What Can You Do with a Nursing Degree?

Radek, what jobs can you get with a Nursing Degree? I’m wondering, what can I do with a Nursing Degree?

Most of us have been sick or injured, so we know a little bit about what nurses do. If not, we’ve at least watched nurses in action on television. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses is the largest health care occupation—in 2008, there were 2.6 million employed registered nurses.

We know what nurses do. They take care of people. They teach people how to manage their conditions. They supervise LPNs and CNAs. They give people medicine, pillows, and emotional support.

And they can work just about anywhere. Most nurses (60% in 2008) work in hospitals, but others work in doctor’s offices, homes, nursing care facilities, government agencies, social assistance agencies, humanitarian organizations, and schools.

Be aware that in order to work as a registered nurse (RN), after graduation, one must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Some nurses choose to specialize. Some may become perioperative nurses, who work in operating rooms, helping with surgeries. Some nurses choose to specialize in a specific health condition. Some choose to specialize in an organ or body system, e.g., gynecology nurses, dermatology nurses, and respiratory nurses. Some, such as geriatric nurses or pediatric nurses, choose to work with a certain age group.

And of course, not all nurses work with patients. Some nursing degree program graduates become health care consultants, medical writers, or pharmaceutical salespeople. Some nurses go into management.

The job outlook for nurses is excellent, especially for those willing to relocate. A greater emphasis on preventative care, as well as an aging baby boomer population will both create more jobs.

Careers you can get with a degree in nursing include:

• Addictions Nurse
• Ambulatory Care Nurse
• Critical Care Nurse
• Forensics Nurse
• Geriatric Nurse
• Home Healthcare Nurse
• Hospice Nurse
• Infusion Nurse
• Long-term Care Nurse
• Medical-Surgical Nurse
• Occupational Health Nurse
• Oncology Nurse
• Palliative Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• Perianesthesia Nurse
• Perioperative Nurse
• Pharmaceutical Salesperson
• Psychiatric Health Nurse
• Public Policy Advisor
• Radiology Nurse
• Registered Nurse
• Rehabilitation Nurse
• Transplant Nurse
• Transport Nurse
• Trauma Nurse