Undoubtedly, nurses serve as a backbone in the healthcare industry. They not only provide quality care to the patients but also help in administrative work. Today, nurses are more autonomous than they were ever before. The profession offers financial and personal satisfaction to its professionals, from providing support and utmost care to educating and promoting public health.
For this reason, many students that are passionate about bringing a positive change to people’s lives are now pursuing a career in nursing. The field offers students a wide variety of specializations and lucrative job opportunities. However, individuals must take a path that piques their interest and advance in their education to benefit from a high-paying job. Below is the list of nursing careers that offers the best pay globally:
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CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is one of the highest-rewarding nursing careers. These professionals are mainly responsible for preparing and providing anesthesia to the patients in their surgical procedures. They work in different settings such as hospitals, dental offices, clinics, pain management centers, public health centers, outpatient care centers, etc. However, the day-to-day responsibilities of CRNA include:
- Monitor patients vitals and evaluate medical history before the surgery
- Educate patients and their families about the surgery processes
- Work with the doctor, physician, or other medical staff to prepare an anesthetic plan
- Prepare surgery room and set out all the necessary equipment
- Request and evaluate diagnosis test
- Prepare and provide anesthesia induction
- Keep an eye on patient anesthesia level during the surgery
- Monitor patients progress as they recover from anesthesia
- Administer pre and post-anesthesia medications
- Stay well-informed of the latest knowledge and advancements in the anesthesia field
Individuals who wish to pursue a career as CRNAs must earn a minimum of bachelor’s degree. They must also acquire a state license and at least one year of experience in an acute care setting. Many registered nurses wish to continue their practice while pursuing additional education to take their careers to the next level. However, these nurses should enroll in programs that have CCNE accreditation to achieve quality education. Several CCNE accredited online MSN programs are available that provide the opportunity to strike a balance between work and academic life. They can also get certification in a particular specialization after completing their master’s degree program. According to PayScale, the average salary of a CRNA is $157,960.
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CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIFE (CNM)
Individuals interested in providing care to patients during their pregnancy or childbirth can pursue a career as certified nurse-midwives. These professionals play an essential role in women’s critical time, helping and guiding them during pregnancy, labor, and birth. They primarily work in hospitals and OB/GYN offices but sometimes also practice on their own. These nurses are also responsible for overseeing male and female patients with reproductive medical problems or any sexually transmitted infection. A certified nurse-midwife typical job responsibilities are:
- Conduct physical exam of the patient and monitor medical conditions
- Provide treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
- Collaborate with physicians and other health workers to provide education on the reproductive system to the patients
- Conduct prenatal and postnatal examination
- Assist during child delivery and provide care to the newborn
Individuals seeking to work as a nurse-midwife can kick start their career by becoming a registered nurse. A bachelor’s degree is a must, even if they are RN. However, those who want to step up in their career can earn a master’s degree. Payscale reports the average salary of a certified nurse-midwife to be $97,676 per year.
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GERONTOLOGICAL NURSE PRACTITIONER (GNP)
Pursuing a career in GNP might be a good decision for individuals who love to care for older people and wish to make sufficient income. Professionals in this career provide primary or acute care services to older people. They can find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, senior citizen centers, clinics, or in-home. Although the job duty of a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner may vary from person to person, some of the typical roles include:
- Request and evaluate diagnostic tests
- Assist physicians and devise a treatment plan
- Prescribe and administer medications
- Collaborate with health professionals and caregivers regarding aging problems and safety precautions
- Provide psychosocial, preventative, and palliative care to the patients
Individuals can start their career as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner by acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Earning licensure is essential for individuals who want to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN). The average salary of a Gerontologists is $88,275 per year as per PayScale.
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FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER (FNP)
Nursing students who wish to develop a long-term bond with their patients, either infants or elders, can pursue this field. FNPs help patients of all ages in fighting against life-threatening diseases and illness. Not only this, but they also provide education about safe health practices and spread awareness about preventive healthcare. FNPs work in different work settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, etc. However, their typical responsibilities include:
- Learn patient’s history and evaluate their condition
- Prepare treatment plans and prescribe medication
- Conduct lab test and analyze the results
- Educate patients’ families about the healthy living style
To become a part of this rewarding profession, a master’s degree in nursing is a must-have. After completing the degree, students need to earn a state license to practice. According to PayScale, family nurse practitioners earn $96,102 per year, demonstrating this field’s high earning potential.
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NURSE ADMINISTRATOR
The field of nurse administration suits the best for those who do not feel comfortable working alongside sickbed. These individuals can still be a part of the healthcare industry. Also known by the name of nurse managers, they oversee all nursing operations in a medical facility. Nurse administrators manage everyday operations to make sure that patients receive optimum care and quality services. Their day-to-day responsibilities are:
- Screen resumes, schedules interviews, and hire candidates
- Oversee financial operations and prepare budgets
- Ensure that staff and patient abide by legal rules and resolve conflicts
- Contact vendors and order equipment
- Serve as a mediator between the nurses and other health professionals
- Develop training programs for nurses
- Prepare documents about the performance of nursing staff
Individuals should first pursue a BSN degree and earn a license to qualify for a registered nurse’s position. These RNs should gain work experience in leadership roles either by doing an internship or volunteering for work. After this, they can enroll in MSN program to finally become a nurse administrator. Although not a prerequisite, certifications can make the nurse administrators stand out in the candidates’ pool. Aspiring administrators should expect a salary of $87,879 each year, as per PayScale.
CONCLUSION
Individuals should first pursue a BSN degree and earn a license to qualify for a registered nurse’s position. These RNs should gain work experience in leadership roles either by doing an internship or volunteering for work. After this, they can enroll in MSN program to finally become a nurse administrator. Although not a prerequisite, certifications can make the nurse administrators stand out in the candidates’ pool. Aspiring administrators should expect a salary of $87,879 each year, as per PayScale.
