Nursing is consistently one of the hottest careers there is. Like it or not, the need for health care isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and nurses are needed to take care of the sick and infirm. But with so many nursing jobs out there, it can be overwhelming deciding which path to take.
There are four career paths out there that nurses may want to pursue. Whether it be for the environment, the money, or the sense of purpose, there are plenty of factors that can determine the best career path for you.
1. General Nurse Practitioner
This is one of the highest paying career paths available at just a shade over $110,000 per year. The role of a general nurse practitioner can offer a wide array of options. It can mean working in a clinic or hospital setting or with an independent practice somewhere.
This field requires a lot of education, however, needing a Master of Science in Nursing. It also requires a nurse practitioner license, so be prepared to put in the time and effort to study and pass that licensing test. Still, it is one of the more lucrative nursing positions out there.
2. Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist
When it comes to respected nursing jobs, a certified registered nurse anaesthetist is right up there at the top. That is because it requires years of training, education, and experience to even become one let alone have longevity.
The responsibilities for this kind of nurse include providing anaesthesia for patients. That can be in a dental, surgical, or even OR/ER setting, depending on job availability and preference. It is also one of the highest-paying nursing positions out there at a shade over $180,000 per year.
3. Dean of Nursing
Not every nursing position means working in a hospital or healthcare facility. Those who love nursing and teaching can make their living by passing on their education and experience to future generations of nurses.
It also means working in a university setting, planning and offering leadership to keep the university’s learning program running effectively and training the next generation of nurses. That means being aware of research and advances in the medical field while also creating and implementing a curriculum that is best for preparing future nurses for what it will be like in the workplace.
4. Certified Nurse Midwife
One of the more unique nursing positions out there, but it requires the time, experience, and care that expectant mothers require. For those who enjoy the family aspect of health care, it can be the perfect rewarding career path in the nursing field.
What is different about the position is that the role doesn’t necessarily end after delivery. Midwives can continue to work with both the mother and newborn with their follow-up care. Best of all, midwives are able to work with a physician staff or on their own independently, depending on their level of experience and personal preferences.
