Nursing might be for you if you're looking for a career that lets you care for people and make a difference in their lives.
Is nursing rewarding in terms of money? Do you want to know the best paying specialties in nursing?
When choosing a nursing specialty, everybody wants to make sure they're making the right decision. Not only do you want to pick a profession that you're passionate about, but also one that pays you well.
Although some people believe that nursing careers are low-paying compared to other healthcare careers, nurses have a wide range of salaries. We've compiled a list of the 11 top paying specialties in nursing to help you make a decision on which nursing specialty is right for you, so grab a snack and read on!
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Do you know what's better than a happy nurse? A happy CRNA.
As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), you'll provide anesthesia to patients in various settings. They work in operating rooms, intensive care units, and surgical facilities throughout the country.
You will be responsible for administering anesthesia in hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and long-term care facilities. CRNAs are also responsible for monitoring patient conditions throughout their procedures and assisting surgeons during surgeries.
They work closely with surgeons. They must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently while also having a deep understanding of medical terminology, especially when it comes to surgical procedures.
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What are the Requirements to Become a Nurse Anesthetist?
RN license
MSN degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree
Salary
According to salary.com, the average annual salary of a CRNA is $200,183.
General Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners (also known as APRNs) have a high level of autonomy and are in demand. They can do many of the same tasks as primary care physicians because they've received specialized training and practical experience.
Nurse practitioners have licensed professionals with extensive training in diagnosing and treating illnesses. General Nurse Practitioners take a role in all aspects of preventative health care: they can give you routine checkups and vaccinations and diagnose conditions and diseases.
They provide direct patient care by performing examinations, diagnosing illnesses through testing and observation, and administering medications. General Nurse Practitioners typically have clinics or offices where patients can seek consultations and are not directly under the direct supervision of a physician.
What are the Requirements to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
- RN license
- BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees
- APRN license
Salary
According to Salary.com, the average General Nurse Practitioner's salary in the United States is $115,918 per year.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal nurse practitioners work in hospitals and other health facilities. NNPs may be called upon to care for premature newborns or who have experienced complications during pregnancy and delivery. They also may provide care for babies who suffer from congenital disabilities or other conditions that require special attention.
As a neonatal nurse, you'll spend much time treating high-risk newborns in the intensive care unit and emergency department. You could also be involved with prenatal diagnosis or delivery at times. You'll assist infants by giving them oxygen, administering medication, and watching over specialized equipment.
What are the Requirements to Become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner?
- RN license
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctorate
- Neonatal nurse practitioner certification
Salary
According to salary.com, the average annual salary of a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is $130,675.
Cardiac Nurse Practitioner
Cardiac doctors and nurses treat, identify, and manage heart problems. Because of cardiac disorders' high mortality rates—and the continuing increase in people with these conditions—a specialization in cardiology provides job security.
As a cardiac nurse practitioner, you will aid in interpreting test results and help evaluate heart failure, arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat), coronary artery disease—any disorder affecting the heart circulatory system or blood vessels. Home health agencies and rehabilitation facilities often provide care to their clients in homes rather than medical environments.
What are the Requirements to Become a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner?
- RN license
- BSN degree
- Experience of 2-3 years in cardiology
- CVNP-BC certification
Salary
As of June 28, 2022, the average Cardiac Nurse Practitioner (NP) salary in the United States was $119,750, according to salary.com.
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
The job of an orthopedic nurse practitioner is gratifying. It combines many aspects of nursing, including teaching and patient care. It is also challenging because it involves managing complex cases, which may require more than one type of treatment or surgery.
Orthopedic nurses assist patients with mobility difficulties brought on by disease, condition, or accident. Although you may also perform in outpatient clinics, emergency departments, or communities, orthopedic surgeons primarily work in wards.
You also play a crucial part in patient advocacy to promote patient health, prevent disease, and deepen awareness of therapies. It ensures that medical professionals are aware of your patient's treatment requirements.
What are the Requirements to Become an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner?
- RN practitioner license.
- 2,000+ hours as APRN,
- Orthopedic Nurse practitioner Certification.
Salary
According to salary.com, the average Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner (NP) makes $118,500 a year in the United States.
Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Working with cancer patients during their most frightening times can put an oncology nurse practitioner in a stressful position. Expertise and knowledge are essential to perform this function well.
The oncology nurse practitioner will work with a physician to ensure that cancer patients get the best possible care. You will provide holistic care to patients with cancer, delivering comprehensive services that range from administering chemotherapy treatments to providing emotional support.
As an oncology nurse practitioner, you're responsible for coordinating care with the patient's healthcare providers and providing supportive care and bereavement counseling. You'll need to be compassionate and professional to handle patients' chronic illnesses, withstand the inevitable setbacks that come with practicing medicine—and pay attention to every detail of your patient's condition.
What are the Requirements to Become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner?
- MSN degree
- RN license and Working experience.
- Oncology nursing certification
Salary
The average salary for an Oncology Nurse Practitioner is $118,501 as of June 28, 2022, as stated by salary.com.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) have the opportunity to develop enduring relationships with their patients and support them during both happy and challenging times. FNPs frequently collaborate with primary care doctors, making them well-known and likable figures in their communities.
Family nurse practitioners have a great degree of autonomy in some areas, where they are allowed to run their practices and even write prescriptions for banned medications. An FNP may chat with you, examine, and review medications during a regular appointment.
What are the Requirements to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner?
- MSN degree
- FNP certification
Salary
The average annual salary for a Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the United States is $115,920 as of June 28, 2022.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
The field of psychiatric nursing is always in demand because there are so many people who need help.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners can care for people suffering from mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
You bring a vital and often life-changing dimension to patient care by providing support in daily physiological, mental, emotional, and spiritual care. You'll treat mental illnesses and teach patients' families about these conditions. Additionally, you will help the patient avoid social isolation due to their disease by providing resources for them.
What are the Requirements to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- RN and Practitioner license
- board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center
Salary
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner earns $112,470 annually, according to salary.com.
Critical Care Nurse
Critical care nurses are the people who take care of us when we're at our most vulnerable. As a CCN, you must be able to make quick decisions under pressure and work well in high-risk situations.
Critical care nurses must be able to manage multiple tasks at once while staying focused on their patient's needs. They must think creatively to develop new ways of handling situations during their shift. Critical care nurses also need to communicate effectively with other healthcare team members, including doctors, nurses, and family members who may be present during an ICU stay.
Critical care nurses work in hospitals, emergency departments, trauma, and intensive care units. Patients under their watch require constant attention because they constantly face the possibility of sudden changes in health status.
What are the Requirements to Become a Clinical Nurse Specialist?
- BSN degree
- RN license
- Certification from AACN as a CCRN
Salary
The average annual salary for a Critical Care Nurse in the United States is $80,200 as of June 28, 2022.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
A certified pediatric nurse provides medical care for children from infancy to late teens.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) are advanced-practice nurses trained to diagnose and treat children. They are licensed to prescribe medication, perform minor procedures, and care for patients. PNPs work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private offices.
The pediatric nurse practitioner's job description includes physical examinations, monitoring vital signs, and diagnostic testing. Pediatric nurses play a significant role in educating parents and other caregivers about their children's health, so prevention and health education are also essential aspects of the profession.
What are the Requirements to Become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?
- RN license
- BSN degree
- Certified Pediatric Nursing (CPN) license
Salary
The average salary for a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) is $112,200.
Nurse Midwife
Nurse-midwives are advanced practice registered nurses specially trained to provide comprehensive primary care to women throughout their childbearing years. Nurse-midwives offer a full range of prenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum and newborn care, and gynecologic care.
A certified nurse midwife is also accountable for acting in a way that would expedite the rescue of two lives rather than just one. You will provide new moms with education and follow-up care after delivering the infants.
What are The Requirements to Become a Nurse Midwife?
- RN license
- MSN degree or DNP Degree with a midwifery focus
- certification from American Midwifery Certification Board
Salary
According to salary.com, a nurse midwife earns $116,253 annually.
Let's manage to finish it!
Finding a meaningful and gratifying job depends on choosing the correct nursing specialization. The best thing you can do when selecting a specialty is to identify your particular strengths and shortcomings and consider those. Your money is crucial, but so is your job pleasure!
You are now officially an expert on the top paying specialties in nursing. You know you can make more money if you go into a specialization, but which one? We've given you some ideas of the best options, but the decision is ultimately up to you.
Also read: 11 Great Jobs for Nursing Graduates
FAQs:
How can registered nurses increase their earnings?
Nurses willing to pick up overtime shifts, pursue travel nursing positions, or go back to school for further education can significantly boost their earning potential.
What kind of RNs earn the most money?
Nurse anesthetists with advanced training in administering anesthesia and pain relief to patients during surgery have some of the highest salaries among all nurses.
