With the large population of Baby Boomers and newly insured families requiring regular access to healthcare services, it is no surprise that there is a growing demand for nursing professionals. If you have what it takes to succeed in a demanding and rewarding field like nursing, it is time to learn where the demand is the highest so that you can specialize your degree and gain the right experience. Here are five in-demand nursing careers and what you will need to do to pursue a specific title.
Certified Nurse Midwifes
More and more expectant mothers are turning to midwifes to get the care that they need during pregnancy. If you absolutely love babies and you would like to care for patients from the moment they find out they are expecting until when it is time to deliver, becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife could be the perfect path. To get certified to provide prenatal and postnatal care, you will need to become an RN and then move on to earn an advanced Master’s of Science in Nursing. Once you become an MSN, you will be qualified to sit for the CNM exam through the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Nurse Educators
When there is a growing need for nurses, there is a growing need for educators to prepare these nurses for their careers. If you love the field and you love to teach, why not consider becoming a nurse educator? You will be able to use your clinical experience and your passion for the classroom if this is the path that you choose. To hold this title, you will need to have experience in a clinical setting as a Registered Nurse. Once you gain experience, you will need to earn a master degree in nursing. After you earn your degree, you will be qualified to take the Certified Nurse Educator exam.
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners have a lot more freedom and a lot more responsibility than an RN. They are also very high in demand as physicians’ offices are booked and people want to be seen faster for prescription of care for minor injuries or ailments. To become a Nurse Practitioner in most states, you will need to be an RN and then earn your MSN degree. Some states will require that you earn your Doctor of Nursing before you can test to get certified as a practitioner.
Nursing Informatics Analysts
Data is being recorded electronically in almost all medical settings. Electronic data systems have created the need for nursing informatics analysts who will train other nurses and professionals on the programs so that people who use the systems understand them. While a Bachelor’s in Nursing may qualify you for a job in a smaller setting, most employers require you to have an MS in Health Informatics or Health Management.
Nurse Anesthetists
If you are looking for a high-paying position, nurse anesthetists earn an average salary of $135,000. Their specialty is to administer anesthesia during procedures and maintain it throughout the care. You will need to be an RN and also to complete a specialty program that spans two years and focuses entirely on anesthesia. You will then need to test to become certified by the National Board.
As you can see, there are several different specialties in nursing that are high in demand. You choose which one you are interested in and start by enrolling in the right program to meet all of the requirements.
