5 Types of Nurses with High Salaries
Career News July 3, 2013Nurses rarely choose their profession because of money. However, getting a particular degree takes effort, sacrifice, money, and time. Nurses deserve to know their best options for improving their income and career.
Here is a look at five types of nurses with careers that can be rewarding and have high salaries. Salaries will vary widely according to experience, job duties, and location; this list is only meant as an estimate. Those who want to achieve the highest incomes in the nursing profession should consider these categories:
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Earn Approximately: $150,000
A certified registered nurse anesthetist is a key member of the anesthesia team, sharing responsibilities with anesthesiologist assistants. CRNA’s enjoy a great deal of autonomy. In rural areas, they are the central providers of anesthesia. Duties of a CRNA could include:
•Monitoring a patient’s vital signs during surgery
•Providing anesthesia in collaboration with healthcare professionals, such as anesthesiologists, dentists, surgeons, and others.
These types of nurses work in every setting where anesthetics are used. These include obstetrics, plastic surgery, dentistry, and surgery.
Becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist will take at least seven years of full-time experience and education. For complete details on becoming a CRNA, visit the American Association of Nurse Anesthetics.
Research Nurse or Nurse Researcher – Earn Approximately: $95,000
A research nurse will generally work with some brilliant doctors and scientists, and can also be on the front lines of some exciting breakthroughs in medicines. A research nurse takes his or her experience as a registered nurse and brings it into the world of research, where better medicines, policies, and procedures can be found. Specialized areas for nurse researchers may include:
•Geriatrics
•Pain management
•Cardiovascular medicine
•Pediatrics
•Alzheimer’s disease
Research nurses will find much of their funding comes from grants, and that can involve a variety of work settings. It also takes years of studying, schooling, and experience. Due to the intensity of schooling and research, becoming a Nurse Researcher is only recommended for those who enjoy the classroom experience.
More information about research nursing can be found at the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – Advanced (APRN-PMH) – Earn Approximately – $90,000
A psychiatric nurse practitioner has most of the duties of a psychiatrist including working with patients who have mental illness and prescribing medications. Along with treating patients, this type of nurse will also provide valuable information to the families of those with mental illness, in preparing them for how to react in certain conditions. APRN-PMH nurses may expect to work in a variety of areas including:
•Behavioral therapy
•Schizophrenia
•Bi-polar disorders
•Depression
Psychiatric nurse practitioners can be found in health departments, long-term care facilities, mental health facilities, and hospitals. Becoming an APRN-PMH can take over ten years to achieve. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association has much more information on this type of nursing career.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) – Earn Approximately $84,000 Annually
A certified nurse midwife provides for the obstetric needs of patients, in particular, through labor and delivery, and including postpartum care. They usually work with a physician. They are able to prescribe some medications, and will most often work with expectant mothers who are not anticipated to experience any complications. CNM’s can be employed by:
•Community health centers
•Birthing centers
•Health departments
•Hospitals
Of course, CNM’s may also be found working at private homes if the conditions warrant. Certified nurse midwives will need to acquire a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) before practicing.
One of the oldest women’s healthcare organizations in the United States, the American College of Nurse Midwives has more information about the profession.
Orthopedic Nurse Earns Approximately $81,000 Annually
An orthopedic nurse works in the prevention and treatment of diseases related to the muscles and bones. They work with orthopedic physicians and surgeons in administering medications, inserting IV’s, changing dressings and monitoring a patient’s condition and progress. Some of the areas of orthopedic nurse’s work may include:
•Muscular dystrophy
•Motion therapy
•Joint replacements
•Arthritis
•Broken bones
Orthopedic nurses will need to complete a master’s degree program in orthopedic nursing. The National Association of Orthopedic Nursing has some valuable information on these types of nurses.
