Nursing is a dynamic and evolving profession that offers a wide range of roles and specialties for aspiring and experienced nurses alike.
From bedside care to advanced practice, nursing roles are diverse, challenging, and in high demand. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the different roles and determine which one is right for you.
In this blog, we will explore some of the top nursing roles that are currently in high demand and provide insights into the unique responsibilities and requirements of each role.
Travel Nurses
Travel nursing is a popular and in-demand nursing role that offers nurses the opportunity to work in different locations for short-term assignments.
As a travel nurse, you will have the chance to work in a variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics to long-term care facilities. This role is ideal for nurses who enjoy adventure, flexibility, and diversity in their work.
One of the primary advantages of being a travel nurse is the chance to receive a salary that is comparable to or better than other nursing positions. As per a blog on Elmhurst University’s website, travel nurses earn an average salary that is around 25% higher than non-traveling nurses. On average, they earn about $2,327 every week in the US.
Moreover, travel nursing provides a chance for nurses to acquire the required expertise and enhance their skill sets. You get the opportunity to work with different patient populations, learn new clinical practices and protocols, and build your professional network. This experience can be particularly valuable for new nurses who may want to explore different areas of nursing.
To become a travel nurse, you typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, a current RN license, and at least one year of nursing experience. You may also need to obtain additional certifications depending on the healthcare setting.
Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can work with a travel nursing agency to find assignments that meet your preferences and goals.
As per Nursing.com, the percentage of registered nurses working as travel nurses was just 2% in 2019. However, the demand for travel nurses has increased significantly since January 2020, with travel nurse job openings rising by almost 500% by fall 2021.
While the rise in demand has slowed down from its peak during the pandemic, it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.
If you’re an aspiring travel nurse, a blog published on Elmhurst University’s website can be an excellent resource to help you make informed decisions about your career. The blog provides in-depth information about travel nurse pros and cons, which is crucial to consider before making any final decisions.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses
One of the most sought-after nursing positions is in psychiatric mental health nurses. These nurses specialize in caring for patients with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
With an increasing focus on mental health, the demand for psychiatric mental health nurses has been on the rise in recent years.
Psychiatric mental health nurses are essential and can be found working in various locations, such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.
They assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health issues and work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and the role of psychiatric nurses in providing high-quality care to patients with mental health conditions.
Consequently, there are numerous prospects for psychiatric mental health nurses to specialize in various aspects of mental health care and operate in different environments.
It is anticipated that the need for psychiatric mental health nurses will keep increasing in the upcoming years, making it a bright career option for individuals who want to work in healthcare and make a positive impact on individuals dealing with mental health disorders.
The income of psychiatric mental health nurses is relatively high. According to a recent survey by the APNA Workforce Task Force, the average total pretax income for psychiatric-mental health advanced practice nurses (PMH-APRNs) was $136,000, with nearly half of the respondents earning between $100,000 and $150,000.
Moreover, only 13% of respondents reported lower salaries ranging from $75,000 to $99,000, while 11% reported higher salaries between $150,000 and $200,000. This highlights the potential financial benefits of pursuing a career as a psychiatric mental health nurse.
Gerontological Nurses
As the number of elderly people in the US is expected to increase to 22% by 2050, the demand for healthcare resources for this age group will also rise. Elderly people consume more healthcare resources, including doctor visits and hospital stays, with over 35% of hospital stays and over 25% of doctor visits being attributed to them.
This increase in demand for elderly healthcare resources will lead to an increased need for geriatric physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Gerontological nurses, who specialize in caring for the elderly population, will play an essential role in meeting this growing demand. They have a crucial part in fulfilling the healthcare requirements of a growing elderly population.
Gerontological nurses provide a wide range of services, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and coordinating care with other healthcare providers.
Additionally, gerontological nurses are responsible for educating patients and their families about ways to promote good health and prevent diseases.
They also assist in creating customized care plans that cater to the specific needs and preferences of the patients and their families.
Family Nurse Practitioners
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are among the most in-demand nursing professionals in the healthcare industry today. They play a vital role in providing primary care services to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
FNPs are advanced practice registered nurses who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and treat common illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and provide preventive care. They are licensed to prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests, making them a critical component of any healthcare team.
One of the reasons why FNPs are in high demand is their ability to provide personalized care that focuses on the individual needs of each patient.
Their training focuses on building solid relationships with patients and working in tandem with other healthcare experts to provide optimal care to patients.
FNPs operate in a range of locations, such as private practices, clinics, hospitals, and educational institutions. They are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical care and are responsible for managing their overall health and well-being.
When it comes to Nurse Practitioners (NPs), the majority of full-time practitioners see three or more patients per hour, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Additionally, FNPs have an average of nine years of practice experience.
This data highlights the growing demand for FNPs and their critical role in providing primary care services. FNPs are highly trained healthcare professionals who have the expertise to diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, and perform minor procedures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nursing is a highly rewarding and dynamic field with a variety of roles available to those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. With an increasing demand for qualified professionals in the industry, several nursing roles stand out as top in-demand positions.
Each role requires a unique set of skills and qualifications, but all offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care and improve health outcomes. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, these nursing roles will remain vital in ensuring high-quality patient care and advancing the field of nursing.
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