12 Highest Paying Nursing Jobs in the United States

Photo Credits: Sharon McCutcheon

The nursing profession has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and is expected to continue growing. Many nursing specialty areas in the US suffer from nurse shortage due to the rapid growth of the aging population who require more nursing services.   A career in nursing has the ability to provide a high paying salary. However, when choosing a nursing career, please DO NOT base it solely on salary, but rather your strengths and passion to help and save lives. Nursing is hard work and is physically and mentally demanding. If your heart is in the right place first, then financial gains will follow. 

 1.     Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

These nurses play a crucial role in medical procedures to be successful. They work together with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, and other professionals to ensure the safe administration of anesthesia. This work is well-paid due to the length of training and responsibilities involved. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that CRNAs salary falls between an average range of $169,600 and $201,300.

2.     Family Nurse Practitioner

The role of a family nurse practitioner is quite similar to that of the primary care physician. They are fully involved in the consultations and assessments of patients. They can also prescribe medications and offer treatment after making the diagnosis. Nurse practitioners are licensed, autonomous clinicians who manage people`s health conditions and preventing diseases. In 2020, the BLS reported that a nurse practitioner salary falls between the range of $100,630 and $117,810.

3.     Cosmetic Nurse Injector/ Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner

They work independently in an aesthetic clinic or alongside a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or a physician specializing in aesthetics with the aim of giving their patients the appearance they want. According to 2020 BLS, their salary falls between a range of $82,886 and $97,037. However, those employed in private practices tend to earn much more.

4.     Nurse Researcher

Nurse researchers are nurses who study various aspects of health, illness, and health care to improve health, health care services, and health care outcomes. They can take part in clinical trials or internal facility research. The average annual salary range of a nurse researcher is between $75,637 and $92,732.

5.     Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

Geriatric Nurse Practitioners serve as acute care providers for the elderly population. They can serve in hospitals, nursing homes, or retirement communities. Their annual salary range is between $96,072 and $119,005.

6.     Certified Nurse Midwife

They provide primary care for women with an emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. They also provide full prenatal care from prenatal through delivery into the post-partum period. According to the 2020 BLS, a Certified Nurse Midwife salary range is between $89,685- $118,106.

7.     Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric nurse practitioners manage mental health patients. They play a key role in the mental/behavioral health team. They manage mental disorders and medications. According to 2020 BLS report the average salary falls in the range of $94,630 and $116,100.

8.     Pain management nurse - $114,531 and $134,563

9.  Clinical Nursing Educator - $74,347 and $87,223

10.  Informatics, Nurse- $77,890 and $100,490

11.  Travel nurse- $58,000 and $110,000 +

12.  Nurse recruiter- $73,916 and $95,376

The profession is both demanding and rewarding. Ultimately, the salary varies depending on responsibilities and autonomy, location, and demand. 

    What are some other high paying nursing positions that we did not include? 

                                           Please comment below and let us know. 

How to Get Into Nursing School?

Photo Credits: Jane Carmona 

    Nurses, Registered Nurses (RN) and License Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs or LVNs) are qualified medical experts who work alongside doctors and other health care professionals to deliver treatment and care in different medical settings. The nursing career is a rewarding profession and the demand continues to increase. 

        Nurses work very hard, and serve a critical role in the healthcare team. Therefore, you should be passionate about choosing a career in nursing. Students who choose to pursue a nursing career need to know about the program prerequisites and requirements. Getting into a nursing program can be challenging as many programs have very high standards and competitive candidates. This information below should help guide and jump-start your process. 

Prerequisites for Nursing Entry Level

      Getting admission into nursing school can be challenging, therefore, students who wish to pursue a nursing career should have at least a high school diploma or GED and attain a high grade point average. The following classes are requirements for admission;

·      Psychology

·      Anatomy and Physiology

·      Microbiology

·      Statistics

     Sociology

·      Chemistry

      Nursing Program Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements are set by the University`s nursing school. Generally, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program will require a GPA minimum of 3.0-3.2 while a program in Associate degree in Nursing (AND) in a community college will require a minimum GPA of 2.7- 3.0.  The GPA requirement will vary based on the University, however, the average nursing student will have a GPA of at least 3.5. The higher the students' GPA is, the more competitive they will be in the selection process. 

      Most nursing programs have a designated number of spots for students. Therefore, candidates are frequently placed on a waitlist due to high numbers of applicants. This is why it is important to be prepared and be competitive. An "ideal nursing candidate will have the following prepared:

·      A high school diploma or GED

·      A high GPA (Preferably 3.5 or over)

·      An complete application

·      Personal essay 

·      Personal interview

·      Recommendations from prior teachers/ professors/ employers

·       Volunteer work experience

·      An application fee

·      English test if English is not the primary language. 

·      High scores on TEAS/HESI/KAPLAN entrance exam

       Note that volunteer work in a hospital is viewed positively by the selection committee. If you are interested in a competitive program, volunteer at the same location for an extended period of time so that you can have strong references that truly reflect your character.

       In addition, these experiences will make you more competitive. Through volunteering, the school will know, at the minimum that you know the expectations and that you are committed to your career. 

        Hopefully, this guide can alleviate any stress you have about starting the nursing journey. Remember, getting into any nursing program is challenging. Just take it one day at a time, and stay the course. Best wishes! 

    Have any tips on how to get into Nursing School? Let us know below in the comments!

7 Steps to Get Into CRNA School

Photo By: Stefan Schranz

Below are the requirements according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, in addition to some helpful tips of our own.

1. Apply and get accepted into an accredited BSN program. (Or BS in Science with RN Licensure)
2. Graduate with a competitive GPA (3.6+) and pass NCLEX licensure
3.   Gain employment in a VERY Critical care unit (CSICU, CICU, ETC…) in a large Level 1 teaching hospital. 
4.  Work for at least one year/make a good impression on managers/ Shadow multiple CRNA
5. Take GRE and SCORE HIGH
6. Obtain BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN (More certifications will help you stand out
7. Apply to CRNA school
8. 
   

 These 7 items are considered the “GOLDEN STANDARD” for getting into Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) school.  However; there are always exceptions to the rule. The most important thing is to know the requirements of the school you are applying for. Many CRNA programs no longer accept ER, Trauma, or PICU experience.

 Pay attention to the school requirements and try to tailor yourself as closely as possible to their requirements. Some schools focus heavily on the GRE while others focus on GPA and experience. Do your research and stay ahead of the game. Remember some CRNAs applied five times before they were accepted. It is tough, but do not give up. 

The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) standard of practice takes into effect in 2020 for CRNAs. This deadline will give you plenty of time to get into a CRNA masters program before the doctorate degree level of entry becomes mandatory. Good luck!  

Inspiration for Nurses and Nursing Students

Good morning current and future ‪nurses!! Just know that NO MATTER how hard Work or School is, you are making a difference in the world. You may feel underappreciated or mistreated, but you are Critical to the ‎healthcare mission! Somewhere, right now, your patient is telling their family "what a great nurse you were because THEY ARE STILL ALIVE! It’s all because of you! You rock nurses!!! 

6 Ways Nurses Can Eat Healthy During a 12 Hour Shift

    

 1. Eat Breakfast! 

     Eating breakfast provides the needed energy to power you throughout the day.

     Quick breakfast =2 Hard-boiled eggs and a cup of orange juice.

      Tip: Boil 6 eggs and refrigerate them. In the morning just grab and go.

2. Stash away!

 Keep a stash of nutrient-dense snacks in your nursing bag on the floor. (String cheese, tuna, and crackers, trail mix, nuts, fresh and dried fruit, yogurt).  

3. Vending machine woes!

 If you must go to the vending machine, try to choose healthier options. Protein dense snacks such as snickers, Peanut m&m's, trail mix, baked chips.     

4. Drink plenty of water! 

Thirst can disguise itself as hunger. Staying hydrated prevents you from overeating.

5. Avoid caffeine!!! 

Caffeine gives you a false sense of energy followed by a sudden crash. Plus carbonated drinks are usually filled with LOADS OF SUGAR!! 

     6.  Snack on! 

In reality, most of us nurses do not get a lunch break. If you’re in this situation, then it is important for you to have small snacks every two hours during your shift. This will keep your metabolism rolling and provide you with ongoing energy.  

Disclaimer: These are just suggestions that stem from factual sources. Ultimately, you know what your body needs. Cater to your needs any way you see fit. :-)

NCLEX Listen N Learn Mobile Application Alert

Check out this awesome new app. According to the developers, this app was created for students that want to learn on the go. Just plug in your headphones and listen to the questions being asked. You can quickly respond in the following break. "NCLEX Listen and Learn" will help busy students study anywhere... even on the way to school or work. NO books necessary.  DOWNLOAD NCLEX Listen and Learn Here.