A Complete Guide for Nursing Jobs in USA for 2024

Are you looking to become a nurse, or are you one already but want to explore other nursing jobs for reasons such as the salary that comes with them? In this article, we have put together the top 7 nursing jobs in USA that you can explore to get truly the value you deserve. We have not just highlighted the best nursing jobs in USA. We have also included the roles, requirements, and salaries of these nurses. Continue reading for all you need to know!

Overview of Nursing Jobs in USA

Nursing jobs in the U.S. are diverse and crucial to the healthcare system. A nurse practitioner provides hands-on patient care, administers medications, performs diagnostic tests, and supports patients and their families. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective treatment and care in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

The demand for a nurse practitioner is high due to factors like an aging population and the rise of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth in nursing jobs between 2021 and 2031, with thousands of new positions opening each year. Salaries vary based on experience, specialization, and location, with the median wage for registered nurses (RNs) around $77,600 in 2021.

To become a nurse, individuals typically need an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), followed by passing the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. Nurses may also pursue advanced degrees and certifications to specialize in areas such as cardiac care or midwifery, offering further advancement in career opportunities. Despite challenges like workload and burnout, nursing remains a fulfilling career due to its impact on patients’ lives and flexible work options.

Types of Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

A licensed practical nurse ensures that patients are provided with the basic care they need. The work of the LPNs is usually supervised by doctors and registered nurses (RNs), among others. Aside from the fact that LPNs provide basic care to patients, they also maintain a good connection with the patient, the patients’ families, the doctors, and other providers. It is their duty to ensure there is a smooth communication flow between and among the team.

You might come across LPNs working in places such as:

• Extended care facilities
• Private homes (home health care)
• Nursing homes
• Physicians’ offices

Registered Nurses (RNs)

A registered nurse (RN) is usually positioned to work with doctors and other professionals in the healthcare industry. To care for patients. RNs are usually specific with the kind of setting and population they work in. They have their specialization when it comes to the diseases they treat and also the department they work in.

You can be cared for by an RN during your stay at a hospital, and you can meet them during your medical appointment. It could be when you need to talk to someone about your medical condition or that of your loved ones. They are always ready to make complex information become easy for you as well as your loved ones. RNshave to get the necessary education and requirements.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses are in charge of treating and diagnosing illness. They manage diseases that appear to be chronic, give advice on public health issues, and ensure there is an avenue for continuous education to stay on top of methodological, technological, and every other trend in the field. For an APRN, at least a master’s degree is required, in addition to the required education and licensing for all RNs.

APRNs include clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. They are all important in the field as they are the primary care providers, always there to provide preventive care services.

Nursing Jobs in USA

Emergency room Nurses

Emergency room nurses ensure that urgent care is provided to patients who are suffering from injuries and illnesses that tend to be life-threatening. These nurses have collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills as they work with emergency medical staff and first responders. They should be able to share information across these teams and coordinate care.

ER nurses have the ability to work in different settings and across several specialties. These nurses are registered nurses and they need to have at least an ASN.

Roles and Requirements of ER Nurses

Roles

• Respond swiftly in medical emergencies
• Assess patient needs
• Treat critical injuries
• Perform minor procedures
• Maintain high care standards
• Cleaning wounds
• Drawing blood
• Assisting with insurance paperwork
• Ensuring smooth patient check-ins
• Making quick decisions in high-pressure situations.

Requirement

• Ensure you have a nursing degree, it could either be a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN. Some hospitals will prefer to go for BSN graduates.
• Be sure to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to get RN licensure.
• After graduation, get a nursing job in an ER. It is important that you get an On-the-job training and it can be provided through nurse residency programs or preceptorships.
• For some schools, you will be required to get certification in basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS), which can often be earned on the job.
• After at least two years of ER experience, consider earning the CEN certification from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).

Salary for ER Nurses in USA

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses across all specialties make a median salary of $86,070 per year, or about $41.38 per hour. While the BLS did not specify salaries for different nursing specialties, ZipRecruiter reports that ER nurses earn an average of $86,737 annually or $42 per hour.

Most ER nurses earn between $55,000 and $110,999 a year, with top earners making up to $156,000 annually.

Med-surgical Nurses

Medical-surgical, also known as med-surg nursing care for adults as well as pediatrics, has all sorts of medical conditions that need attention, including those that require surgery to be carried out.

Med-Surg nurses are very important members of the healthcare team.

They work across different settings, such as the operating room, exam room, and patient rooms. Typically, these nurses are found in hospitals or inpatient facilities. For others, they specialize in treating specific medical conditions over time.

It did not come as a surprise to see that about 1.75 million registered nurses are in med-surg settings; it is one of the best, and it falls within nurses with the highest pay.

Roles and Requirements of Med-surgical Nurses

Roles

• Change dressings, insert catheters, and start IVs.
• Adjust medical equipment, interpret readings, and record measurements.
• Monitor vital signs and promptly report any adverse reactions to medications.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team on discharge planning.
• Educate patients and their families about surgical procedures and post-op care.
• Maintain and update patient files, medical charts, and health records.
• Follow nursing best practices, standards, and protocols.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Medical-Surgical Nurse or in a similar position.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in medical-surgical nursing.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Relevant certifications and training in medical-surgical nursing.

Salary for Med-surgical Nurses in USA

Medical-surgical nursing salaries are usually based on factors like experience, certifications, job responsibilities, and the local cost of living. According to the BLS, the average salary for med-surg nurses is $94,480 annually or about $45.42 per hour.

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators are important when it comes to bridging the gap between nursing school and clinical practice. They teach and guide the next generation of nurses using their own nursing experience. As much as they have broad nursing knowledge, many of them have their own specialization. They specialize in areas like geriatric care or focus on different education levels, such as entry-level nursing courses and advanced doctoral programs.

Unlike other advanced practice nurses (APRNs) who are positioned to work directly with patients, nurse educators primarily focus on teaching. They may occasionally have overseas students working with patients or managing their own patients on a limited basis.

Nurse educators are in charge of designing and implementing lesson plans, leading research, supervising lab and clinical work, lecturing, and overseeing internships.

Roles and Requirements of Nurse Educator

Roles

• Evaluate and enhance educational programs.
• Develop and update nursing curricula.
• Assess nurse orientation programs and their effectiveness.
• Mentor and inspire both students and new nurses.
• Conduct assessments and evaluate student progress.
• Maintain clinical competence to ensure up-to-date training.
• Provide guidance and training to new nurses.

Requirements

• You must have completed a nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN).
• Have practical nursing experience in various healthcare settings.
• Pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), with a focus on nursing education or a related field.
• Earn certifications like the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) from the National League for Nursing (NLN).

Salary for Nurse Educator in USA

Advanced Practice RNs and nurse educators get higher salaries. This is as a result of their advanced education. BLS data shows nursing instructors at colleges earned around $84,060 yearly, making education a lucrative path in nursing.

Public Health Nurse

Public health nurse are health practitioners who do not wait for patients to come to them, they are usually active in in their communities to help improve the health of the population. They are trained as registered nurses, they can offer accurate and helpful information about how people can protect their health.

A primary focus of public health nurses is on education. They work with senior centers, community groups, schools, and other organizations to inform people about important health issues. They may demonstrate various safety practices, teach family members how to care for disabled or sick loved ones or encourage people to get tested or vaccinated against diseases. They work to make health information accessible for individuals to understand so they can make informed choices about their health.

Rural or low-income communities benefit from public health nurses who may teach prenatal and baby care, immunize children at school, help the elderly stay safe, and more. During a health crisis or emergency, you will often find public health nurses on the front lines.

Roles and Requirements of Public Health Nurse

Roles

• They evaluate health trends to identify specific risk factors affecting their communities.
• Public health nurses determine which health-related interventions will provide the most significant benefits.
• They advocate with local, state, and federal authorities to improve access to healthcare services for underserved populations.
• They design and implement educational programs aimed at disease prevention.
• Providing information about local health programs and services helps improve access to care.
• Public health nurses deliver direct care to at-risk populations.
• They record and analyze medical data to track health outcomes.
• Developing strong relationships with patients and following up on their care is essential.
• They manage the budgets for various community health programs.
• Public health nurses refer individuals to related services as needed.
• They provide medical care when required, ensuring community members receive the necessary support.

Requirements

• Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your Registered Nurse (R.N.) license. This exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
• Meet Public Health Certification Requirements

Complete one of the following options:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field with at least five years of relevant public health experience.
• Obtain a graduate degree along with at least three years of public health experience.
• Earn a certificate from an accredited public health program and have a minimum of three years of public health work experience.
• Consider the CPH Exam (Optional)

Salary for Public Health Nurse in USA

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a public health nurse is $75,330. However, salaries can vary widely based on factors like the employer, location, industry, experience, and benefits. Factors such as job location and educational qualifications also influence salary ranges.

There is a promising outlook for this career, with demand for public health nurses projected to grow by seven percent through 2029. This growth rate is significantly faster than in many other sectors, with nearly 222,000 new positions expected to be created in the field.

Nurse Anesthetist

A CRNA, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in administering anesthesia and other medications. They are responsible for caring for and monitoring patients before, during, and after anesthesia.

Anesthesia is a medical treatment designed to prevent pain during procedures or surgeries. There are various types of anesthesia, each working differently—some numb specific areas of the body, while others induce sleep by affecting the brain.

CRNAs undergo extensive training and possess specialized knowledge to administer anesthesia safely and effectively.

Roles and Requirements of Nurse Anesthetist.

Roles

• Patient Education: Educate patients before and after they receive anesthesia for procedures or surgeries.
• Physical Assessment: Assess patients’ physical responses to anesthesia.
• Risk Identification: Identify potential risks, such as allergies to anesthetics and health issues like asthma or diabetes.
• Anesthesia Administration: Provide precise dosages of anesthesia tailored to each patient’s needs.
• Collaborative Care: Work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver anesthesia care for a wide range of surgical procedures, caring for patients of all ages.

Requirements

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field.
• Be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States or its territories.
• Accumulate at least one year of work experience as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit (ICU). Most RNs pursuing CRNA certification typically have closer to three years of experience in this setting.
• Attend and graduate from an accredited nurse anesthesia program, which culminates in a doctoral degree. These programs typically last three years.
• Pass the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists after completing the nurse anesthesia program.
• Some CRNAs choose to pursue a fellowship in a specialized area of anesthesiology, such as chronic pain management, which generally takes at least one additional year.

Salary for Nurse Anesthetist in USA

According to US news, In 2022, nurse anesthetists earned a median salary of $203,090. The top 25% of earners in this field made around $227,160, while the lowest 25% earned about $174,190.

Nurse Midwife

Roles and Requirements of Nurse Midwife

Roles

• Provide prenatal care and educate women about their birth options.
• Help create birth plans while monitoring maternal health and fetal development.
• Develop treatment plans and write prescriptions as needed.
• Coordinate care with medical doctors and specialists to ensure comprehensive support.
• Assist with breastfeeding and provide postpartum care to new mothers.
• Treat routine, non-critical health conditions that arise during pregnancy.
• Offer low-intervention labor support and pain relief options.
• Attend uncomplicated births and provide coaching during delivery.
• Order tests and review lab results to monitor health.
• Perform thorough physical examinations as part of patient care.

Requirement

• Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
• Successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
• Have at least one year of experience as a registered nurse (RN) in Women’s Health, typically in Labor and Delivery settings.
• Enroll in and graduate from an ACME-accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
• Obtain certification by passing the Nurse-Midwife Certification (CNM) exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).

Salary for Nurse Midwife in USA

According to US news, In 2022, nurse midwives earned a median salary of $120,880. The top 25% of earners in this field made around $137,010, while the bottom 25% earned about $102,510.

Cardiac Nurses

Cardiac nurses work alongside cardiologists and cardiac nurse practitioners, playing a crucial role in treating both acute and chronic heart conditions. For patients experiencing acute heart failure, such as heart attacks or cardiac arrest, they utilize tools like defibrillators. Cardiac nurses may also assist surgeons during heart surgeries.

For patients with chronic heart conditions, these nurses monitor and assess their health, carrying out or assisting with various treatments, including:

Roles and Requirements of Cardiac Nurse

Role

• Administer emergency care for life-threatening heart conditions.
• Provide and manage medications as prescribed for heart-related issues.
• Assist with cardiac catheterization procedures to diagnose and treat heart conditions.
• Use defibrillators to restore normal heart rhythms during emergencies.
• Monitor and evaluate patients’ cardiovascular health regularly.
• Educate patients and their families about heart health, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications.

Requirement

• Complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Pass the NCLEX-RN for Licensure
• Gain Experience in Cardiac Nursing:

Salary for Cardiac Nurse in USA

As of June 2024, cardiac nurses have an average annual salary of $88,650, according to Payscale data. Their earnings can differ based on various factors, including location, years of experience, and the type of healthcare facility.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also forecasts a 6% growth in employment for all registered nurses from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average growth rate for other occupations.

Read Also: https://zoriaf.com/farm-jobs-in-netherlands/

How Long is Nursing School?

Registered Nurse (RN) programs usually take 2 to 4 years to complete with full-time study, but options for part-time or accelerated programs can affect the duration of your studies.

The most common pathways to obtaining an RN license include:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Typically a two-year program.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Generally a four-year program.

Become a Nurse in USA

Above are the best 7 nursing jobs in USA in 2024 you can choose from. To make it easy for you, we have provided everything you need to know, including an overview of each nursing job, the roles expected for each, the requirements, as well as the salary you should be looking forward to.

As much as there is a nursing shortage in the US, Becoming a nurse in the U.S. as a healthcare professional is not an easy task. It requires that you are dedicated, passionate, and patient. To start, you need to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program. Once you have completed your education, passing the NCLEX-RN exam is important to obtaining your registered nurse (RN) licensure.

After gaining your RN license, clinical experience in your desired area of specialization is key. Many nurses pursue certifications to enhance their skills and boost their career prospects. If you are looking for further advancement, earning a graduate degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), opens doors to specialized roles like nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists.