A Guide to the different Nursing Specialties
In this economy, nursing is an ideal career for people to pursue. Always in need of health care professionals, nurses will never be without a job. So economically-speaking, nursing is a wonderful career. If one becomes a nurse, he or she will never have to fear for being without work. This is an advantage to becoming a nurse, but there is also another advantage. There is a lot you can do with a nursing career, as there are so many different specialties within the profession. One can become a registered nurse (RN), or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The main difference between the two is that LPN's work under the supervision of RN's and doctors, and require only two years of education. To become an RN requires four years education. With two more years education following the RN license, one can then become an advanced practical nurse, also known as nurse practitioner (APRN). The following is a list of the ten highest paid nursing specialties.
10 Highest Paid Nursing Specialties:
1. Certified RN Anesthetist -
The average yearly salary for a nurse doing this type of work is $135,000. A nurse anesthetist is someone who administers anesthesia to patients. They collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists and podiatrists to safely administer anesthesia medications.
2. Nurse Researcher -
With an average yearly salary of $95,000, nurse researchers work as analysts for private companies or health policy nonprofits. They publish research studies based on data collected on specific pharmaceutical/medical/nursing product and practices. Many nurse researchers also work as professors in universities, as many universities require their professors to be involved in research.
3. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner -
With an average yearly salary of $95,000, psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who provide care and consultation to patients suffering from psychiatric and mental health disorders.
4. Certified Nurse Midwife -
The average yearly salary for a nurse midwife is $84,000. They are involved in providing gynecological exams, family planning advice, prenatal care, assistance in labor and delivery, and neonatal care. They work in hospitals, clinics, health departments, homes and private practices.
5. Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse -
With an average yearly salary of $81,000, these nurses provide care to young children who are suffering from diseases and disorders of the endocrine system. This often involves educating both parents and children on the the physical and sexual development issues that arise from these disorders.
6. Orthopedic Nurse -
Orthopedic nurses make an average yearly salary of about $81,000. Orthopedic Nurses provide care for patients suffering for musculoskeletal ailments, such as arthritis, joint replacement, and diabetes. They are responsible for educating patients on these disorders and on available self care and support systems.
7. Nurse Practitioner (APRN)-
Nurse practitioners make an average yearly salary of $78,000. They provide basic preventive health care to patients, and increasingly serve as primary and specialty care providers in mainly medically under-served areas. The most common areas of specialty for nurse practitioners are family practice, adult practice, women’s health, pediatrics, acute care, and gerontology; however, there are many other specialties. In most states, APRN's can prescribe medications.
8. Clinical Nurse Specialist -
The average yearly salary for this type of nursing specialty is $76,000. Clinical Nurse Specialists develop uniform standards for quality care and work with staff nurses to ensure that those standards are being met. They are required to possess strong managerial skills and an ability to anticipate potential staff/patient conflicts.
9. Gerontology Nurse Practitioner -
With an average yearly salary of about $75,000, gerontological nurse practitioners (GNPs) hold advanced degrees specializing in geriatrics. They are able to diagnose and manage their patients’ often long-term and debilitating conditions and provide regular assessments to patients’ family members. Similar to all geriatrics nurses, GNPs must approach nursing holistically and pay special attention to maintaining a comforting bedside manner for their elderly patients.
10. Neonatal Nursing -
The average yearly salary for a neonatal nurse is $74,000. Neonatal nurses care for sick and/or premature newborn babies. They also provide consultation to the newborn’s family during what can be an emotionally draining period.
The above nursing specialties are only ten of the many nursing specialties out there. As can be seen, nursing is a highly lucrative field and there is much one can do within the profession.
References:
http://nursinglink.monster.com/education/articles/2626-top-10-highest-paying-nursing-specialties
