Happy National Nurses Week! We want to extend a big thank you to all of the amazing nurses out there - we appreciate your tireless efforts to care for patients!
As we take time to honor nurses who play vital roles as advocates, educators, and caregivers, we thought it would be a great opportunity to spotlight nursing career options and educational pathways! After all, there is a nursing shortage - and the profession can offer security, flexibility, and a nice paycheck!
TYPES OF NURSES
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) typically provide direct patient care in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They perform tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with procedures. As for education, RNs can either complete a two-year associate's degree (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s in nursing (BSN). The BSN is highly recommended, and even required in some states and healthcare settings. RNs may also seek additional certifications after they graduate and gain experience, especially if they are interested in areas such as oncology, pediatric, or critical care nursing.
The average annual salary for an RN in the United States is $77,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salaries can be higher depending upon education and geography. For example, nurses in California have an annual mean wage of $133,340! And nurses in the DC area can make nearly $100,000 each year.
Nurse Practitioner
In contrast to RNs, nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses who have completed additional education and training beyond the RN level. They are authorized to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic tests. NPs often work independently or in collaboration with physicians, and they may specialize in areas such as pediatrics, women's health, or mental health. Because of their specializations and advanced education, NPs stand to earn more than registered nurses. In 2021, the median salary for an NP was almost $110,000, and in some parts of the U.S., NPs made approximately $150,000!
Nurse Anesthetist
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in administering anesthesia to patients during surgical and medical procedures. They work closely with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive safe and effective anesthesia care. CRNAs are responsible for assessing patients' medical histories, monitoring vital signs during anesthesia administration, and adjusting anesthesia levels as needed throughout procedures. They also provide post-operative care to patients, ensuring that they recover safely from anesthesia and that any pain or discomfort is managed. CRNAs are required to have a master's degree in nursing as well as certification through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.
Becoming a CRNA requires a lot of additional education and training, but the investment is worth it! The average CRNA salary is approximately $123,000 per year, and in some areas of the country (like the DMV), CRNAs make upwards of $200,000. Plus, CRNA jobs are in high demand. Employment in this field is expected to grow 41% by 2031!
TRADITIONAL AND NONTRADITIONAL PATHWAYS TO BECOMING A NURSE
There are two main pathways to becoming a nurse: traditional and nontraditional. The traditional pathway involves completing a nursing program at a college or university and earning a nursing degree, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing. This pathway typically takes 2-4 years to complete and involves coursework, clinical experiences, and passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
The nontraditional pathways involve alternative routes to becoming a nurse, such as completing an accelerated nursing program or earning a nursing degree online. These pathways are designed for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree in another field and wish to transition to nursing. Nontraditional pathways may offer more flexibility and convenience, but they also require a strong commitment to self-directed learning and may have additional requirements, such as completing prerequisite coursework or passing additional exams.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT NURSING PROGRAM FOR YOU
Whether you’re pursuing a traditional or nontraditional pathway, there are many things you want to consider as you research nursing programs. Here are questions to help guide you.
TRADITIONAL PATHWAY - BSN degree:
Is it a 4 year, direct-entry program? This is the best choice for most students because there are no more hoops to jump through in college.
Where will your clinical experience take place? For example, nursing students at Clemson will be in one of two separate clinical cohorts beginning during junior year, one in Clemson and one in Greenville. Would this be ok with you to be at a separate campus?
What are the alumni NCLEX pass rates for the program? If you can't pass this exam, you can't become a registered nurse, so it's very important to go to a school that prepares students well.
NONTRADITIONAL PATHWAY - any degree:
Note - if you are sure you want to be a nurse when you are applying to college, this is not the path we would recommend unless you have a particular reason for it - this is typically more appropriate for people who decide to be a nurse later or are trying to keep their options open for specific reasons.
What types of prerequisites will you need to be able to get into a post-baccalaureate nursing program - will you be able to take these at the college of your choice?
What types of experiences will you need and will you be able to do those at the college of your choice? (for example, a certain number of hours of patient care or service work in health care)?
Here are two examples of nontraditional programs offered by universities:
George Washington University: GW offers an accelerated BSN program for those who have already earned their bachelor’s degree in a different field and would like to start a career in nursing. Students can earn their BSN in four consecutive semesters on site at GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, VA. In order to begin the program, though, students must complete a certain number of prerequisite courses in areas such as Statistics, Nutrition, and Natural Sciences. If a student has not completed these courses in their previous degree programs, no worries! GW offers these courses and students can complete them online.
University of Pennsylvania: At UPenn, students with a bachelor’s degree in another field can earn a nursing degree in just 15 months through the university’s accelerated BSN program. The program has two options: BSN Second Degree- which leads to a bachelor’s in nursing- or BSN/MSN- which allows students to earn a graduate degree as well. The BSN/MSN pathway is a great choice for those who know they want to pursue a specialization that requires graduate coursework. Similar to GW, applicants must complete several prerequisite courses before being considered for admissions into the program. These courses include chemistry, biology, nutrition, and statistics, among others.
LOOKING FOR A COLLEGE WITH A GREAT NURSING PROGRAM?
We can’t possibly begin to list all of the colleges and universities with great nursing programs. However, we’re sharing a few of our favorites that might help you get started if you’re a high school student hoping to major in nursing in the future.
What we like about this program: There’s a reason UPenn’s nursing program is ranked as one of the best in the country. There are amazing opportunities for students to gain clinical experience and conduct research at some of the best hospitals in the country. Plus, UPenn offers several minors, such as Nutrition, Global Health, and Health Communications, which reflect some of the most relevant and pressing issues in the healthcare world.
What we like about this program: Clemson’s nursing program is nationally recognized and increasing in popularity. In an effort to meet the demands of student interest, as well the need for nurses in the industry, the university recently created The Clemson Nursing Expansion Program, which has expanded enrollment in the program, as well as clinical placements in the area. Despite the expansion, admissions is extremely competitive, but students are sure to get state-of-the-art-training and a lot of opportunities to support local communities in South Carolina.
What we like about this program: Experience, experience, experience! Georgetown’s School of Nursing has an overwhelming number of options for students to gain hands-on training, from working in local DC hospitals to taking part in the Tanzania Healthcare Experiential Learning Initiative. We also love that the program incorporates an emphasis on social justice and community connections!