How to Become a Nursing Superstar: The Highest Paying Nursing Jobs and Their Educational Requirements
Every field has its superstars, and nursing is no exception. The 3 most highly paid jobs to which a clinically practicing nurse can aspire are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Advanced practice nurses who work in these roles are among the most highly educated in their profession, and enjoy the highest amount of industry demand. If you have a passion for any of these areas and would enjoy an elevated salary and strong job security, it may be easier than you think to achieve your goals. Enrolling in an online nursing degree program can be the first step to becoming a CRNA, an NP, or a CNS.
#1 Highest Paid Nursing Job: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
CRNAs provide anesthesia care to over 22 million surgical, obstetrical and trauma patients every year in the USA. They are qualified to dispense all kinds of anesthetics, work in all types of practice setting, and provide care for all sorts of procedures, from open heart surgery to pain management programs. Pursuing further education so you can become a CRNA is an ideal option for an RN who is interested in surgery, has good technical skills, or is less interested in ongoing patient interaction.
Average salary: $160,000
Educational requirements: Graduation from an accredited nurse anesthesia master’s degree program. Depending on the particular program, your degree may be in nursing, allied health, or biological and clinical sciences. After graduation, you will pass a national certification exam to become a CRNA. Learn more about becoming a CRNA.
#2 Highest Paid Nursing Job: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
A CNS has a specific area of clinical expertise. For example, they might work with one particular segment of the population, such as in pediatrics, geriatrics or women’s health; or in a specific setting, such as critical care or the emergency room. They might work with a single disease or medical subspecialty, such as diabetes or cancer. Finally, they might work with a specific type of care, such as psychiatric care or rehabilitation, or a specific type of health problem, such as pain or stress. CNSs diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and disabilities within their field of expertise. They also serve as an expert consultant for nursing staff and actively help improve health care delivery systems.
Average salary: $80,000
Educational requirements: Graduation from a Clinical Nurse Specialist program. Some specialties require certification. Find Online Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs.
#3 Highest Paid Nursing Job: Nurse Practitioner (NP)
ANPs provide patient care throughout the lifespan, from birth to death. In 25 states NPs have the authority to practice independently, while in other states they must work under the supervision of a licensed physician. In all states, NPs can prescribe medications, including controlled substances. They do physical exams, treat common acute injuries and illnesses, provide immunizations, manage chronic health problems, interpret diagnostic tests, perform minor procedures, and advise patients about healthy lifestyles and health care options. If you enjoy building ongoing relationships with patients, pursuing an online degree in order to become an NP is a great career move.
Average salary: $75,000
Educational requirements: Graduation from a Master of Science in Nursing degree program with an accredited NP track and area of specialization. Find Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Keep in mind that each of these jobs offers varying ranges of compensation, depending on the specialty and field of expertise. For example, a nurse practitioner specializing in hematology or oncology has an average salary of $93,000, while an OB/Gyn has an average salary of $86,000. In the end, what makes you a nursing superstar is not how much money you earn, but how much you positively impact the health of patients and improve the healthcare industry as a whole.
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right now I am shooting to be a nurse anesthegiologist.
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