According to the WHO, there is a shortage of 18 million nurses globally. As a result, nurses are in high demand worldwide, and the job market for nurses may grow by 16% in the US alone by 2024.
The nursing profession is a demanding but rewarding one. Becoming a nurse takes years of dedication and hard work, but the rewards are great. Nurses have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their patients. However, not every nurse wants to work in a hospital or clinical setting. Some nurses may wish to explore other career options that are available to them.
So if you are an aspiring nurse looking for an alternative career or just want to explore the different options you have, check out this list.
1. Hospice care
It is a type of health care that provides comfort and support to terminally ill patients and their families. These nurses play a vital role in providing emotional and physical support to patients and their families during this difficult time. In addition to providing direct patient care, hospice care nurses also support the family and friends of terminally ill patients.
Aspiring nurses can make a career by honing their skills and enrolling in a nurse practitioner program online to focus on hospice care. The program will help them understand the concepts and principles of hospice care and prepare them to provide quality care to their patients. The salary for hospice care nurses ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
2. Home health care
This type of health care is available to patients in their homes. Home health care nurses provide various services to their patients, including wound care, IV therapy, and medication management. Many home health care agencies are always in need of qualified nurses. In addition, many hospitals also offer home health care services to their patients. However, working as a home health care nurse can be demanding, as you will be required to work long hours and weekends. The salary for home health care nurses ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
3. School nursing
School nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of students. They are responsible for providing direct patient care and health education to students and staff. Also, school nurses are responsible for conducting immunization clinics and health screenings. However, working as a school nurse can be challenging, as you must work with many students. Besides, you will also be required to keep up with the latest health trends and developments. The salary for school nurses ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
4. Occupational health nursing
Occupational health nurses are responsible for the health and safety of employees in the workplace. They provide various services, including health screenings, immunizations, and health education. In addition, they also conduct safety audits and investigate workplace accidents. However, working as an occupational health nurse can be demanding, as you will be required to work long hours and weekends. The salary for occupational health nurses ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
5. Correctional nursing
Correctional nurses play a vital role in the health care of inmates in prisons and jails. They provide various services, including health screenings, counseling, etc. In addition, they also provide emergency care and treat chronic illnesses. However, working as a correctional nurse can be challenging, as you will be required to work with an often hostile and uncooperative population. The salary for correctional nurses ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
6. Forensic nursing
Forensic nurses play a vital role in the investigation of crimes. They provide various services, including collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and testifying in court. In addition, they also provide support to victims of crime. However, working as a forensic nurse can be demanding, as you will be required to work long hours and weekends. Forensic nurses’ salaries range from $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
7. Travel nursing
Travel nursing is a great way to see and get paid for the world. Travel nurses provide direct patient care in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. In addition, travel nurses also have the opportunity to work in exotic locations with an attractive salary package ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
8. Nurse informatics
Nurse informatics is a rapidly growing field that combines nursing and computer science. Nurse informaticists are responsible for developing and implementing information systems in the healthcare setting. They also provide support and training to nurses in the use of these systems. As with any other job, working as a nurse informaticist comes with its fair share of challenges, like working over the weekends. But the salary range makes up for that, ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 per year.
9. Nursing management
Nursing management is a great way to advance your career in nursing. Nursing managers are responsible for the administration of nursing departments and the supervision of nurses. In addition, they also provide support and training to nurses in the department. The salary for nursing managers ranges from $70,000 to $90,000 per year.
10. Home health nursing
Home health nursing is a great way to provide care to patients in the comfort of their own homes. Home health nurses are responsible for providing direct patient care and teaching patients and their families about home care. In addition, home health nurses also have the opportunity to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. The salary for home health nurses ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
The Bottom Line
The nursing field offers a variety of career options, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. If you are considering a career in nursing, be sure to research the options available and choose the one that best suits your interests and skills. Remember, the nursing field is always changing, so be prepared to adapt to new technologies and care methods. With a little hard work and dedication, you can find a rewarding career in nursing.
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