Are you a nurse looking for something a bit different other than the mundane routine you have? Or perhaps you’re considering a career in nursing and want to explore other options? No matter the reason, there are plenty of alternative and lucrative careers in nursing that you never considered before.
This article will look at alternative and lucrative career options for nurses. Keep reading to learn more.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a great way to take your nursing career to the next level. It requires extensive education, including earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and obtaining a valid RN license.
In addition, you must also complete an accredited nurse anesthesia program and pass the National Certification Examination from the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists.
As a CRNA, you administer anesthesia, monitor patients during procedures, and provide post-operative care. You could earn an average salary of over $195,610 annually with proper education and certification. Once certified, a CRNA can work in many settings, including hospitals, surgery centers, and birthing centers.
Medical and health service manager
Typically, medical and health service managers must have at least a bachelor’s degree in health administration or healthcare management and several years of professional experience in the healthcare field.
A master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field is recommended and may be necessary for more advanced positions. Medical and health service managers are responsible for creating budgets and overseeing financial activities, establishing policies and procedures, leading marketing efforts, implementing technology to ensure efficient operations, and working closely with various staff members.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median Medical and Health Service Manager Salary is $101,340 annually. But, salaries can vary depending on other factors such as the location and size of the medical facility.
In addition to competitive salaries, these professionals may receive various benefits, such as paid vacation time, health insurance, and bonuses.
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Forensic Nurse
If you’re looking for a unique and rewarding career in the nursing field, becoming a forensic nurse could be a great option. Forensic nurses combine their nursing knowledge with investigative skills to help bring criminals to justice. To become a forensic nurse, one must possess a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additional certifications or degrees may be necessary, depending on the specialty of the job.
Forensic nurses typically work in emergency rooms, crime scenes, and correctional facilities to assist with patient care and investigate evidence of violence or abuse. Other tasks of a forensic nurse may include testifying in court, evaluating victims of abuse or violence, and assisting in physical exams for sexual assault victims.
Depending on the specialty, salaries for forensic nurses can range from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. With additional certifications and experience, salaries can potentially increase. If you’re interested in pursuing this profession, make sure you are aware of any state-specific regulations and certifications required to practice.
Military Nurse
Military nurses provide a vital service for members of the armed forces. They care for active-duty and retired service personnel and their families.
Military nurses must possess a nursing degree, such as a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. Most of the time, military nurses also hold a registered nurse (RN) license. Depending on their field of practice, military nurses may also be certified in specialty areas.
The job duties of military nurses vary depending on their specialty and the needs of the military branch they are assigned to. They can provide medical care on the front lines, work in hospitals or clinics, provide medical education to new recruits, and serve in other medical roles. In addition, they may be asked to help with administrative tasks or travel with military personnel to provide medical assistance while deployed.
The salary package for military nurses is dependent on their rank and experience. However, on average, military nurses make more than civilian nurses due to the benefits of being part of the military. The salary for a military nurse ranges from $58,000 and $100,000 annually.
Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nursing is a challenging and rewarding career, as it involves providing care to children from infancy through late adolescence. As a Pediatric Nurse, you would be responsible for providing compassionate, evidence-based care to pediatric patients in the hospital and the community.
To become a Pediatric Nurse, you must possess an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a valid state nursing license. Nurses should also gain experience working in adult medicine before specializing in pediatrics.
As a Pediatric Nurse, your daily tasks may include taking patient histories, assessing patients for signs of illness, administering medications and treatments, and educating families on proper health and safety measures.
There are many places where Pediatric Nurses can work, including private medical practices, hospitals, clinics, schools, research labs, and even the home health sector. The average salary for Pediatric Nurses is $60,978 annually, depending on experience, education level, location, and employer.
With advanced certifications and additional training, experienced Pediatric Nurses can earn up to $90,000 annually.
Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric nurses provide care and support to patients who suffer from mental health issues. These nurses specialized in providing emotional support, advice, and help to those with mental illnesses and their families. To become a psychiatric nurse, you must have a nursing degree at the minimum, but more often than not, a master’s degree in nursing is preferred.
Psychiatric nurses typically perform tasks that include assessing patients’ mental conditions, providing psychotherapy and counseling to individuals, couples, or families, prescribing medication, and developing treatment plans. These nurses are often employed in psychiatric facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and other community settings.
Psychiatric nurses have the potential to earn a good salary as they can command an annual income of around $137,244 on average. With experience and certification, this figure could increase substantially.
Women’s Health Nurse
Women’s health nurses are highly specialized nurses who primarily focus on providing care to female patients. They comprehensively understand women’s health’s biological, psychological, and social aspects. Women’s health nurses offer various services, including gynecological exams, family planning and contraception counseling, pre and post-natal care, and menopause education.
To become a women’s health nurse, you must first obtain an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program. After becoming registered nurses, nurses can pursue additional certification to specialize in women’s health nursing.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers women’s health nurse practitioner certification. This certification requires additional coursework and clinical experience in women’s health nursing.
Women’s health nurses may work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. They provide patient education and support to assist women in managing chronic conditions and responding to acute illnesses. They also assess and develop plans of care to meet each patient’s needs.
The salary range for women’s health nurses is typically between $105,544 to $120,556 per year. It can vary depending on experience, location, and employer.
Conclusion
Nursing is incredibly diverse and offers many alternative avenues for aspiring candidates. As a nurse, you can take your career in any direction with the proper training and education.
Whether you’re interested in a military nurse, women’s health nurse, or any other specialized nursing role, there are plenty of unique but rewarding nursing careers to explore. So think about it, find your place, and choose a career where you can grow. If we missed something, please let us know in the comments below.
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