According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing is the largest workforce within the healthcare industry, with over 2.5 million practicing nurses. This workforce is only growing as demand has risen due to the pandemic and the number of nurses retiring. The demand for nurses stretches across multiple different specialties within healthcare and we’ve narrowed the list down to three specialties that you should consider for your next career industry move.
Certified Nurse Midwife
A nurse midwife specializes in the care of pregnant women from prenatal, childbirth, to postnatal care. They conduct gynecological exams, family planning assistance, education, and counseling. The American College of Nurse-Midwives has predicted an increase in demand for certified midwives. Soon, one in ten babies will be delivered by a midwife. If you love infants and want to be a part of someone’s special day, being a certified nurse midwife is a great fit.
Here are some Certified Nurse Midwife fast facts:
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s of Science Degree, Masters Degree (MSN) and Registered Nurse License (RN), In some instances, some hospitals might offer a bridge program to those without a Masters Degree
Relevant Certifications: American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) Exam
Salary Range: $63,000-$98,000+
Certified Nurse Anesthetist
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a highly trained nurse that assists with anesthesia during surgeries. They collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, and many others to provide care to patients before, during, and post-surgery. These nurses are highly educated and skilled through advanced and critical training. In some instances, someone might even need a Doctoral Nursing degree to become a CRNA.
Education Requirement: Masters Degree (MSN), Registered Nurse License (RN)
Relevant Certifications: National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)
Salary Range: $84,000-$161,000+
Travel Nurse
A travel nurse is a nurse that travels to different hospitals and clinics across the country to provide short-term care to facilities that need extra assistance. These nurses fill in when facilities have an urgent need for a certain position. This specialty is great for people who love to travel and want to broaden their skills through their travel. Travel nurses work through contracts and are offered certain perks such as housing and meal stipends. If you love travel, meeting new people, and switching up your work environment, travel nursing could be a great fit!
Education Requirements: BSN
Relevant Certifications: NCLEX-RN Exam
Salary Range: Travel Nurse payment will vary based on contracts
Read more on the perks of being a Travel Nurse.
Being a nurse can be a fulfilling and rewarding career. There are a lot of deciding factors that go into the specialty you choose, such as salary, the education requirements, and more. Since there are so many different nursing fields and specialties, there is something for everyone. No matter what specialty you decide to go into, your nursing career is having a big impact on patients and those you serve.
If you’re thinking about changing your specialty, check out our quick guide.
