Are you thinking about pursuing the noble role of becoming a nurse? If you are, there are probably more options available to you than you think. Most people are aware of the roles of Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LPN), but there are many other paths you can take as a nurse, especially if you decide to get an advanced education.
With a two-year degree, three-year diploma program, or with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing you can become an RN. You can also enroll in an accelerated nursing program and complete your BSN in as soon as 15 months.
This position manages patient care and assists with testing. Being a staff nurse can earn you up to $84,000 annually in some cases. After working in this position for several years, you will have the opportunity to advance to the position of charge nurse or Unit Team Leader. This nurse manages the rest of the staff nurses and assigns duties to the staff nurses.
If you decide to get a Bachelor’s degree as well as have a few years’ experience in management, you could apply for an Assistant Nurse Manager position. This position requires a little more knowledge on the paperwork front as you will be managing budgets and hospital regulations.
A higher degree becomes more desirable for certain nursing positions however usually even for a senior positions a graduate degree might suffice, many positions require a graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a current state license and a current CPR card.
If a Master’s of Science degree is your calling, and with some certification and experience, you can become a Nurse Manager. This position has complete responsibility of a nursing unit and is responsible for hiring and evaluating staff. The more experience you receive working as a Nurse Manager, the better chances you have of working your way up to becoming a Nursing Director and even a Chief Nursing Officer.
There are many available and viable positions within the nursing industry, and the longer you stay in it, the better chances you have of advancing to a higher level position. The infographic below explains each position in detail and includes average annual salary as well as the main responsibilities required of each position:
