Nursing Careers
There are many different career options available in nursing here. You will find our nursing career guide. There are several specializations inside each career field. Click the title of the career field for information on specific nursing jobs. Hopefully, this page will help you decide which career path is right for you. Take some time, to check it out.
1. Academics and Research Careers:
With the U.S. nursing shortage and the high demand for nurses, academics and research are crucial in the nursing field. Both of these sectors employ nurses at the upper level due to an advanced understanding of nursing theory and practice.
Academics
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Nursing professionals are in demand in academic settings to train new nurses and act as instructors in nursing courses. They provide instruction on essential clinical nursing skills and make arrangements for practical experiences in actual medical environments. In addition, many nursing professionals working in academics act as the primary source for developing knowledge in nursing.
Research
Nursing workers are needed in research settings to conduct innovative clinical research. Individuals seeking to go into nursing research programs commonly study various research methods, utilization of research results, and nursing statistics. Nursing professionals working in research settings learn many different facets of health care, nursing practices, and medical conditions. They strive to create and employ scientific studies to improve the health care field as a whole.
Required Education
In general, nursing professionals need doctoral training to pursue career opportunities in academics and research. Most individuals start their careers in entry-level nursing positions. Then, they pursue advanced academic opportunities after gaining significant experience.
2. Government Careers:
The nursing field is one of the most in-demand sectors of the health care industry. Also, there are a variety of specialties in nursing, including working for the U.S. government. Nursing professionals who work for the government provide care to diverse patient populations.
Employers
Many state and federal government facilities employ nursing professionals at varying levels. However, the most common employers of government nursing professionals include local public health departments, the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs medical facilities, psychiatric hospitals funded by the state, and state and federal correctional facilities.
Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation hires nursing professionals, and in fact, it is the most significant hiring increase in the organization’s history. Many government organizations require nursing professionals to sign a contract to work for a particular facility for a designated amount of time. Some arrangements are as little as two weeks, and others last a year or longer.
Typical Requirements
Nursing professionals must be citizens of the United States and pass a thorough background check to work for government organizations. The minimum requirement for most government nursing positions is a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Potential employees also typically need previous experience in medical settings. In addition, individuals must be qualified for security clearance for some specialized jobs.
3. Military Careers:
Becoming a nurse can lead to a fascinating and also rewarding career. Furthermore, a career as a military nurse can be equally satisfying for women and men who have a strong desire to serve their country. So, let’s take a close look at how to become an army nurse.
Becoming a Nurse in the Military
To be a nurse in the military, a person must first be in the military. Therefore, the process is somewhat longer for people who desire to become active-duty nurses than other military nurses.
Most times, to become a military nurse, the military will require a person to be an actual nurse already. Afterward, the person can then complete the following four courses that will adequately prepare them to become a military nurse:
– Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
– Critical Care Nursing
– Obstetrical Nursing
– Operating Room Nursing
Each of these courses takes about 16 weeks to complete, so essentially, after completing a two-year nursing program and then the four 16-week methods, a person can then become a military nurse if already admitted into the military.
4. Private Sector:
There are many different nursing careers in healthcare, including those in the private sector. Private healthcare is medical treatment and procedures delivered by medical facilities and other organizations that are not funded or governed by the government or state. Instead, these entities are run and financed by private groups or individuals, typically generating profit.
Nursing Jobs in the Private Sector
Nursing professionals working in the private sector commonly work for for-profit medical facilities, and also many have a religious affiliation. Examples of employers include hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and physician offices. These medical facilities usually provide the same type of care and procedures to patients, but they do not always accept the uninsured or have the ability to pay.
Benefits of the Private Sector
Since they are privately funded, private healthcare facilities often can provide more services and treatment options to patients. Patients are also able to choose their preferred hospital and provider. Nursing professionals working in this sector may be exposed to advanced nursing practices and also assist with more treatment options. Additionally, the private healthcare industry employs a lot of nursing professionals.
5. Public Sector:
There are nurses on almost any type of medical team. Therefore, these professionals play a vital role in developmental and physical health. In addition, nurses have the opportunity to work in an assortment of settings, including schools, hospitals, private doctors’ offices, and sporting organizations.
Job Duties in the Public Sector
The exact job duties that a nurse carries out depend on their educational background and the precise type of nurse they are. No matter the kind of nurse that a person becomes, they need at least two years of formal education and the appropriate type of licensure.
Furthering Education
If a nurse chooses, it is possible to further one’s education in nursing. There are master’s and doctorate level degrees in this profession, allowing nurses to further their education as far as they like. In addition, by continuing one’s education, nurses can increase their employment opportunities and income levels.
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