It’s no secret that nursing jobs are in high demand, and this is a main motivator for many students who go to college to pursue a nursing degree. People who work in healthcare are also highly respected, and nurses have once again been deemed the most trustworthy profession in 2019. That makes this the 20th year in a row for those counting. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the field is usually a better investment than an associate’s now, as the Institute of Medicine has been working for years to meet their goal of 80% of nursing staff acquiring their BSN by 2020.
That means many registered nurses will likely be looking to enter an RN-BSN program in the near future. The good news is that once a BSN is completed, there are near endless opportunities. Nurses are free to work in multiple areas without having to attend more formal schooling, and they can decide to pursue further specializations. https://www.hashtagnursing.
Surgical Nursing
As this is an advanced field of nursing, it’s good for those who are looking to earn in the higher salary ranges. A surgical nurse will offer assistance to the surgeon during operations and other medical procedures. This can include assisting during the operation itself, or it may be limited to preparatory and follow up tasks depending on the case. Some surgical nurses even pursue Master’s degrees to become anesthetists, who are the highest paid advanced nurses. That said, with the exception of some roles in the military, programs specifically for this field are not widespread.
Cardiovascular Nursing
Cardiovascular nurses primarily care for patients with heart disease and interact with their families. They will frequently work in specialized environments like the Heart and Vascular Institute at JFK Medical Center and will most likely be part of a team led by a cardiologist. Duties will include monitoring patients and test evaluations, providing post-operative care, and educating patients and families on any necessary lifestyle changes as well as any less common but relevant issues, such as myocarditis awareness.
Radiology Nursing
Also referred to as medical imaging nurses, radiology nurses care for patients who need diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. These include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and more. A radiology nurse may work in a specialized environment, such as a spine surgery and treatment center, but they will generally work at any hospitals or outpatient care facilities. Those with BSN degrees generally find work much easier, though technically any RN can work in the field.
OBGYN Nursing
An Obstetric and Gynecological nurse will work with physicians and midwives to care for pregnant women and those with reproductive health issues. Responsibilities will include providing basic care during pregnancies, assisting with childbirth and/or necessary surgeries, and educating expectant mothers. They will frequently work in maternity wards in hospitals, although they may work in private offices as well. While there are technically no formal requirements beyond a BSN for the position, many believe additional training is helpful.
Nurse Management
Those with a knack for nursing and business skills may want to become nurse managers. While it’s not required, it’s generally considered helpful to have experience in several different fields of nursing before attempting this. Generally speaking, at least five years of nursing experience will be required for a candidate to be considered, and most will need to obtain a Master’s degree in healthcare or business administration. A nurse manager will typically be assigned to a specific hospital floor or unit in a clinic. Because of the rigorous requirements for a management position, most who make it this far tend to stay in the field. Luckily, there are further options for leadership if one so desires.
This is merely an introduction to the wide range of responsibilities in nursing and the variety of specializations. Speaking with an experienced healthcare professional can give you an even greater idea of your options if you’re interested in pursuing a nursing degree.
