Registered nurses (RN) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can move forward in their careers by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. Nursing is a stable occupation that affords nurses job security, good pay and professional growth. With a BSN, RNs qualify for a multitude of nursing positions in a variety of specialties. Not to mention, a BSN may soon become the minimal educational requirement for all RNs. Here is a look at some jobs available for BSN-prepared nurses.
- Burn Care Nurse
- Emergency Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
What Does a Burn Care Nurse Do?
Burn care nurses treat patients who suffer from minor or severe burns. A patient’s burn injury can be caused by hot water, oil, chemicals or electricity, to name a few. Nurses provide physical, emotional and psychological care to burn patients.
These RNs also educate burn victims and their family members about treatment and aftercare. Burn care nurses are instrumental in teaching children and adults about preventing burn accidents. Nurses work in burn care units, intensive care units and trauma centers.
What Are the Responsibilities of an Emergency Nurse?
Emergency nurses work alongside physicians, paramedics and other healthcare professionals to assist patients with traumatic injuries or life-threatening illnesses. They are found in hospital emergency rooms, triage centers, urgent care centers and trauma centers where they deal with stressful situations in a fast-paced environment. Other titles for emergency nurse are trauma nurse or critical care nurse. Examples of medical emergencies that nurses may encounter include:
- Broken bones
- Drug overdoses
- Flu or pneumonia
- Gunshot or stab wounds
- Heart attacks
- Injuries from car accidents
- Poisonings
- Strokes
What Is a Hospice Nurse?
Hospice nurses deliver end-of-life care to patients. They provide pain management to terminally ill patients, maintain their hygiene and ensure that they are comfortable. Patients who receive care from a hospice nurse are typically expected to live six months or less. Nurses provide care to patients in private homes, hospice centers, nursing home facilities and hospitals.
What Is the Job of a Public Health Nurse?
Public health nurses work in communities to improve the well-being of the population. Nurses develop plans to prevent or eliminate health or safety problems in a community. They might administer immunizations, provide testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and educate community members about birth control and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. You will find public health nurses in community clinics, schools and outpatient clinics.
What Are the Duties of a Pediatric Nurse?
Pediatric nurses provide care to infants, children and adolescents. They monitor growth and development, provide vaccinations and immunizations, collect laboratory samples, detect health issues and treat illnesses. Pediatric nurses can work with pediatricians or pediatric specialists. Common healthcare settings for pediatric nurses are hospitals, private pediatricians’ practices, clinics and social service agencies.
What Are the Salary Expectations for Each Nursing Role?
According to PayScale.com, the annual median salary for BSN-prepared RNs is $61,965 as of September 2018. The following table shows the incomes for the five nursing positions (PayScale 2018).
| Nursing Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Public Health Nurse | $57,052 |
| Pediatric Nurse | $57,973 |
| Emergency Nurse | $63,537 |
| Burn Care Nurse | $67,000 |
| Hospice Nurse | $62,814 |
Online RN to BSN programs are ideal for working nurses considering a BSN. Many bridge programs like the one offered by Northeastern State University (NSU) can be completed 100 percent online. The NSU online program is a convenient and affordable option because it has multiple start dates and pay-by-the-course tuition. The flexible course schedule allows you to study at your own pace so you do not have to compromise your family time or leave your job. Once you complete a BSN degree program, you will have the necessary preparation to advance in your nursing career.
Learn more about NSU’s online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
Nurse Journal: 100 Best Things to Do With a Nursing Degree
Nurse Journal: 5 Best Paying BSN Nursing Jobs and Careers
PayScale: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Average Salary
Discover Nursing: Burn Care Nurse
RegisteredNursing.org: Hospice Nurse
PayScale: Hospice Registered Nurse (RN) Salary
EveryNurse.org: Becoming a Pediatric Nurse
EveryNurse.org: Becoming an Emergency Nurse
PayScale: Pediatric Nurse Salary
Discover Nursing: Public Health Nurse
PayScale: Public Health Nurse Salary
PayScale: Registered Nurse (RN) with Burn Care Skills Salary
