Top 10 Types of Nurses Employers Are Looking to Hire
Top 10 Types of Nurses Employers Are Looking to Hire
It’s helpful to have a good understanding of the types of nursing jobs out there before taking the next step on your career path. From acronyms like “ICU RN” to job titles like “perianesthesia nurse,” wading through these types of nursing specialties with little guidance has the potential to make your head spin.
This is where we come in. Halt your harried search because we have what you need right here. We identified the top 10 types of nurses healthcare facilities are seeking, and that’s only a portion of your options. Get acquainted with these in-demand opportunities to get a feel for your potential career path.
- Registered nurse (RN)
Number of job postings: 858,323*
Relevant certifications: None required
Registered nurses assist physicians in hospitals and in a variety of medical settings. They perform multiple tasks related to patient care, case management and treatment planning. It’s no surprise that RNs rank first on this list because they can specialize in several areas, including many others listed below.
- Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
Number of job postings: 134,149*
Education needed: Practical Nursing Diploma
Relevant certifications: None required
Licensed practical nurses perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of an RN or doctor. They administer medicine, check vital signs and give injections. If you want to dip your foot in the world of nursing, becoming an LPN is often a great way to start.
- Travel nurse
Number of job postings: 122,956*
Relevant certifications: None required
A travel nurse works temporary jobs nationally and internationally, sometimes for weeks at a time and sometimes for a few years. Travel nurses perform many of the same duties as a standard RN, often working for an agency that supplements staff to facilities in need. This could be a great gig for someone with few strings attached and enjoys travel and change.
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
Number of job postings: 94,643*
Education needed: Graduate degree
Relevant certifications: Dependent on specialty
While some nurse practitioners work under the supervision of a physician, more and more are gaining autonomy, taking on many roles of a physician. NPs can diagnose diseases, prescribe medications and initiate treatment plans. If you’re seeking more independence and responsibility without some of the educational requirements of a physician, becoming an NP might be the perfect fit.
- Intensive care unit (ICU) registered nurse
Number of job postings: 68,548*
Education needed: BSN preferred
Relevant certifications: CCRN certification
These RNs work in the intensive care unit (ICU) of hospitals, providing complex care to those with very serious illnesses or injuries. ICU nurses, also referred to as critical care nurses, may work in specialty hospitals or with patients in a certain age bracket, such as children in the pediatric ICU. Due to the difficulty of this position, most hospitals require training or continued education before employing an RN in the ICU.
- Medical-surgical nurse
Number of job postings: 41,168*
Relevant certifications: CMSRN certification
These nurses provide direct care to adult patients in a variety of settings. Medical-surgical (MS) nursing is often considered the foundation for healthcare. These professionals must carry out a vast array of tasks, and must possess excellent assessment, organizational, technical and prioritization skills. MS nurses treat all kinds of ailments, meaning they need to be flexible and must provide holistic care.
- Emergency room nurse
Number of job postings: 38,005*
Relevant certifications: CEN certification
An emergency room nurse will treat patients experiencing trauma or injury in a hospital ER. They will encounter a variety of conditions and have to stabilize patients dealing with traumatic events and injuries. This position would be good for someone who can handle high stress scenarios and find it rewarding to be a presence of calm amidst chaos.
- Operating room (OR) nurse
Number of job postings: 36,755*
Relevant certifications: CNOR certification
Operating room (OR) nurses, also referred to as perioperative nurses or scrub nurses, care for patients before, during and after surgery. They work alongside surgical teams and act as a liaison between them and the patient’s family. These nurses also equip patients and their families for postoperative care. This is a good fit for someone empathetic to the stress of surgery on individuals and families.
- Home health nurse
Number of job postings: 33,687*
Education needed: Nursing diploma, ADN or BSN
Relevant certifications: Dependent on specialty
A home health nurse cares for patients in the comfort of their own homes. Often times, these patients are in geriatric care or young people with developmental or mobility issues. This is an ideal position for someone looking to work outside of a traditional hospital setting, but still enjoys working with patients.
- Nurse case manager
Number of job postings: 33,044*
Relevant certifications: CCM certification
Nurse case managers coordinate long-term care for patients in hopes of keeping them healthy and out of the hospital. They can choose to specialize in treating people with diseases, like cancer, or can choose to work with a specific age group, such as geriatrics. You should consider becoming a nurse case manager if you enjoy research, coordination and scheduling.
Reference
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/types-of-nurses-employers-are-looking-to-hire/