Finding a job in nursing can sometimes feel like a complicated challenge. For those looking for their first opportunity in a nursing role, such as those who have completed direct entry msn programs for non-nurses online, the job search at the end can sometimes feel confusing.
There’s nothing to fear, however – nursing is a highly respected qualification, and nurses are needed in all fields, all across America. Let’s explore some of the nursing fields that are in greatest demand – they may just provide some inspiration for your next nursing role!
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses (RNs) are one of the most common nursing positions available – often working in medical and surgical practices, as well as home health care programs. RNs are invaluable to the communities they work in – for example, they may undertake tasks such as administering care to ill patients, maintaining records, and providing advice on case management.
Typically, an RN role can seem somewhat generalist – however, qualifications such as a Masters in Nursing (MSN) can enable Registered Nurses to further develop their knowledge in specialized fields such as critical care. They are highly regarded and well-respected members of the community, helping transform the lives of patients all over America.
RNs may find themselves working in practices throughout the country, as there are currently over three million registered nurses employed in America. It can be difficult to stand out as a registered nurse at times, but there is a growing demand for this profession as the population ages and an increasing number of older nurses retire. Looking ahead, career possibilities for registered nurses are likely to expand even further in the coming years.
Critical Care Nurse Practitioner
Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are highly specialized treatment facilities in hospitals that are meant to offer care to patients in situations where therapy can save their lives. Because of the nature of these units, those who work in them must be able to function under pressure while dealing with the complexities of very ill patients, their loved ones, and the necessities of clinical therapy.
More than five million Americans find themselves as patients in Intensive Care Units each year, and that number is only going to grow. Critical Care Nurse Practitioners (CCNPs) form a vital part of the teams that work in intensive care – they’re able to work under intense amounts of pressure with teams of varying disciplines to ensure patients get high-quality care. Some of the work that they do may involve diagnoses and treatment, being able to understand and interpret laboratory results and other diagnostics, and working with other teams in a hospital environment (such as surgical teams) when it is appropriate.
CCNPs form a vital component of many acute care wards across America – their high level of communication skills allows them to work with a variety of medical professionals. Additionally, they can demonstrate the high level of care that is necessary to support the families of patients in some of their most difficult hours.
Family Nurse Practitioner
As families’ needs grow and evolve, having proper access to medical specialists becomes increasingly crucial. A family nurse practitioner (FNP) position may be appropriate for those who enjoy building long-term relationships with their patients.
It is critical to note that families’ medical needs might vary greatly, hence the work that an FNP performs may differ amongst families. As a first point of care, a FNP may assess and diagnose health concerns, implement treatment regimens for patients with chronic disorders, or give care aimed at preventing significant conditions in the future.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
An FNP is a highly competent and knowledgeable nurse; some have completed extra specializations, allowing them to give a better degree of care to people from all areas of life..
The role of the FNP offers many specializations – one of these is the role of the pediatric nurse practitioner. Highly trained in the specific needs of infants, children, and teenagers, a PNP is a trusted member of the medical profession, often able to support children through those vital early years of life.
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
In contrast, other nurses try to help individuals who are entering their golden years. Take, for example, one in every six Americans over the age of 65, according to the most recent Census data released by the United States. Census Bureau. The demands of the elderly are often considerably different from those of children; geriatric nurse practitioners are specially prepared to meet the complicated needs of people entering the later stages of life.
Depending on their patients’ needs, GNPs can work in a range of settings, including hospitals and clinics. Some even work around the clock at facilities such as nursing homes, assisting patients who may require more intensive care than is generally accessible at home.
Oncology Nurse
Cancer may be a severe condition, with over 500,000 people dying each year from various cancers. When people go through treatment, whether it’s surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, it might be helpful to have someone there to support them at a difficult moment.
Oncology nurses are specialized nurses who understand the needs of cancer patients. Part of their responsibilities may involve giving treatment, conducting assessments, and customizing strategies to fit the requirements of these vulnerable individuals. An oncology nurse plays an important role because they may be compassionate and kind in the face of cancer, and families frequently turn to oncology nurses for answers when a cancer patient is going through something they don’t fully comprehend.
As we discovered nursing is more than just a generic job title. Nurses can specialize and work in a variety of interdisciplinary settings, including intensive care units, family clinics, and oncology wards. Nursing occupations provide a range and depth of specialty that no other medical field can offer.
