According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to increase by 19% through 2022. Healthcare services are expected to see the increase in demand thanks to an aging Baby Boomer population and the federal health insurance reform, which has given more people access to healthcare services than ever before.
There has also been more financial pressure put on hospitals to discharge patients more quickly, which has led to more individuals being admitted to long-term care facilities, and has elevated the need for more home health workers.
In-Demand Advanced Nursing Degrees
There was a time when obtaining an RN degree was the primary goal for most nurses. However, today’s healthcare landscape often demands nurses complete a RN-to-BSN or higher.
An advanced nursing degree can mean:
More Open Doors
An advanced nursing degree can provide students experience and skills that are sought after by hospitals, private practices and other healthcare providers. This can translate into more job opportunities in a variety of nursing specialties.
Higher Salaries
Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or higher typically have higher earning potential than graduates with an RN degree. Often, the more education someone attains, the higher likelihood they will garner higher earnings.
More Room for Growth
Advanced nursing education can allow healthcare professionals to move into diverse areas of the profession that may interest and challenge them. This can allow for personal and professional growth, increased benefits and job fulfillment.
Here are three nursing in-demand specialties within reach for individuals who have obtained an advanced nursing degree.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse specialists generally focus on one of three specialty areas: administration, nurse management and patients and family care. They often serve as a leader for the nursing staff and someone they can typically look to for guidance. Individuals looking into this career path are required to obtain at least a BSN degree, as well as pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
In addition, applicants are typically required to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with an emphasis on a clinical nurse specialty. After they pass the National Nurses Licensing Exam and Certified Nurse Specialist (CNS) certification exam, they may begin work in their chosen field.
Working Environment and Job Duties
Clinical nursing specialists often work in hospitals, outpatient facilities and home care systems teaching and managing nurses while also conducting research and consulting.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the BLS, clinical nurse specialists can earn between $62,000 and $79,000 annually, depending on location. In addition, the BLS projected a growth rate of 19% through 2018, a rate faster than the national average for all other occupations. Specialists may be in higher demand because they are able to offer specialized care to patients and their families for a fraction of the cost of hiring a physician.
Clinical Nurse Educator
Clinical nurse educators can work in a classroom or practice setting and are in charge of mentoring and preparing student nurses for experiences they may face in a typical hospital setting. They are also responsible for designing, implementing and revising educational programs for nurses. Often, educators act as role models and help shape nurses for future responsibilities.
Work Environment
Nurse educators typically work in colleges or universities, technical colleges, hospital-based schools of nursing, long-term care facilities and via distance learning technology.
Education
Nurse Educators must hold at least an MSN in order to work in an academic setting. Should they wish to be promoted or granted tenure, most educators typically need at least a doctoral degree. Specialists who work in a clinical setting typically require a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing, though many more institutions are now requiring a master’s degree as well.
Job Outlook
There is a current shortage of clinical nurse educators in the United States. One major reason for this shortage may be due to the fact that there are currently not enough nurse educators to train future nurses. The BLS recently reported that 1 million nurses will be needed by the year 2020. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, close to 80,000 qualified applicants were turned away from nursing schools last year, because there were not enough nurse educators to educate them.
Clinical Nurse Leaders
The job of clinical nurse leader (CNL) was created in response to the number of patient deaths and medical errors that were a result from preventable mistakes. These specialists play a vital role in the healthcare industry by ensuring patient safety. In fact, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has said that patient satisfaction has increased since this occupation was created.
Work Environment and Job Duties
CNLs typically work in a hospital setting supervising the care of patients. They are responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of individual treatment plans and evaluating them for potential risks. Should complicated medical situations arise, the CNL attends to the specific patient directly. CNLs often act as a liaison between doctors and patients to help facilitate communication. They are also generally the one to communicate with patients and family members, answer their questions and handle any concerns they may have.
Education
To become certified, clinical nurse leaders must obtain at least an MSN and pass the exam from the Commission on Nurse Certifications.
Salary & Outlook
As of May, 2012, the BLS reported an annual salary for clinical nurse leaders of $65,470. In addition, the job rate for all nurses is expected to increase by 19% though the year 2022, faster than the national average for all other professions.
