Are you considering a career in nursing? In this article, we’ll cover key aspects of pursuing nursing careers as a Bachelor’s graduate.
Are you considering a career in nursing but unsure about the available options and paths? Perhaps you’re wondering if it’s possible to have a satisfying nursing career from the comfort of your home. Good news: the field of nursing is rich with diverse opportunities!
Let’s explore the various nursing careers you can pursue and how nursing degrees can set you on the right path.
Nursing careers from home: remote nursing jobs
The digital age has expanded the scope of nursing careers beyond traditional settings.
If you’re interested in pursuing nursing careers from home, consider these options:
1. Telehealth nurse
Telehealth nursing has become increasingly popular, especially with advancements in technology and the rise of telemedicine.
As a telehealth nurse, you’ll provide patient care and consultations via phone or video calls.
This role typically includes:
- Assessing symptoms
- Providing medical advice
- Scheduling follow-up appointments
2. Nurse case manager
Nurse case managers work closely with patients to coordinate their long-term healthcare plans.
This may include everything from liaising with doctors and other healthcare providers to ensuring patients receive the necessary medical services and support.
Most of the work is done over the phone or online, making it an ideal remote nursing job.
3. Clinical research coordinator
If you’re interested in the medical research field, consider becoming a clinical research coordinator.
This role involves:
- Managing clinical trials and studies
- Ensuring protocols are followed
- Keeping detailed records
While some duties require fieldwork, much of the coordination can be handled remotely.
4. Nurse educator
Nurse educators play a vital role in training future nurses. This nursing career is perfect for experienced nurses looking to share their knowledge and contribute to the education of the next generation.
As a nurse educator, you will:
- Create lesson plans
- Teach online courses
- Mentor nursing students
5. Triage nurse
Triage nurses have the crucial job of assessing patients over the phone to determine the urgency and level of care required.
Triage nurses:
- Provide initial assessments and medical advice
- Guide patients on whether to seek immediate care or manage symptoms at home
This role requires strong communication skills and medical knowledge, but offers the comfort of working remotely.
6. Medical coding and billing nurse
For those interested in the administrative side of healthcare, becoming a medical coding and billing nurse could be an excellent choice.
These nurses ensure medical procedures are properly coded for insurance and billing purposes.
This job requires a keen eye for detail and comprehensive coding training.
7. Health coach
Health coaching is a growing field where nurses provide personalized health advice, wellness plans, and lifestyle coaching to clients.
Health coaches work with patients to:
- Set and achieve health goals
- Manage chronic illnesses
- Promote overall wellness
How to start your nursing career
Pursuing a nursing career begins with obtaining the right education. Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting your journey:
- Earn a nursing degree: Enroll in an accredited nursing program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN not only prepares you for the RN licensure exam (NCLEX-RN) but also opens doors to advanced and specialized nursing fields.
- Get licensed: After earning your degree, pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse. This license is essential for practicing nursing in the USA.
- Gain experience: Start working in general medical-surgical settings to gain valuable experience. It’s essential to explore different specialties early on to find your passion.
Types of nursing degrees
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Key takeaways:
⏰ Duration: 4 years
📐 Scope: In-depth training, advanced roles, leadership
💼 Job market: High preference in many healthcare settings
A BSN is a four-year degree that offers advanced training and comprehensive education. With a BSN, you’ll be eligible for more specialized roles and leadership positions within the healthcare field. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities prefer or even require a BSN for new hires.
Upon graduation, you’ll be able to participate in advanced roles such as:
- Community and public health
- Acute and critical care
- Long-term care
- Outpatient car
The demand for RNs extends to those with a BSN, giving you an edge in the job market. You’ll also be well-positioned for further specialization or advanced study later in your career.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Key takeaways:
⏰ Duration: 2 years
📐 Scope: Preparation for NCLEX-RN, broader patient care
💼 Projected job openings: 194,500 annually
An ADN program is a two-year degree that prepares you to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This program offers a balanced mix of classroom instruction and clinical experience, allowing you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam upon graduation.
Upon graduation, an ADN will allow you to:
- Perform health assessments
- Administer vaccines
- Administer IVs
- Dress wounds
- Develop patient plans
An Associate’s degree can also be completed as an initial step toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and is often used as an entry point to a nursing career.
RNs are in high demand, with around 194,500 job openings annually projected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Key takeaways:
⏰ Duration: About 1 year
📐 Scope: Basic patient care under RN supervision
💼 Projected job openings: 60,700 annually
An LPN or LVN program is a great entry point into nursing. These programs typically take about one year to complete and offer a fast track into the healthcare field. As an LPN/LVN, you’ll provide basic care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be approximately 60,700 job openings per year for LPNs/LVNs by 2030.
Conclusion
There are many exciting avenues to explore if you’re interested in nursing careers and nursing careers from home. Nursing careers are challenging but incredibly rewarding as they allow you to make a significant impact on patients’ lives.
If you’re considering pursuing a degree in nursing, now is a great time to explore these opportunities and plan your educational path accordingly.