Five Career Options for Qualified Nurses



When Mary grows up, she said she wants to be a NICU nurse. Anybody who is interested in helping other people and working in a worthwhile, rewarding career should consider becoming a nurse. The aging population in the US means that today there’s a higher demand for good nurses than ever before, and this is only expected to grow over the next few years. Pursuing a career in nursing means that you’ll be able to enjoy a rewarding future filled with good earnings, personal growth, and a growing level of responsibility as you progress. The majority of nurses work in hospitals, but some have positions in doctor’s offices, private clinics, nursing care facilities, schools, prisons, military bases and in the community. After qualifying as a nurse, there are several options that you can consider for taking your career further. These include:

#1. Mental Health:


Becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse means that you will be working exclusively with patients suffering from mental health conditions. You may be based in the community, a hospital, or a dedicated mental health or secure unit. The need for mental health nurses in prisons and military bases is also on the rise. There are several programs of study that you can take after qualifying as an RN if you want to work in mental health.

#2. Doctor’s Office:


If you want to be a nurse but aren’t keen on the idea of working varying shifts or overnight, then a position in a doctor’s office could be the best option for you. Here, you will be working directly with people and supporting the physician with examinations and check-ups, blood tests, and more. This job tends to be Monday to Friday, 9-5, making it perfect for anybody who would like to work in nursing but also wants regular hours.

#3. Nurse Anesthetist:


A nurse anesthetist holds a very important job; administering anesthesia during surgical procedures. To work in this position, you will first need to qualify as a CRNA, before taking additional courses in the administration of anesthesia. Check out the CRNA continuing education options from Valley Anesthesia to find a course that’s suitable for you.

#4. Emergency Room Nurse:


If you want to be on the front line of medical care and work in a fast-paced, busy environment where no two days are the same, a position as an emergency room nurse could be perfect for you. Here, you will be the first port of call for patients who come to hospital in an emergency, whether it’s for serious illnesses, injuries or trauma. To be successful in this position you will need to work well under pressure and be able to provide a calming influence to others in stressful situations.

#5. School Nurse:


If your dream is to work with children, you might want to consider becoming a school nurse. This is a particularly good position for nurses who no longer want to work in a hospital setting. You’ll work within the school and be the first port of call for children who are sick or injured. This is a great job for nurses with kids who want to be able to take some time off during the school break.

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