Choosing the right nursing specialty takes up chief focus even before you commence your final year of nursing school. Time is of the essence here; each nursing specialty requires you to pass a series of exams, after which you have to undergo on-the-job training as well. We present some of the top-paying nursing specialties here with a few pros and cons to help you make up your mind. Note that the pay alone should not be the determining factor. Use these high-paying specialties to get an idea of what your specialized skills will be worth.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
As a CRNA, you can earn as much as $135,000 in states that pay well for nurses. A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist administers anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery. This job role requires you to collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons, podiatrists and dentists who operate on patients under local or general anesthesia. You’ll be responsible for the correct, legal and safe administration and monitoring of anesthesia, which is a very responsible and highly critical job.
To become a CRNA, you will need either BSN, current RN license or any other suitable baccalaureate degree. In addition to this, you will need to demonstrate a one-year experience in critical care nursing. After this, you can apply for a CRNA program that lasts between 24 to 36 months.
Nurse Researcher
A Nurse Researcher can expect to be paid a mean annual salary of $95,000 in most states. Nurse Researchers collect and publish research studies. They research data related to the product and practices of medical, pharmaceutical and nursing industries and prepare lengthy analysis for both non-profit organizations and private companies. Nurse Researchers play the role of analysts whose research is used by different medicine-related industries to improve product offerings and practices.
To study to become a Nurse Researcher, you need at least a BSN degree. You will need an MSN to study advanced nursing research, or even a PHD.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner can expect to make as much as $95,000 a year. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are play the role of advanced practice nurses, providing consultation services and psychiatric care to those who suffer from mental health problems, psychiatric disorders and people with substance abuse problems. These nurse practitioners are licensed to assess the psychosocial and physical condition of their patients and provide emergency psychiatric services. A PMHNP can work at a hospital, set up their own practice, or sign a collaborative agreement with physicians. Each US state defines its own practice scope and advanced licensing requirements.
To become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, you will need to earn your BSN degree or MSN degree, obtain the NCLEX-RN certification, and certify as a Registered Nurse. After this, you will be required to complete an approved Doctoral or Masters advanced nursing education program. This might require you to put in at least 600 clinical hours.
Certified Nurse Midwife
A CNM can expect to earn an annual mean salary of $84,000 in the United States. CNMs are responsible for providing primary care to women. This care includes family planning advice, gynecological checkups, assistance in labor and delivery and prenatal and neonatal care. As a CNM, you can work in clinics, hospitals, homes, private practices and health departments. Your work hours may be unpredictable hours since babies don’t follow the clock to be born. You will need excellent communications skills and the ability to empathize with your patients. You also need to show commitment and a holistic approach to patient care.
In order to become a CNM, you need an MSN degree. You need to also have cleared your NCLEX-RN certification exam, and hold a valid Registered Nurse license in your state of practice. You can work in medical clinics, hospitals, birthing centers and attend at-home births. You are allowed to prescribe treatments, medications, therapeutic and diagnostic measures and medical devices to your patients.
Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse
As a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse, you can earn as much as $81,000 per year in the United States. As a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse, you are responsible for providing care to young children that suffer from endocrinal diseases. Your job will entail consultation, patient care, counseling, and educating both your patients and their families. Endocrinal diseases can cause sexual and physical development issues in children and you will need to counsel your patients’ families on how to handle these issues.
To become a pediatric endocrinology nurse, you need a BSN or ASN degree or a Nursing Diploma program. You will need to clear the NCLEX-RN examination and obtain a license to practice nursing in your state. You can then take up a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing to qualify for pediatric endocrinology.
Orthopedic Nurse
As an Orthopedic nurse, you will have to provide care for patients with broken bones, arthritis, joint replacements, fractures, genetic malformations, osteoporosis and diabetes. You will need to analyze how these disorders affect patients’ lives and counsel, assist and provide the proper treatment. When these patients undergo surgery, you will need to assist orthopedic doctors during the surgery and provide post-surgical care as well.
To become an orthopedic nurse, you will need a BSN, an ASN or have a nursing diploma on hand. After this, you will need to clear your NCLEX-RN examination and earn the license to practice in your state. You will need to obtain a further doctorate in nursing or master’s degree to specialize in orthopedic nursing.
Neonatal Nurse
As a Neonatal Nurse, you can earn at least $74,000 per year in most states in the United States, or more. Neonatal intensive care nurses undergo special training to work with critically ill and premature newborns. Their work is mostly in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of major hospitals. These newborns are kept alive through intensive care and special technology to help them breathe and kept fed. Neonatal ICU nurses work assist pediatrics to plan the care, monitor the newborn’s condition and administer necessary medications.
To become a neonatal intensive care nurse, you need to earn your ASN or BSN from an accredited college or university. It’s good to take neonatal nursing as an elective course in your nursing studies to specialize in neonatology. You also need to obtain a license to practice nursing in your state after clearing your NCLEX exam. Apply to the American Association of Critical Care Nursing to further qualify for neonatal care.
