It is a well-known fact that the ever-growing population will result in unprecedented growth in the healthcare sector. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the nursing shortage will only increase in the future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) further predicts that nurses’ demand will increase by 26% in the next ten years.
People working in this sector probably get competitive salaries and more job offers. In 2019 alone, registered nurses earned an average of $73,300. At the same time, some specializations made twice as much as the average. So, if you are thinking of becoming a nurse, there is no time better than now.
The nursing sector has many specializations. From general practice nurses to pediatrics, you can choose any field you want. But so many choices can make you overwhelmed about choosing your niche. We have a list of the five highest paying and fastest growing nursing jobs in 2021. Keep in mind that salaries might vary based on location. Furthermore, many of these specialties require nurses to work in multidimensional roles with graduate degrees and additional licenses. So as a first step, learn more about the Master of Science in nursing online degrees.
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA):
They are the highest-paid nurses in the sector. Anesthetist nurses administer anesthesia to patients. They may help surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other qualified professionals to perform their duties. According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, they may work in any practice setting for any procedure. Most nurse anesthetists are the sole anesthesia providers in rural hospitals.
How much are they paid? A certified registered nurse anesthetist may earn an average of $181,040 per annum. That is an hourly average of $80.75 for a 40-hour workweek.
What about the growth in this sector? According to the BLS, the CRNA job sector will grow by 45% over eight years.
How do you become a CRNA? To become a CRNA, students must have a minimum master’s level degree from an accredited school. They must also pass the National Certification Examination and enroll in the Continued Professional Certification Program.
Where do they work? CRNAs can work in many institutions. From hospitals to pain management centers, a nurse anesthetist help wherever patients undergo surgery. According to the crnacareers.com, there are 554 employers in the sector.
2. General Nurse Practitioner:
A general NP can work in any primary care settings. He/She may choose to prefer independent practice or in rehab centers. Furthermore, many NPs eventually work in management roles after getting a degree in public health. They are in charge of administering tests, patient diagnosis, and medical prescriptions.
How much are they paid? Nurse Practitioners earn $111,840 per annum on average. Therefore their hourly rate is $53.77.
What about job growth in this sector? According to experts, NP jobs will grow by 25% within one year.
How do you become an NP? Students must have a Master of Science in nursing to become an NP. Moreover, they must also pass the Nurse Practitioner Licensing test that varies by state.
Where do they work? They are in charge of models of care in clinics, hospitals, and physician offices.
3. Clinical Nurse Specialist:
They work mostly in specialized clinical settings. They may diagnose and treat patients and improve the nursing standards within the healthcare structure. CNS research ways to improve patient care and the quality of health services. Clinical Nurse Specialists do the same work as physicians.
How much are they paid? CNS earns an average of $106,028 per annum. They make $50.98 per hour.
What about job growth in this sector? They provide cheaper alternatives to physician care. Experts predict a 20% increase in job growth by 2020.
How do you become an NP? Get a Master’s degree in Science of Nursing along with training in clinical nursing.
Where do they work? Employers of CNS are usually hospitals, clinics and private practice.
4. Psychiatrist Nurses:
Nurses with a keen interest in psychiatry may work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. They are in charge of counseling patients and working with psychiatrists.
How much are they paid? According to Payscale.com, psychiatrist nurses earn $105,658 per annum.
What about job growth in this sector? As interest in mental healthcare garners global attention, the demand for PNs will grow in the future. Therefore, this sector will increase by 30% in the future.
How do you become a Psychiatrist Nurse? Potential psychiatrist nurses must have a minimum Master of Science in Nursing and a license in Psychiatric Nursing.
Where do they work? Mental health units, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient clinics usually employ PNs.
5. Pain Management Nurse:
They use techniques and expertise to manage a patient’s pain. They may work with people suffering from chronic illnesses or those who are recuperating from surgery. Pain Management Nurses must locate the pain, determine the underlying cause and suggest treatment.
How much are they paid? Pain Management Nurses are paid $97,033 per annum, according to Indeed.com.
What about job growth in this sector? Pain management experts are in demand across the healthcare sector. Therefore job growth will increase in the future. The job sector for pain management nurses will grow by 26% this year.
How do you become a Psychiatrist Nurse? To become a pain management nurse, you must get a Bachelors in Science or Nursing and an RN license. Furthermore, you must have the right experience and a certification exam in pain management nursing. On average, licensing bodies require 2000 hours of experience in nursing.
Where do they work? Employers include drug counseling centers, rehab centers, long term care facilities, and fitness centers.
Conclusion
Market trends dictate which nurses are more in demand than others. However, with the right degree and experience, you can put your best foot forward in the industry. But, nursing is not just about these metrics. Most people work as nurses because they are passionate about helping others. Whatever your motivation, always look for ways to update your skills and get more specialized clinical knowledge.