Salimah Jones, MSN, APRN
There are many benefits to having a career in the nursing field, including enjoying a salary that is well above the U.S. national average. What many people do not realize however is that there are some careers in the nursing profession that offer salaries at or above the 6-figure mark. Here is a list of the top 5 highest paying nursing jobs.
Salaries provided are based on U.S. national averages (salary.com, 2017)
#1 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Median Salary: $173,875
These nurses work in hospitals and surgery centers and administer anesthesia to patients. They often work underneath an Anesthesiologist but function independently in their roles. In order to become a CRNA, the nurse has to complete an accredited training program and have a minimum of a Masters degree in Nursing. They must also be licensed as a Registered Nurse and an Advanced Practice Nurse.
#2 Nursing Director
Median Salary: $138,422
These Nurses Serve as the principle administrative leader over the nursing department in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They are responsible for ensuring quality in the nursing care provided, overhead safety procedures, and ensure policies and procedures are instituted and enforced to comply with legal and federally mandated guidelines. Additionally they are responsible for maximizing profits and minimizing financial loses through budgets and allocation of resources, and managing entire nursing staff. Usually a minimum of a bachelors degree and 5-10 years of nursing management experience is required for this role.
#3 Certified Nurse Midwife
Median Salary: $103,000
These nurses care for women trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and in their post-partum periods. They manage all aspects of the woman’s care including delivery. They may provide care in a healthcare facility or in the home setting. They often use a combination of medical and holistic therapies. This position requires completion of an accredited training program and a minimum of a Masters degree in Nursing. Specialty certification and licensing as both a registered nurse and an advanced practice nurse are also required.
#4 Certified Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary $101,837
These nurses are healthcare clinicians that practice nursing and medicine in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They are trained and licensed to perform physical exams, diagnose, order diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide ongoing management of acute and chronic health problems. This position requires completion of an accredited training program and a minimum of a Masters degree in Nursing. Specialty certification and licensing as both a registered nurse and an advanced practice nurse are also required.
#5 Clinical Nurse Specialist
Median Salary: $99,742
These nurses provide educational and administrative leadership to the nursing department in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Their ultimate purpose is to foster quality patient care and improve patient clinical outcomes. They implement policies and protocols within their facilities that adhere to evidenced-based-guidelines and research. They are responsible for ensuring all members of the nursing staff are adequately trained and competent in performing their job skills.
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About the Author
Hi I’m Salimah Jones, I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, author, and Founder of The Nursing Guide, an online community dedicated to helping aspiring and current nurses overcome life’s challenges to achieve their professional goals. Coming from a disadvantaged background, and having experienced the struggles of pursuing a career while working and raising a family, I am now dedicated to helping others find ways to make their dreams a reality. I provide practical solutions to help those who are struggling with finances, learning difficulties, motivation, work-life-balance, or lack of a social support system. I want to show you how to conquer any challenge so that you can become your own success story. Please subscribe to this blog and don’t forget to sign up for your free membership on The Nursing Guide Website. Connect with me on twitter @salimahjones.