Nursing is one of the most in-demand fields in today’s marketplace. An aging population means that shortages in this field are increasing and that qualified, passionate healthcare workers are needed throughout the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of open nursing positions is projected to rise 15 percent by 2026, a rate considered much faster than average.
As the nursing field grows, there are more opportunities for nurses to work in specialty roles. Opportunities are available for every proclivity and interest, from children to the elderly, telemetry to terminal care. Those seeking their place in this rewarding industry can tailor their careers to specifically fit their goals.
Types of Nurses
All information sourced from PayScale.com.
Telemetry Nurse
Telemetry nurses use a range of medical equipment. Often responsible for acutely sick patients, these professionals interpret data from various patient monitoring devices, such as electrocardiograms, blood pressure gauges, sleep sensors and more. Beyond this, they take on responsibilities of any nursing professional, including caring for patients, providing medication, working with doctors and participating in patient interventions. Telemetry nurses make an average annual salary of $59,869.
Neonatal Nurse
Neonatal nurses help mothers with childbirth and postpartum care. Specialized duties include cognitive testing for newborns, neonatal tests during pregnancy and helping mothers choose an effective plan of care for themselves and their children. Those in this role often must have specialized experience or training. Neonatal nurses make an average annual salary of $61,168.
Oncology Nurse
Oncology nurses work with cancer patients. They may be responsible for helping physicians, administering chemotherapy, educating clients about their treatment and helping patients manage symptoms. Those in this role often require much patience and a good ability to manage stress. Oncology nurses make an average annual salary of $68,160.
Hospice Nurse
Hospice nurses work with terminal patients. They are responsible for working with a team of providers to create care plans, communicate with the patient’s family, assist with paperwork, administer medications and other related tasks. These professionals often travel to and from patient homes and work a variety of hours, include nights, weekends and on-call. Nurses in this field make an average annual salary of $63,685.
Travel Nurse
Travel nurses are registered nurses who move around a region or country in order to fill temporary or long-term staffing shortages.They often obtain positions through specialized staffing companies and must be exceptionally good at working both independently and in a team environment. Responsibilities are duties common to the nursing field, including nursing diagnosis and evaluation, interventions, providing medications, computer skills and more. Travel nurses earn an average annual salary of $65,995.
ICU Nurse
Intensive care unit nurses work with patients who are in critical medical condition. Because their patients are in a volatile state, these nurses must be exceedingly attentive, comfortable with rapid response and generally more experienced than other nurses. Daily responsibilities include those of any other nurse, such as developing nursing plans, taking vitals and maintaining patient records. They also work closely with doctors. ICU nurses earn an average annual salary of $62,688.
Advance Your Nursing Career
At Illinois College, the online RN to BSN degree provides working nurses with the training they need to earn their bachelor’s degree and prepare for specialization in their field. Because the program is offered fully online, it provides the flexibility required to maintain work and life commitments. Illinois College prides itself on making students Graduate READY, meaning students are guaranteed to get the individualized support they need to make the most of their education and reach the next level in their profession.