The nursing field is rapidly expanding and offers a wide range of opportunities for those who have completed their education. The nursing profession is a vital aspect of the healthcare industry, dedicated to promoting quality of life and good health for individuals, their families, and our surrounding communities.
Nurses work in various settings and specialties, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered care. A survey conducted by American Nurses Foundation states that 73% of the nurses provided direct care to the patients. The survey also found that the demand for nurses is always more than the supply.
It means there are always chances of getting into the nursing profession, but how do you prepare for it?
Accelerated BSN programs, which can be completed online, are a flexible and efficient way to enter nursing. This article explores six popular career paths for nurses with a BSN degree, including their job duties, required qualifications, and earning potential.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to make a career change, this article will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your next steps in the nursing field.
1. Nurse Educator
This career path allows nurses to use their knowledge and experience to shape the future of healthcare and positively impact the lives of their students. It is a rewarding career choice for those passionate about teaching and making a difference in nursing.
To become a nurse educator, you will typically need a master’s degree in nursing education and a valid nursing license. However, you can take the first step by completing an accelerated BSN online degree.
An accelerated BSN program can help you become a nurse educator in several ways.
- Firstly, the program provides a strong foundation in nursing knowledge and skills, which is essential for teaching and mentoring nursing students.
- This program also provides you with hands-on clinical experience, which can help you understand the realities of the nursing profession and prepare you to teach in a practical and relevant way.
- Finally, many accelerated BSN programs strongly focus on evidence-based practice, which can help you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in nursing education and research and improve your ability to create engaging and effective educational programs for nursing students.
As a nurse educator, you will educate and mentor the next generation of nurses. You will work in various settings, including colleges, universities, hospitals, and healthcare organizations.
2. Nurse Midwife
This career path is ideal for nurses who are interested in working with women and families and want to play a vital role in the birthing process.
According to Zippia, only 6,263 registered nurse midwives are currently employed in the US. Out of these, 64% are willing to work in private companies. However, as stated above, there is always a demand for nurses of all types, so you can try here as a challenging career option.
To become a nurse midwife, you must complete a graduate-level nurse-midwifery program and pass a certification exam. As a nurse midwife, you must provide primary healthcare to women, focusing on reproductive health and childbirth. In addition, you will work closely with obstetricians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to your patients.
3. Nurse Researcher
As a nurse researcher, you will be responsible for conducting research studies to improve patient care and advance the nursing profession. You will work in various settings, including universities, hospitals, and healthcare organizations.
To become a nurse researcher, you will typically need a master’s or doctorate in nursing or a related field. This career path is ideal for nurses interested in the scientific aspect of nursing who want to contribute to developing new knowledge in the field. Nurse Researchers research a wide range of topics, such as patient outcomes, healthcare policies, and the effectiveness of new treatments.
4. Emergency Room Nurse
Emergencies can occur at any time in a hospital or for any reason. However, when there is an emergency, the hospital or clinical staff must always be ready to handle the emergency case. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, there were 131 million emergency department visits in US hospitals in 2020.
As an emergency room nurse, you will be responsible for providing care to patients in emergencies. You will work in a fast-paced and high-stress environment where every moment counts.
To become an emergency room nurse, you will typically need a valid nursing license and certification in advanced cardiac life support or trauma nursing. This career path is ideal for nurses interested in working in a high-pressure, high-stakes environment and passionate about providing care to critically ill patients.
5. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Nurse
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Nurse is another excellent nursing career option after completing an accelerated degree in BSN online. As a PICU nurse, you care for critically ill children and infants.
You will work in a specialized unit, where you will have the opportunity to care for children with a wide range of conditions, from minor illnesses to life-threatening injuries.
To become a PICU nurse, you typically need a valid nursing license and certification in pediatric critical care nursing. This career path is ideal for nurses who are interested in working with children and have a passion for providing care to infants and toddlers.
6. Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and Delivery Nurse is another fantastic nursing career option after completing an accelerated degree in BSN online. As a labor and delivery nurse, you will be responsible for providing care to women during childbirth.
You will work in various settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, and clinics. To become a labor and delivery nurse, you will typically need a valid nursing license and certification in maternal-child nursing. This career path is ideal for nurses who are interested in working with women and families and want to play a vital role in the birthing process.
They also provide care to women throughout the labor and delivery process, including prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care. They also provide emotional and physical support to the mother and the family during childbirth.
Conclusion
An accelerated degree in BSN online can open the door to a wide range of nursing career opportunities. Whether you’re just starting or looking to make a career change, many options are available.
Each career path discussed above offers unique opportunities, job duties, and earning potential. As a nurse with a BSN degree, you will have the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the lives of your patients and the nursing profession.
