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Career Opportunities in Nursing
Career Opportunities in Nursing
The following are five career opportunities in nursing that can be reasonably expected to provide not only satisfying but also lucrative career opportunities for aspiring nurses.
Health Care Services Nursing Aides
Home health care nursing aides work in old-age homes to provide basic medical care and to prepare meals for the elderly population. They are also involved in monitoring such signs as temperature and blood pressure, administer emergency treatment such as artificial respiration, and also educate family members regarding basic nursing tasks. Annual salaries average around $39,000 for this position.
How to Qualify: A year long licensed practical nurse (LPN) program is generally sufficient for good employment prospects.
Staff Nurses
Staff nurses are typically employed in hospitals, nursing facilities, clinics, and other health care providing organizations. They are involved in providing emergency treatment to patients as well as recording their medical histories and symptoms for further examination by trained doctors. Staff nurses also assist in performing tests and analysis of the results, as well as administering emergency medications. Annual salaries average around $58,550 per year.
How to Qualify: Generally a registered nurse (RN) certification is sufficient. Added boost may be provided by bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or diploma programs.
School Nurses
School nurses are involved in identifying problems in school children and other school staff which may disrupt the educational process, for instance problems in hearing or vision. They also provide health assessment and intervention as well as administer emergency first aid in case of playground or other accidents.
How to Qualify: A typical requirement is an RN or a bachelor's degree. A master's degree in nursing can provide school nurses with opportunities to have a say in policy-level decisions. In addition, school nurses may also have a Nurse Practitioner (NP) certification as well as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification.
Forensic Nurses
Forensic nurses are involved in investigations regarding such issues as sexual assault, child abuse, accidental death, and other traumatic cases, as well as providing evidence in a court of law.
How to Qualify: An RN certification and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) should be combined with a degree program or course work in criminal justice or law enforcement.
Legal Nurse Consultants
Legal nurse consultants are involved in analysis of nursing practices and health care matters, providing a link between attorneys, physicians, and other clients, and work in law firms and other legal-related places of business.
How to Qualify: An accelerated RN-to-BSN program combined with course work or double majoring in criminal justice can provide the necessary qualifications. An alternative is a legal nurse consulting certificate program.
