Best Nursing Jobs - The Top Three Highest Paying Nursing Jobs

By Brent McNutt

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 2.5 million practicing nurses in the country; overall, nurses make up the largest workforce in the healthcare industry. In the field of nursing, there are many different career options and types of nursing jobs to choose from. For many registered nurses, job security and level of compensation are very important considerations that affect their decision on what nursing job or career path to pursue. Because nursing can be a very taxing and demanding job, it helps to get paid a lot so that all your efforts and landau scrubs free shipping are worth it in the end. Those starting out in the nursing profession (newly graduates or less than a year of experience) will inevitably have to start at the entry-level but after a few years of experience you can set your sights to higher paying jobs and advance your nursing career.

A high-paying nursing role requires advanced education and training compared to other types of nursing roles. The top three highest paying nursing jobs (excluding management and supervisory levels) are advanced practice or clinical practice nursing.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Receiving one of the highest salaries in the nursing field, a nurse anesthetist earns an average of over $100,000 a year. To become a CRNA, you have to take further studies in addition to your nursing degree. If you are already a registered nurse, you will have to finish a graduate degree program and pass an examination to be a licensed nurse anesthetist. One of the main responsibilities of a nurse anesthetist is delivering anesthesia during surgery and works with an anesthesiologist. It is an ideal option for those who are less inclined to patient interaction (since patients will be unconscious most of the time) and are more interested in technical skills or surgery. This requires a more impersonal role in contrast to most nursing duties especially since you are unlikely to see the same patient twice in the surgical field.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

A nurse practitioner usually works under the supervision of a licensed physician and administers mid-level patient care. NPs are usually authorized and qualified to do some minor procedures and examinations, depending on the regulation imposed by the state. Some states allow NPs to practice independently of physicians while some states legally require NPs to practice under supervision. Those who are allowed to work independently may prescribe medications and provide primary care. Salaries of NP may vary from state to state but may approach the same level as CRNAs. Unlike CRNAs, NPs care for patients directly and often build long-term relationships with patients.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

A clinical nurse specialist assists in specialized research, advocacy, education, and even management. It is an advanced practice that requires a Master's of Science degree in Nursing and a CNS certification for the particular field of interest (i.e. oncology, psychiatry, cardiology, etc). This type of job is ideal for those leaning towards scholarly pursuits as it requires rigorous research, critical thinking, gathering of data, and other academic engagements. The average salary for CNS is $70,000-$80,000 a year but can easily approach to over $90,000 with experience.