WRITTEN BY WANDA CURTIS
Although most nurses begin their careers in hospitals, their careers don’t have to end there. Today, there are many other nursing opportunities to explore. If you’re ready for a change, consider one of the following options, which represent just a few of the many career paths available.
1. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Certified nurse midwives are RNs with specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology at the master’s level. They provide prenatal and postpartum care, deliver babies, perform annual exams, prescribe medications, and educate patients.
Practice area: OB/GYN offices, hospitals and home settings
Education/training: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from a CNM program
Average salary: $124,962*
2. Travel Nurse
Travel nurses are RNs who work short-term assignments at hospitals or other health care facilities. Contracts typically last eight to 12 weeks. Assignments may be local, out of state, or international, and are arranged through staffing agencies. Housing or stipends may be provided.
Practice area: Hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies
Education/training: BSN preferred, RN licensure, and clinical experience
Average salary: Varies by location and specialty; higher in states such as California
3. Legal Nurse Consultant
Legal nurse consultants use their clinical experience to help attorneys understand medical facts in malpractice and injury cases and determine which claims have merit.
Practice area: Law firms, corporations, hospitals, insurance companies
Education/training: BSN and RN license; additional training may be beneficial
Average salary: $89,379*
4. Health Writer
Health writers create content on medical topics for the public, students, and professionals. They research complex topics and translate them into accessible language.
Practice area: Remote or office settings
Education/training: Medical knowledge, plus research and writing skills
Average salary: $64,038*
5. Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse specialists support other nurses by providing expertise in patient care. They analyze data and make evidence-based recommendations to improve outcomes.
Practice area: Hospitals, long-term care facilities
Education/training: BSN and RN licensure
Average salary: $72,188*
6. Nurse Educator
Nurse educators train future nurses and provide advanced instruction to those seeking higher degrees.
Practice area: Academic institutions
Education/training: MSN and RN licensure
Average salary: $66,085*
7. Wound Care Nurse
Wound care nurses treat acute and chronic wounds, including surgical incisions, burns, and diabetic ulcers. They assess patients, develop care plans, and provide education.
Practice area: Clinics, hospitals, physicians’ offices
Education/training: RN licensure and BSN
Average salary: $108,503*
8. Nurse Case Manager
Nurse case managers develop care plans and help patients access health care resources. Some roles involve home visits, while others are remote.
Practice area: Hospitals, insurance companies, home health agencies
Education/training: RN licensure; certification may be required
Average salary: $94,013*
9. Nurse Navigator
Nurse navigators guide patients through the health care system, helping them find providers and coordinate care.
Practice area: Hospitals, cancer centers, community clinics
Education/training: RN license; certification may be required
Average salary: $100,963*
10. Triage Nurse
Triage nurses assess patients’ needs, determine urgency, and direct them to appropriate care.
Practice area: Emergency departments or telephone triage
Education/training: RN license; certification may be required
Average salary: $89,195*
Nursing offers a wide range of career paths beyond the hospital setting. Exploring new opportunities can help nurses find roles that better fit their interests, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
*Salary figures from salary.com
