessary to liaison between nurses and the rest of the healthcare administration.
To prepare for this administrative responsibility, RNs may choose to pursue a masters degree and focus on the specialty of nursing administration. University of Phoenix offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Administration that focuses on a healthcare leaders role within an organization.
What do you learn in this program?
Some key aspects taught in this program are:
- Analyzing a budget and ensuring resources are planned for
- Developing a strategic plan according to organizational goals and data reports
- Implementing changes to meet desired quality measures
- Modifying policies to meet external regulatory and accreditation standards
- Analyzing patient satisfaction benchmarks and goals
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