Nursing Career Paths: An Introduction to the Broad Field of Nursing Careers
A degree from the Nursing program at Gustavus Adolphus opens the door to dozens of exciting nursing career paths. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the nursing profession or already part of the Gustavus nursing program, you may be wondering how you will choose the nursing path that best fits your individual interests and talents. So let’s look at how you can turn your nursing degree into a career that lies at the intersection of your unique passions and the growing needs of the patient population.
What type of nursing degree does Gustavus offer?
We offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, and our nursing program is specifically designed to prepare students to become registered nurses upon graduation. And while we’re proud to report that typically around 90% of our nursing program students pass their RN exam on the first try, acquiring a Gustavus nursing degree is much more than preparation to take a test.
We believe that a well-rounded, holistic liberal arts education is an essential complement to the technical expertise our students also acquire for their careers in nursing. As you earn your nursing degree at Gustavus, you will foster essential critical thinking and practical reasoning skills that will serve you throughout your nursing career. You’ll put this education into practice with our clinical partnerships and nursing internships, developing real-life nursing experience in the field while you pursue your degree.
Whether you choose to pursue a nursing position in direct patient care, medical research, public health advocacy, or systems management, the on-campus community and expert faculty support at Gustavus prepares you to approach your chosen career with confidence, creativity, and critical problem-solving skills to complement your clinical expertise.
What are my nursing career steps after graduation?
After receiving your Bachelor’s in Nursing at Gustavus, your next step will be to take the NCLEX-RN, the standard exam to become a registered nurse. As a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree, you are equipped to choose from fulfilling nursing positions in dozens of specialty fields. You are also positioned to pursue a master’s degree in a broad array of graduate studies, opening the doors to an exciting range of advanced practice nursing career positions.
You might graduate the nursing program with a targeted plan for pursuing specialty certifications in your chosen field. Or you might jump right into your career as an RN and let your nursing experiences inform whether you choose to pursue further academic credentials or licensing. Either way, now is a good time to consider the breadth of the nursing field – from registered nurse specialties to positions requiring additional certification to advanced practice options such as nurse practitioner that require a graduate degree.
Which nursing career path is right for me?
As you progress through your nursing degree program, complete your clinical work, and explore nursing internship options, consider what aspects of nursing appeal most to you. Do you gravitate naturally towards working with infants, young people, or the elderly population? Do you thrive in an intimate clinical setting consulting with patients one on one? Do you have a knack for remaining calm and focused in fast-paced environments such as an emergency room or obstetrics delivery unit?
Not all career paths in nursing involve direct patient care, and not all registered nurses work in a hospital setting. Are you interested in hospital administration with an eye to efficient systems management? Do you hope to educate other people on public health and disease prevention? Are you fascinated by clinical research and dream of working in a laboratory to discover breakthrough solutions to health problems?
Nursing career paths break down into three categories, which we’ll explore in depth below:
- Registered nurse careers that are accessible with a four-year nursing degree
- Nursing positions typically requiring RN job experience or further certification
- Advanced practice careers in nursing involving additional academic study
Explore nursing path options with your professors, clinical mentors, and nursing program peers as you complete your nursing degree. And don’t despair if you don’t have your RN career path figured out by the time you graduate. The Gustavus nursing program typically has a 100% placement rate within 6 months of graduation, and your first position as a registered nurse will help you further clarify your goals. Meanwhile, you’ll gain valuable nursing field experience that increases your employability, whatever nursing career path you decide to pursue next.
What are my job options with a nursing degree?
Once you earn your nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN, you are licensed as a registered nurse and ready to seek careers in dozens of specialty nursing fields. In many cases, no further degrees or nursing certifications are required for an entry-level position, where you will then gain the clinical experience required to ascend in that specialty. Here are some of the fulfilling careers you can pursue as a registered nurse with a four-year nursing degree:
Critical Care Nurse
- Median starting salary: $85,288*
- Salary range: $67,885 – $115,837*
Critical care nurses coordinate services for patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), trauma centers, cardiac units, and other high intensity medical settings. A critical care nurse helps assess patients with serious health conditions or acute injuries, create a treatment plan, and administer medication. Critical care nurses communicate with visiting family members of ICU patients to explain the patient’s condition, outline patient rights, and ensure the patient’s wishes are respected. Nurses in this field combine expert knowledge with swift problem-solving skills, making critical care nursing a potentially rewarding career path for those who excel at remaining calm in high-intensity settings.
Emergency Room Nurse
- Median starting salary: $78,876*
- Salary range: $65,270 – $99,276*
Similar to critical care nursing, the hallmarks of a successful ER nurse are quick thinking and response skills, along with the ability to problem-solve under pressure. Emergency room nurses are experts in triage, assessing the immediate needs of incoming patients with potentially life-threatening conditions. An emergency room nurse monitors vital signs, communicates with doctors and families, and administers a variety of crucial treatments. Emergency room nursing is a fulfilling career for registered nurses who think well on their feet and adapt with ease to rapidly changing circumstances.
Geriatric Nurse
- Median starting salary: $79,552*
- Salary range: $67,299 – $106,608*
A geriatric nurse specializes in care for elderly patients. Geriatric nurses work with elderly populations in a range of healthcare settings, from hospitals to nursing homes to assisted living facilities. A geriatric nurse is well versed in late-life health challenges, with sensitivity to the unique intersections of multiple conditions in the individual patient. As a geriatric nurse, a key part of your job is to listen carefully and respond compassionately to vulnerable patients. Geriatric nursing is an excellent career path for nurses who are empathetic for the elderly and sensitive to their needs for dignity and autonomy.
Home Health Care Nurse
- Median starting salary: $86,840*
- Salary range: $72,802 – $114,324*
Registered nurses working as home healthcare providers visit and work with a variety of patients one on one in the patients’ homes. Home health care nurses perform tests, administer medication and IVs, and provide other routine care. They also oversee case management, monitoring patient progress and coordinating with other healthcare professionals. Home health care nurses generally enjoy increased autonomy and scheduling flexibility versus nurses in hospital settings, as well as the opportunity to establish ongoing personal relationships with patients and their families.
Medical-Surgical Nurse
- Median salary: $127,650**
- Salary range: $91,804 – $164,942**
Medical-surgical nurses work with patients before and after surgery. Nursing roles include gathering patient health history, communicating about the procedure and what to expect, and answering patient questions. A medical-surgical nurse also follows up with patients post-op, dressing incisions and monitoring recovery. Medical-surgical nurses work in a range of in-patient and out-patient healthcare settings, ensuring the safety and comfort of patients both before and after procedures.
Neonatal Nurse
- Median starting salary: $82,560*
- Salary range: $70,469 – $106,595*
Nurses who specialize in neonatal care work with infants who were born prematurely or are experiencing health complications. Neonatal nurses check vital signs, administer special feedings, run tests, insert IVs, and keep meticulous records. A neonatal nurse works closely with parents and guardians to communicate daily patient progress and provide emotional support. Neonatal nursing is a fulfilling career path for empathetic and intuitive nurses who are committed to serving the unique healthcare needs of patients who can’t speak for themselves.
Nurse Advocate
- Median salary: $70,685*
- Salary range: $62,143 – $77,732*
Nurse advocates serve as liaisons between patients and physicians. These registered nurses explain care options to patients and educate them on their rights, helping them to make fully informed medical decisions. Nurse advocates listen carefully to understand patient needs and communicate on their patients’ behalf with other medical staff, the billing department, and insurance companies. Nurse advocacy is a rewarding career for nurses with excellent communication skills and a passion for patients’ rights.
Operating Room Nurse
- Median starting salary: $87,700*
- Salary range: $72,955 – $109,043*
OR nursing is split into pre-op, intra-op, and post-op roles. Depending on which role they occupy, operating room nurses prepare patients for medical procedures, check equipment and tools, assist the surgeon during the operation, or monitor patients coming out of surgery. Operating room nurses may also help with evaluating and implementing care plans as well as communicating with the patient’s loved ones. This nursing career path calls for excellent bedside manner and meticulous attention to detail.
Pediatric Nurse
- Median starting salary: $80,722*
- Salary range: $68,445 – $106,406*
Pediatric nurses work with patients from birth up to 18 years old, developing long-term relationships with children and their families. At the core of pediatric nursing is the ability to communicate in a welcoming and encouraging way with children and those caring for them. Pediatric nurses address all aspects of prevention and treatment, and sometimes serve as health educators in school settings. If you love working with kids, pediatric nursing might be the career for you.
Psychiatric Nurse
- Median starting salary: $86,004*
- Salary range: $73,981 – $110,088*
Psychiatric nurses care for patients facing various mood disorders, mental illnesses, eating disorders, and substance abuse issues. A psychiatric nurse coordinates closely with psychiatrists or social workers to assist vulnerable patients with everyday activities, provide counseling, and administer medication. Crucial nursing skills for this position involve empathy and patience. Nurses who enjoy this work might consider a master’s in nursing (MSN) to become an advanced practice RN who is also able to diagnose patients, prescribe medication, and provide psychotherapy.
Public Health Nurse
- Median salary: $69,198**
- Salary range: $50,750 – $94,352**
Public health nursing describes a broad category of nurses who provide crucial community health services. Public health nurses work in a wide array of settings, including schools, nonprofits, clinics, and government agencies. Many public health nurses are dedicated educators, regularly giving talks on nutrition, disease prevention, immunizations, or specialized subjects like sexual health and eating disorders. Nurses working in public health with governmental organizations might help identify community risk factors, assist with healthcare policy development, and advocate for underserved populations.
A degree from the Gustavus nursing program automatically certifies you as a public health nurse in the state of Minnesota, opening up a multitude of exciting career options for nurses looking to make a meaningful impact on health care at the community level.
School Nurse
- Median starting salary: $55,636*
- Salary range: $36,103 – $88,031*
Academic settings from elementary schools to universities need a registered nurse to oversee healthcare services for the student population. School nurses manage student health records, coordinate emergency response plans, and serve as the point of first contact for students needing sensitive medical or behavioral help. Working as a school nurse is a rewarding career path outside the typical clinical setting for nursing professionals who enjoy working with children or young adults to address a wide variety of patient healthcare needs.
Travel Nurse
- Median salary: $117,800**
- Salary range: $83,421 – $166,346**
Travel nursing isn’t exactly a nursing speciality, but rather a job description for registered nurses with various qualifications. Travel nurses take limited-time assignments to fill nursing employment gaps across the country, typically receiving a substantially higher salary for performing this flexible role. Serving as a travel nurse is a good career option if you enjoy regularly changing things up. Travel nursing also exposes you to a variety of healthcare settings and nursing roles that can help clarify your long-term career focus.
Which RN careers require additional certifications or experience?
To apply for certain registered nurse positions, you will need to pass a specialized certification exam or gain a certain amount of nursing experience as an RN. For other nursing careers, certification may not be required to apply but will greatly enhance advancement opportunities. As you explore your RN career options, check with individual employers to see exactly what nursing experience and certification they’re seeking and how this might affect the salary you’ll earn.
Flight Nurse
- Median starting salary: $96,086*
- Salary range: $78,335 – $123,230*
Being a flight nurse is similar to being an emergency room nurse, except flight nurses do their work in the air. A flight nurse is responsible for providing critical, timely medical care, often working with patients being airlifted to medical facilities for emergency treatment. As with an ER or critical care nurse, flight nurses face a broad spectrum of cases and combine compassionate care with quick problem-solving skills.
Employers offering flight nurse positions are typically seeking an RN with 3-5 years ICU/ER experience, and flight nurse certification is also a plus.
Forensic Nurse
- Median salary: $85,459**
- Salary range: $61,352 – $119,036**
Forensic nurses provide trauma-informed medical care for survivors of violent crimes, often serving as a crucial point of first contact for these vulnerable patients. A forensic nurse documents medical evidence for criminal investigations and may testify in court on behalf of their patients. Forensic nursing is not for everyone, but highly empathetic nursing professionals with a passion for justice may find a rewarding career at this sensitive intersection of clinical and legal work.
While forensic nursing certifications are not always required to apply, employers will typically want to know that you have received specialty training to work with this especially vulnerable population.
Infection Control Nurse
- Median starting salary: $103,736*
- Salary range: $89,023 – $126,277*
Infection control nurses fight the spread of infectious diseases in a variety of settings, from hospitals to hospice care to behavioral health facilities. An infection control nurse maintains a thorough understanding of rising pathogenic threats and educates physicians, patients, or the larger community on proper methods to stem the spread of these diseases. Infection control nurses perform trainings, develop and implement prevention protocols, and ensure compliance in healthcare settings.
Registered nurses interested in this career path can pursue both entry-level and advanced certifications through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology.
Legal Nurse Consultant
- Median starting salary: $86,198
- Salary range: $69,781 – $110,626*
Legal nurse consultants use their training and experience as registered nurses to consult with legal professionals on cases requiring expert medical knowledge. Nurses in this profession might work as independent consultants or under the direct employment of insurance companies or legal firms. Legal nurse consultant job roles include conducting interviews, reviewing medical records, researching case-specific issues, and providing expert testimony during court proceedings
Legal nurse consultants are registered nurses with extensive clinical experience, and nationally recognized certification programs offer further valuable training and credentials.
Military Nurse
- Salary range: $58,000 – $100,000 (per https://mybaseguide.com/military-nurse-salary)
Military nurses in the U.S. work in V.A. hospitals, healthcare facilities on military bases, and sometimes in combat zones. Depending on your deployment as a military nurse, this can be challenging and even dangerous work. However, this nursing career path comes with the generous benefits of military employment, from sign-on bonuses to student loan repayment.
Registered nurses do not require additional certification beyond a bachelor’s degree to become military nurses. However, military nurses must join the U.S. Armed Forces on at least a three-year commitment, which includes completing basic training for non-combat officers.
Nurse Administrator
- Median starting salary: $104,745*
- Salary range: $88,333 – $130,558*
Nurse administrators work in a range of healthcare facilities coordinating activities such as recruitment and hiring, budgeting, policy development, and performance goal setting. A nurse administrator typically serves as a liaison with committees and boards, and represents the nursing staff in meetings. If your nursing vision is working directly with patients day to day, this career path is probably not for you. However, nurse administrator is an excellent position for registered nurses with exceptional analytical and business skills who are seeking to serve patients through efficient healthcare systems management.
Employers hiring nurse administrators are generally looking for an experienced RN and, in some cases, require a master’s degree.
Nurse Case Manager
- Median starting salary: $96,176*
- Salary range: $81,882 – $117,124*
Nurse case managers coordinate with patients, their families, doctors, and insurance companies to create comprehensive patient care plans. These managing nurses are experts in all aspects of patient care as well as coordinating cost-effective solutions for patients facing financial constraints. A nurse case manager monitors patient care plans to ensure accessibility and follow-through at all stages of the patient’s in-patient or out-patient visit and after care.
In order to become a nurse case manager, you will need to gain experience doing direct patient care as an RN. Additional certifications and training can help your job prospects, and some nurse case managers also pursue an MSN.
Pain Management Nurse
- Median salary: $131,101**
- Salary range: $86,279 – $199,208**
Pain management nurses collaborate with patients and their families to minimize discomfort and maximize quality of life for those dealing with acute or chronic pain. A pain management nurse works with patients to assess pain levels, devise targeted treatment plans, and revise the plan in response to changing conditions. Pain management nurses are well versed in how to combine pharmaceutical interventions, lifestyle adjustments, and holistic practices to alleviate or control patient suffering.
While there are entry-level pain management nurse positions, employers often want to see advanced certification to demonstrate competency and ongoing education in the field.
Which nursing careers require an advanced degree?
Once you earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing and pass the exam to become a registered nurse, you have the option to pursue a range of exciting graduate degrees, increasing your career options and salary potential. Many nursing program students go on to pursue a master’s degree in the medical field, while others choose complementary academic studies that place them at a key intersection of health care and another discipline. Here are just a few of the exciting careers for registered nurses in advanced practice:
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
- Median starting salary: $125,500*
- Salary range: $109,085 – $161,786*
Midwives are in high demand as more and more women opt to give birth in alternative settings or request accommodations not provided by classic delivery rooms. CNMs provide patients with extensive prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care to ensure maximum wellbeing and minimal complications for mother and baby throughout the process.
To pursue a career as a CNM, you will need to complete an accredited master’s program in midwifery and then pass the national certification examination.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Median starting salary: $219,868*
- Salary range: $194,877 – $259,274*
Nurse anesthetists, currently the highest-paid APRNs, administer anesthesia to patients undergoing major medical procedures. CRNAs conduct assessments of pre-op patients to determine appropriate anesthetic application, monitor patients during surgery, and provide care and assessments for patients as they come out of anesthesia.
To become a nurse anesthetist, you will need at least one year’s RN experience in a critical care setting and a master’s degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia program.
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
- Median starting salary: $146,316*
- Salary range: $123,983 – $178,455*
A CNO is the top-level nursing professional in a healthcare organization, reporting directly to the CEO and working with other executives to create and implement the company’s strategic vision. CNO responsibilities vary depending on the setting, but include establishing patient care standards, overseeing the implementation of new healthcare technology and practices, managing budgets, and supervising and mentoring the rest of the nursing staff.
Requirements to become a CNO typically include completing an MSN (Master’s of Science in Nursing) and 5 years minimum experience in direct patient care as a registered nurse.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Median salary: $137,688**
- Salary range: $100,797 – $188,081**
Clinical nurse specialists serve as expert consultants in direct patient care as well as performing an array of education and oversight roles. A CNS focuses on evidence-based research to improve standard care practices and patient outcomes. This includes facilitating research projects, implementing strategies, educating both work associates and patients, and mentoring other nursing professionals.
The current minimum degree required to become a clinical nurse specialist is an MSN, although professional standards are shifting towards preference for a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice).
Informatics Nurse
A career in informatics nursing combines general registered nursing skills with expertise in technology and data management, with the goal of improving patient outcomes. An informatics nurse collects and analyzes relevant healthcare data, plans and implements technological improvements in electronic records systems, and trains fellow healthcare professionals in day-to-day data applications.
While a master’s degree is not always required for this career path, an informatics nurse must be an experienced RN and demonstrate expert competency in data analysis and management relevant to healthcare systems technology.
Nurse Attorney
“Nurse attorney” is a broad category encompassing various career paths at the intersection of medicine and law. Nurse attorneys use their dual qualifications to perform roles such as representing other medical professionals in court, serving as expert witnesses during trials, working on healthcare policy, or consulting with healthcare organizations on risk management.
To become a nurse attorney, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree, become a registered nurse, then complete a law degree and pass the LSAT.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Median starting salary: $126,324*
- Salary range: $112,562 – $152,076*
Nurse practitioners are experienced registered nurses who earn a higher degree in order to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). A nurse practitioner working in a clinical practice often operates as a primary care provider. Much like a medical doctor, a nurse practitioner will perform physical exams, order tests, diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and often supervise other clinic staff. A nurse practitioner typically specializes in an area of medicine. This could be family practice, pediatrics, psychiatry, or gerontology, for instance.
A nurse practitioner looking to provide direct patient care will need to earn at least an MSN, while a practitioner aspiring to higher organizational leadership roles might want to consider pursuing a DNP.
Nurse Researcher
- Median starting salary: $92,998*
- Salary range: $77,058 – $117,192*
Nurse researcher positions combine patient care with data collection and analysis to further important medical innovations. A nurse researcher might work for a research hospital, university, healthcare clinic, or private laboratory. Roles include designing and overseeing studies, analyzing study data, acting as a patient advocate, and providing care and education for study participants. Nurse researchers may also be involved in recruitment, fundraising, and communicating study results to relevant audiences through writing or talks.
To be a research nurse, you will need at least an MSN, and a DNP will generally open up more research leadership opportunities.
How do I start my nursing career?
To learn more about various nursing paths, check out the professional groups associated with the types of nursing you’re interested in. Different nursing specialties are represented by their respective associations: for instance, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses or the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Websites for these organizations provide detailed information on the field’s median salary, job roles, advancement opportunities, and educational and certification requirements.
Whichever nursing path you choose, your first step is to earn a nursing degree. Contact us today to learn how Gustavus will get you started on your journey to an exciting career in the growing field of nursing.
*Salary information from Salary.com, based on positions near Gustavus Adolphus. **Salary information from Indeed.com, based on positions near Gustavus Adolphus.
Explore the Nursing Program Financial Aid Apply to Gustavus Schedule a Visit