[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]Nurses serve as symbols of strength, courage, and humility in the American healthcare system. They enrich and save the lives of patients and their family members.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are first responders and innovative leaders in clinical care and professional practice. These professionals instill hope in times of despair — nurses have played a crucial role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With current nursing shortages, an aging workforce, and the impact of the pandemic, the International Council of Nurses projects that [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.icn.ch/news/international-nurses-day-new-icn-report-says-covid-19-shows-nurses-must-be-architects-future/”]13 million nurses are needed[/hen-ui-link] to fulfill future hiring goals. The [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/nursing/”]nursing career offers[/hen-ui-link] a myriad of specialties, ranging from acute care to preventive care. The best nursing specialties may require an advanced degree and additional certifications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”why”]Why Should I Specialize as a Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare organizations throughout the world are amping up recruitment strategies to attract a growing number of qualified nurses. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link], the career outlook for nurses bodes well, with nursing jobs in the U.S. expected to grow by 6% from 2023-2033, faster than the average job growth for other careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Registered nurses (RNs) earn median annual salaries of $86,070. However, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm”]specialized nurses[/hen-ui-link] can earn more than $129,480 a year, depending on their geographic location and advanced qualifications. In addition, the job growth for professionals with certain nursing specialties — such as nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives — is expected to surpass 40% from 2023-2033.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]How Do I Choose a Nursing Specialty?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When considering a nursing specialization, assess your interests, skills, and desired salary in addition to employment trends. Ask yourself the following questions: What kind of setting would I like to work in? Is my passion conducting research or taking care of patients in a hospital setting? What does my job outlook and salary look like?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary”]Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Required Education:[/hen-ui-text] Diploma or certificate [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm/”]$38,130[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/nursing-assistant/”]Certified nursing assistants[/hen-ui-link] deliver direct care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and their own homes. Daily responsibilities include assisting patients with eating, bathing, dressing, and exercise, and monitoring and recording vital signs. They are supervised by RNs and other medical practitioners.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNAs are required to complete a state-approved certificate program and pass a competency exam. Specializations include cardiology, gastroenterology, geriatrics, home care, pediatrics, psychiatry, and rehabilitation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary”]Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Required Education:[/hen-ui-text] Diploma or certificate [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm/”]$59,730[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/lpn-lvn-nurse/”]licensed practical nurse[/hen-ui-link] or licensed vocational nurse works under the supervision of RNs and medical doctors. They check vital signs, monitor and report adverse medical and treatment reactions, collect test samples, apply dressings, and monitor catheters. LPNs and LVNs also offer bedside care to sick, wounded, recuperative, and incapacitated patients. Possible specializations include advanced cardiac life support, developmental disabilities, gerontology, and intravenous therapy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary”]Registered Nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Required Education:[/hen-ui-text] Associate degree in nursing (ADN) or [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm/”]$86,070[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN is a licensed medical professional who has completed a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-rn-bsn/”]nursing program[/hen-ui-link] and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). RNs work directly with patients, medical doctors, and healthcare providers in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and other medical agencies. RNs oversee patient care, document symptoms and medical histories, dispense medicine and treatment, monitor safety and infection, deliver aftercare, and discharge planning. RNs may enroll in a master’s or doctoral program to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary”]Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/nursing/”]Advanced practice registered nurses[/hen-ui-link] include nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives. APRNs are advanced practitioners delivering specialized clinical care to patients. Having earned a master’s degree or doctor of nursing practice (DNP), they are trained and certified to evaluate, diagnose, order tests, prescribe medication, and oversee a patient’s chief medical concerns.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Practitioner (NP)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Required Education:[/hen-ui-text] Master of science in nursing (MSN) [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]$[/hen-ui-text]129,480[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with at least a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-nurse-practitioner/”]master’s degree[/hen-ui-link] and advanced qualifications and training. Practicing NPs may further their careers by obtaining doctoral degrees. NPs may diagnose and treat acute illnesses, write prescriptions, order diagnostic tests and labs, monitor and oversee a patient’s medical condition, and act as a primary care provider. Specializations include family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, acute care nurse practitioner, and cardiac nurse practitioner.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Required Education:[/hen-ui-text] Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/”]$129,480[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified registered nurse anesthetists are APRNs that manage and dispense anesthesia and monitor the patient’s recovery phase. CRNAs may deliver care for scheduled and emergency surgery procedures. They complete, at a minimum, a [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]doctoral degree[/hen-ui-link] with a concentration in anesthesia, partake in substantial clinical training, and pass an approved National Boards of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists certification exam.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Required Education:[/hen-ui-text] Master of science in nursing (MSN) [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024): [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Nurse_Specialist_(CNS)/Salary/”]$102,435[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical nurse specialists treat and manage acute and chronic diseases. Several states require CNSs to acquire certifications to serve specific populations such as adults, geriatrics, or pediatrics. CNSs may provide psychiatric mental health or rehabilitation care; work in critical care or emergency rooms; or specialize in diabetes, infectious disease, or oncology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Required Education:[/hen-ui-text] Master of science in nursing (MSN) [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023): [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/”]$129,480[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified nurse midwives deliver professional health and wellness services to women, such as obstetrics and gynecological (OB/GYN) exams and prenatal care. CNMs also prepare mothers for a safe and natural birth experience. Finally, they consult with OB/GYN doctors in cases of cesarean births, high-risk pregnancies, and pregnant patients with chronic diseases.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About Nursing Career Paths[/hen-ui-heading]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is the Highest Paying Nursing Specialty?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5/”]Nurse anesthetists can earn[/hen-ui-link] an annual salary of up to $212,650 or more.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is the Best Nursing Job?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The five best nursing jobs are: certified dialysis nurses, legal nurse consultants, CNMs, CRNAs, and nurse case managers. This list takes annual salaries, workplace environments, and nursing specialty demand into consideration.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is the Most Stressful Nursing Job?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Critical care nurses are often under a lot of stress due to increasing patient morbidity and mortality rates, demanding work schedules, and potential ethical dilemmas.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Can Nurses Make Six Figures?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. APRNs, such as CRNAs and CNMs, can earn six-figure annual salaries. To enhance their leadership skills and salary, nurses can explore the best online [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]nurse practitioner doctoral programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Do Nurses Have a High Burnout Rate?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Many nurses retire early from the bedside role due to the physically and emotionally stressful nature of the job. Nurse burnout has been exacerbated by the pressures of the pandemic.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Reveiwed by: Elizabeth M. Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1616020353/NurseJournal.org/Elizabeth_Clarke-1.jpg” img-alt=”Reveiwed by: Elizabeth M. Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Elizabeth Clarke (Poon) is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. A native of Boston, MA, Clarke tired of the cold and snowy winters and moved to Coral Gables, FL in order to complete her undergraduate degree in nursing at the University of Miami. After working for several years in the cardiac and ER units of UHealth and Jackson Memorial Medical Systems, Clarke returned to the University of Miami to complete her master of science in nursing. Since completing her MSN degree, Clarke has worked providing primary and urgent care to pediatric populations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”1535,1467,1266″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]