Because nurses are such an important part of all forms of patient care, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates have many viable options in the job market.
Obstetrics and Gynecological Nurse
Gynecology encompasses care for the female reproductive system, while obstetrics focuses on pregnancy and childbirth. Providers in these two closely related fields work together to help women in various ways, including basic health, fertility and pregnancy needs. Private physician’s offices and hospitals are typical work settings for these nurses.
The average yearly salary of the OBGYN or OB/GYN nurse is $60,000, according to Nurse Journal. While specific certifications or training aren’t always necessary to work in women’s health, further education specific to these matters will undoubtedly benefit patients.
Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nurses care for children from infancy to age 18. This may be the calling for those who love to work with children. Pediatric nurses usually work in pediatrician’s practices, clinics and hospitals. According to Nurse Journal, pediatric nurses earn between $41,000 and $65,500 per year.
Nurses competing for jobs in pediatric care should consider becoming a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) to give themselves an advantage. Registered nurses are able to sit for the CPN exam only after extensive experience in a pediatric clinical setting.
Perioperative Nurse (Surgical Nurse)
Nurses are an integral part of any surgical team, assisting with a range of operations from minor outpatient procedures to more involved ones. Job duties may include surgical preparation, assistance during operations and post-operative care. Preparing the surgical site, setting up IVs and taking vitals all fall within the perioperative nurse’s purview.
Surgical nurses work inside and outside of the operating room. They must have the ability to remain calm under pressure and be comfortable in a fast-paced environment that demands precision.
Average salary of the surgical nurse is $74,197 per year, according to Nurse Journal. RNs who want to stand out in the crowd of perioperative nurses can consider becoming a Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR). To be eligible for the exam, nurses must have a current, unrestricted RN license; they must currently work in perioperative nursing clinical practice, nursing education, administration, or research; and they must have a minimum of two years and 2,400 hours of experience in perioperative nursing, with a minimum of 1,200 hours in the intraoperative setting. Once these requirements are fulfilled, nurses can sit for the computer-based exam from the CCI (Competency & Credentialing Institute).
ICU Nurse
When people have a health crisis, they often require intensive, around-the-clock care. ICU nurses provide care and monitor their assigned patients within the intensive care unit. Attention to detail is critical for an ICU nurse, who analyzes vitals, evaluates patient conditions and coordinates with physicians to administer care.
According to Nurse Journal, ICU nurses make an average annual salary of $62,000. Additional credentials are not required for the ICU nurse, but a host of certifications are available to signify specialized training in acute and critical care through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
Hospice or Palliative Care Nurse
End-of-life care focuses on patient comfort in conjunction with doctors’ orders. Hospice or palliative care nurses care for dying patients and help guide concerned family members through the end-of-life process of their loved ones. With the growing aging population, job opportunities in this field are expected to increase. The work setting is often a patient’s homes or a hospice facility.
According to Nurse Journal, this specialty nurse averages $29.65 per hour. A Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse has increased opportunity in this field. CHPN certification requires an examination, practical experience and a certification fee.
St. Thomas University offers an online RN to BSN program to help practicing nurses gain the education for career advancement on a convenient schedule. This program can be completed in as few as 12 months.
Learn more about STU’s online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
Nurse Journal: 5 Best Paying BSN Nursing Jobs and Careers
Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board: Get Certified
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Initial Certifications
Advancing Expert Care: Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse
