Careers to Pursue with a BSN Degree

Nursing is a dynamic and rewarding field that offers a wide range of career opportunities for anyone passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether you're interested in hands-on patient care, public health, or specialized roles like forensic or emergency nursing, a nursing career combines compassion, critical thinking, and medical expertise.

In this blog post, we’ll cover roles you can pursue with a nursing degree, whether in a hospital or elsewhere, and the skills and certifications required to thrive in each position.

Understanding Nursing Careers

At its core, nursing is both a profession and a calling, where compassion and medical know-how come together to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life. This work, though challenging, comes with some noteworthy benefits:

• Job Security: With the constant demand for healthcare professionals, nursing offers strong job stability and career longevity.
• Diverse Opportunities: Nurses can align their careers with personal interests and strengths thanks to a wide range of career paths, from direct patient care in hospitals and clinics to roles in community health, education, research, or administration.
• Competitive Salary and Benefits: Nursing positions often come with competitive salaries, health benefits, retirement plans, and opportunities for overtime or shift differentials that can boost earnings.
• Personal and Professional Growth Opportunities: The field of nursing continuously evolves, providing chances to specialize in different areas, pursue advanced degrees, and develop new skills.
• Positive Impact on Society: Nurses play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities, equating to a tangible, positive difference in the lives of others.
• Strong Professional Community: Nurses belong to a supportive and well-established professional network, offering mentorship, collaboration, and unique camaraderie.

What Is a BSN?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate degree that prepares individuals for a professional career in nursing. Many employers require RNs to earn a BSN either before hiring or within two years of employment (if they have appropriate prior education and work experience), leading to the rise in popularity of online nursing programs. The aim is to provide a flexible pathway for RNs to earn their BSN while continuing to work.

Any training program, however, should include a well-rounded curriculum that blends the science of nursing with the art of patient care, supporting the development of both practical and theoretical skills to succeed in the field. Top components of a strong BSN program include:

• Clinical Skills: Gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings, learning essential procedures and patient care techniques.
• Nursing Theory: Explore the foundations of nursing in a classroom setting, from medical ethics to evidence-based practice.
• Leadership: Develop leadership skills in a range of healthcare settings, whether as a charge nurse or nursing administrator.
• Community and Public Health: Learn how to promote health and prevent illness within a community, addressing any public health challenges in a timely manner.
• First-Hand Experience: Participate in clinical rotations that provide real-world nursing practice under the supervision of experienced professionals.
• Eligibility for Licensing and Certification: Prepare to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam after graduation, a crucial step in becoming a licensed RN.

What To Do With a Nursing Degree

With a nursing degree, there are many career opportunities for you to pursue. From direct patient care to influencing healthcare with roles in administration, education, or research, your degree is a ticket to fulfilling opportunities. One of the first decisions you’ll consider is whether you want to work in a hospital setting or elsewhere. Here are some of the most sought-after roles in each category:

Job requirements and salaries are determined on a case-by-case basis and vary depending on several factors. The following information was compiled from career resource sites including Salarly.com, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed.

Nursing Jobs in a Hospital Setting

Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery (L&D) nurses provide care and support throughout the childbirth process, monitoring both the mother and baby’s vital signs, administering medications, and assisting during labor. They work closely with doctors and midwives to ensure a safe delivery, while also offering emotional support and guidance to families.

• Educational Requirements: ADN or BSN; certifications specific to L&D nursing can improve your job prospects
• Licensing Requirements: National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
• Average Estimated Salary: $85,000

Medical-Surgical Nurse
Medical-surgical nurses care for patients recovering from surgery or dealing with acute health conditions by managing post-operative care, monitoring vital signs, and administering medications. They work in a fast-paced environment, coordinating with healthcare teams to ensure patient recovery and manage their overall health needs during their hospital stay.

• Educational Requirements: ADN or BSN
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX-RN
• Estimated Salary: $107,883

Travel Nurse
Travel nurses take on temporary assignments in various locations, often filling in at hospitals and healthcare facilities facing staffing shortages. These assignments typically last a few weeks to several months and offer nurses the opportunity to gain different clinical experiences while exploring new cities.

• Educational Requirements: ADN or BSN
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX-RN; state-specific licensing
• Estimated Salary: $101,132

Emergency Room Nurse
ER nurses provide immediate care to patients experiencing medical emergencies. They must be skilled at triaging, stabilizing, administering medication, starting IVs, maintaining records, and more. No two shifts are the same, so ER nurses are constantly adapting to a changing environment.

• Educational Requirements: ADN or BSN
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX
• Estimated Salary: $86,737

Plastic Surgery Nurse
Plastic surgery nurses are involved in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, providing pre- and post-operative care to patients and assisting surgeons as needed. Other responsibilities include ensuring pain management and educating patients about the surgical process, potential risks, and post-operative care instructions.

• Educational Requirements: ADN or BSN
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX-RN
• Estimated Salary: $129,668

Cardiac Care Nurse
Cardiac nurses focus on providing care to patients with heart conditions, including heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. They track vital signs, administer medications, assist with tests like EKGs, and support patients through recovery. Additionally, cardiac nurses play a crucial role in educating patients about lifestyle changes, medication management, and preventive measures to enhance heart health and prevent future issues.

• Educational Requirements: ADN or BSN; state-specific continuing education requirements including clinical practice and continuing education
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX-RN
• Estimated Salary: $152,404

Intensive Care Unit Nurse
An ICU nurse provides specialized care to critically ill patients, many of which require constant monitoring and support. Administering medication, managing life-support equipment, providing emotional support, and responding quickly by performing life-saving procedures are all part of the job.

• Educational Requirements: ADN or BSN; Specialized experience
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX-RN
• Estimated Salary: $85,600

Nursing Jobs Outside of a Hospital Setting

Telehealth Nurse
A telehealth nurse conducts virtual appointments via phone, video calls, or secure messaging platforms to assess and manage patients’ health conditions. Time is also spent maintaining accurate and up-to-date electronic health records and ensuring privacy and security of patient information.

• Educational Requirements: ADN or BSN
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX; clinical experience; training in telehealth technologies
• Estimated Salary: $74,017

Clinical Research Nurse
A clinical research nurse plays a key role in conducting trials and research studies to evaluate new treatments, medications, and medical devices. These types of nurses are involved every step of the way, from patient recruitment to administering treatments and finalizing reports.

• Educational Requirements: BSN or related degree; recent clinical experience
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX-RN; state licensure; possibly certification by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals
• Estimated Salary: $95,214

Nurse Educator
Nurse educators are in charge of teaching future medical professionals by developing curricula, delivering lectures, conducting clinical training, and mentoring students. They can choose to work exclusively in the classroom or balance both teaching and clinical practice simultaneously. Instruction can happen in hospitals, colleges, or other medical settings.

• Educational Requirements: Many positions require a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX-RN; certification as a nurse educator is often encouraged by The National League for Nursing (NLN), which offers the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam
• Estimated Salary: $67,449

School Nurse
School nurses play a crucial role in promoting student health and well-being by providing direct medical care, managing chronic conditions, administering medications, and responding to emergencies. They also contribute to health education, support mental health, and work closely with families and school staff to create a healthy learning environment.

• Educational Requirements: BSN; pass the School Nurse Certification Exam; at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience in the three years prior to taking the exam
• Licensing Requirements: State-specific licensure
• Estimated Salary: $67,035

Geriatric Nurse
Geriatric nurses specialize in caring for older adults, managing age-related health conditions, and promoting overall well-being. They provide medical care, assist with chronic disease management, offer emotional support, and educate patients and their families on healthy aging practices. They also focus on enhancing the quality of life for elderly patients.

• Educational Requirements: ADN or BSN
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX-RN; geriatric nursing certificate
• Estimated Salary: $112,000

Public Health Nurse
A public health nurse focuses on improving community health by addressing broad public health concerns and promoting general wellness. Their work often emphasizes preventive care, education, and outreach rather than individual treatment.

• Educational Requirements: BSN preferred
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX-RN; state-specific license; become a board-certified public health (CPH) nurse through the National Board of Public Health Examiners
• Estimated Salary: $73,801

Forensic Nurse
A forensic nurse combines healthcare expertise with knowledge of the legal system, working with victims of trauma and violence to provide medical care while collecting evidence for police investigations. Compassion is crucial as forensic nurses care for victims of violence, oftentimes immediately after a crime is committed.

• Educational Requirements: ADN or BSN
• Licensing Requirements: NCLEX-RN; specialize in forensic nursing by completing additional education and training such as a forensic nursing certificate program or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certification
• Estimated Salary: $65,466

Endless Opportunities to Make a Difference

It’s clear that nursing provides diverse opportunities to make a meaningful difference, from direct patient care to specialized roles. With a nursing degree, you can build a rewarding career that evolves with your skills and passions while positively impacting individuals and communities.

Learn more about nursing programs at St. Petersburg College.