Nurses are in high demand in the U.S. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that employment of registered nurses (RNs) is anticipated to grow 6% between 2022 and 2032. That is faster than the average for all occupations.
A career in nursing can be physically and emotionally demanding, but it is one of the most rewarding career paths. The emotional rewards you receive from your patients are probably the most rewarding aspect of this career. Besides, nurses pocket a handsome sum every month.
While you can earn fairly well with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BNS), pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) will be wise. An MSN degree will not only open up a multitude of opportunities but also earn higher salaries.
In this article, we’ll explore a few career paths available to those with an MSN.
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#1 Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary care to patients in various settings. These include clinics, physicians’ offices, emergency rooms, hospitals, nursing homes, urgent care sites, and colleges.
These nurses, sometimes called advanced practice nurses, share many of the same duties as doctors. They take patients’ medical histories, perform physical exams, administer medications, and order diagnostic tests such as X-rays or laboratory tests. Nurse practitioners also provide preventative care, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and create treatment plans.
The average base salary of a nurse practitioner in the U.S. is $125,287/year. However, you can earn more if you work as a family nurse practitioner (FNP). Carson-Newman University explains that FNPs are registered nurses who have received specialized educational and clinical training required to practice primary family-focused care.
A plain MSN degree won’t help you land a job as a nurse practitioner. You will have to complete an MSN program with a family nurse practitioner focus. FNPs make, on average, 158,159/year in the U.S.
If you already have an MSN degree, consider enrolling in postgraduate MSN FNP certification programs to practice as an FNP.
But if you’re a working individual with a BSN, applying for MSN to FNP online programs will be the best bet. Online programs are less costly than traditional classroom learning. Pursuing an MSN to FNP program online will allow you to learn at your own pace. Also, it won’t interfere with your work, and you won’t have to take leaves of absence to pursue an MSN-FNP program.
Many of the duties of FNPs are similar to that of nurse practitioners. However, they are also responsible for managing chronic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
#2 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
CRNAs, or certified registered nurse anesthetists, are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in anesthesia care.
These nurses administer anesthesia to patients before surgical procedures and assess their response after giving anesthesia to ensure their safety. Besides anesthesia, CRNAs provide related care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures.
These nurses work either independently or as part of an anesthesia care team. CRNAs receive specialized training in anesthesia pharmacology, physiology, and anesthesia equipment. Thus, they are proficient in managing anesthesia emergencies and complications.
Nurse anesthetists deliver anesthesia in a variety of settings. These include hospital operating rooms, postanesthesia recovery rooms, labor and delivery units, outpatient surgery centers, emergency rooms, and dentists’ and physicians’ offices.
CRNAs earn, on average, $231,329/year in the U.S. Thus, it’s a lucrative career. You must consider becoming a nurse anesthetist if you’re seeking a high-paying job in the healthcare sector.
#3 Certified Nurse Midwife
Midwives have assisted women in delivering babies for centuries. But nowadays, certified nurse midwives help women in giving birth—both vaginal and C-section.
These nurses provide comprehensive care to women of all ages throughout their lifespan. However, their focus is on pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health. Certified nurse midwives conduct physical exams and diagnose and treat medical conditions. They may even write prescriptions for certain conditions.
Certified nurse midwives also offer personalized prenatal care, attend labor and delivery, and provide postpartum care to mothers and newborns. Many even offer gynecological services, including annual exams, family planning, and menopausal care.
Some registered nurses collaborate with obstetricians to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates and improve birth outcomes.
Working as a nurse midwife is rewarding. You can earn as much as $155,521/year by practicing midwifery in the U.S. If you’ve earned an MSN and are interested in providing quality care to women, working as a nurse midwife will be the best bet.
#4 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
PMHNPs, or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, specialize in providing mental health care to individuals across the lifespan.
The day-to-day responsibilities of PMHNPs are different from that of RNs. These nurses assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. They include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.
PMHNPs conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. These nurses also provide therapy and counseling services to treat mental health conditions.
This type of nurse practitioner works in various settings, such as hospitals, psychiatric facilities, community mental health centers, outpatient clinics, and private practices. However, some PMHNPs prefer working in non-clinical settings like nursing homes, correctional facilities, and schools.
The rise of telehealth and remote work has also enabled these nurse practitioners to serve patients in rural areas with limited access to clinics or hospitals.
If you pursue a career as a PMHNP, expect to earn between $81,662 and $222,251 a year.
To sum things up, a master’s degree in nursing opens doors to a vast array of rewarding career paths. It equips students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to excel in the healthcare sector.
Each of the roles discussed offers unique opportunities for professional growth and a meaningful impact on patient care and healthcare outcomes. With an MSN degree, you can also work as a public health nurse, nurse manager, nurse consultant, clinical nurse educator, long-term acute care nurse, or forensic nurse consultant. Thus, the possibilities are endless.
Regardless of whether your passion lies in direct patient care or education, pursuing an MSN opens doors to a fulfilling and impactful career journey in nursing.
