Once you pass the NCLEX, a whole new universe of job opportunities opens up to you as a registered nurse (RN). Some types of nursing careers will require an additional degree. Any type of management position is likely to require a minimum of a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN degree) and possibly a master’s (MSN degree).
Don’t worry that you won’t be able to advance if you are going to start your nursing career with a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). It is very easy to continue your education and advance to a BSN degree by pursuing online nursing programs or by attending a local community college or university. Best of all, you can do it part-time while working, and your employer will very likely pick up most or all of the cost!
There are numerous types of nursing careers you may consider as a registered nurse and here are just a few (some of these are open to Licensed Practical Nurses as well):
School nurse
Home Health Nurse
Emergency Room Nurse
ICU nurse
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Ob-gyn nurse
Hospice nurse
Military nurse
Nurse Midwife
Clinic
Long-term care facility
Rehabilitation Facility
Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal nurse
Surgical nurse
Travel nurse
Travel nurse – cruise lines
Travel nurse – resorts
Nursing research
Forensic nurse
Pediatric nurse
Psychiatric nurse
Correctional Institution Nurse
Camp nurse
Before you research all the different types of nursing careers available to you before you commit to anything. You want to make sure that whatever career path you take meets your needs and wants – not only in the short-term but in the long-term as well.
