The Nursing Profession

Significant Points: (Source: 2008-09 Occupational Outlook Handbook)

• Nursing is the largest health care occupation, with more than 2.5 million jobs.
• More new jobs are expected to be created for registered nurses than for any other occupation.
• Job opportunities are expected to be very good for Registered Nurses.

Nursing Roles and Related Opportunities

Nurses provide many types of health care services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, as well as to families and groups. Clients may be healthy or ill, and may be served in settings ranging from the home and community to acute care hospitals. In addition, BSN graduates may find a variety of job opportunities outside the nursing profession.

1. Career Possibilities / Roles Commonly Earned with an Undergraduate BSN Degree:

   Non-Hospital Related Roles:

   • Home Health Care Nurse
   • Informatics Nurse
   • Nurse Administrator
   • Occupational Health Nurse
   • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse
   • Public Health Nurse
   • School Nurse
   Hospital Related Roles:
   • Critical Care Nurse
   • Emergency Nurse
   • Labor and Delivery/Post-partum Nurse
   • Medical/Surgical Nurse
   • Operating Room Nurse
   • Pediatric Nurse
   • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse

    

2. Other Career Possibilities with an Undergraduate BSN Degree:
   • Consultant (Variety of roles, settings)
   • Health Care Administrator
   • Health Care Supplies Sales Representative
   • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

3. Nursing Career Possibilities that Normally Require a Graduate Degree:

   Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN):

   • Certified Nurse Midwife
   • Clinical Nurse Specialist
   • Nurse Administrator
   • Nurse Anesthetist
   • Nurse Educator
   • Nurse Practitioner

   Doctoral Degree (PhD):

   • Nurse Researcher
   • Nurse Educator

   Additional Administrative opportunities will be available by combining the MSN with other graduate degrees, such as MBA (Business Administration), MHA (Health Administration), or JD (law school).

Job Outlook

With the rapid reshaping of the nation's health delivery system, the nursing profession is experiencing dramatic change that will create new opportunities. More nurses will be employed in settings outside of the hospital such as clinics, homes, schools, outpatient surgery centers, health centers, and businesses. Fastest job growth for nurses is expected to be in home health care roles, with additional growth occurring in nursing home related jobs. Employment in hospitals, currently the largest sector, is expected to grow more slowly than other health care sectors. Additionally, job opportunities within the acute care setting are shifting to more out-patient procedures and settings. Opportunities for nurses with advanced degrees are anticipated to be the greatest. The demand for master's and doctorally prepared nurses for advanced practice, clinical specialties, teaching, and research is approaching more than twice the supply. Please see our News page for information on the current/future nursing shortage.

1. General Salary Information (Source: 2008-09 Occupational Outlook Handbook)

   Median annual earnings of registered nurses were $57,280 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $47,710 and $69,850. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,250, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $83,440.

2. Potential Career Growth

   Basically, there are four career paths available in nursing: Clinician, Researcher, Educator, and Administrator. There are no barriers between these career paths and nurses can change fields as their professional and personal interests change. Through clinical experience, self-study, staff development programs, and continuing education, nurses can ensure that a variety of career opportunities continue to remain available to them.

Last updated: February 1, 2008
Comments: dhrisoma@indiana.edu
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