Jobs for the Major
How this major affects a job search
After college, you'll find a set career path ready for you to take. Now we're not saying that you can have any job you want as a nursing grad, but we are saying that once you pass your certification exam, you're ready to go.
Nurses are wanted in many hospitals around the U.S.—far more than doctors. That means that while you'll have to apply for jobs and interview well to land a big hospital, you shouldn't have any trouble finding a job.
Every hospital and a lot of private practices need nurses for their incoming patients, so it's just a matter of looking around for one that's hiring.
Common Career Fields
Certified Midwife. (Requires a Master's degree.) For some, delivering babies is the most rewarding and exciting job. Bar none. You get to be there on the happiest day of someone's life and help deliver a bundle of joy. That is what certified nurse midwives do. They can be at a hospital, private practice, or in someone's home for a wacky at home water birth. They are up, close, and personal for new moms for their prenatal and postnatal care. Nurse Practitioners also offer family planning advice and gyno exams. You'll need a Master's degree in nursing if you want this job.
Certified Nursing Assistant. Don't be thrown by the "assistant." These guys and gals do a lot of hands on work with the patients. They just have to check in with the nurses from time to time to make sure they're on track. CNAs are the nurses' eyes and ears with the patients. They check in on them and make sure they're doing fine with their medications. Nurses are very busy and usually have several patients who need around the clock care, so CNAs help lighten the workload by doing some of their tasks.
Nonprofit Worker. Nursing majors who want to get out and do some good in the world before settling down in one location might consider becoming nonprofit workers. These do-gooders volunteer in poor countries to bring medical care and aid to the less fortunate. With their knowledge about medical equipment and diseases, and their knack for patient care, Nursing majors make great volunteers around the world. You probably want money though right? Check out this next one then.
Nurse Researcher. (Requires a license.) RNs who have lost their patience with patients can become Nurse Researchers. These knowledgeable nurses don't research other nurses. Though we suppose doing so would carry the same title. In this position, people figure out the best way to improve nurse's practices by researching new medical and pharmaceutical products. You have to be a RN to become a Nurse Researcher, and a couple years of experience don't hurt either. Neither does a doctoral degree. A Ph.D. goes a long way in getting NRs hired by private companies and nonprofits. Why? Nurse Researchers are paid very well, so it's a competitive market.
Registered Nurse. (Requires a license.) This is the big one, probably what you pictured when you imagine studying nursing. If you love to help people and have loads of compassion for the sick, check out Nursing as a career option. Once you're done with the degree, you'll need to get a license and pass a national exam to make sure you're legit. At least enough so that you won't quit. Then you'll be able to practice your mad skills in a school, hospital, or doctor's office. Nurses have to be calm under pressure no matter what. You might be called on to help doctors examine or operate on a patient, and Nurses are usually the ones to help clean up wounds and cuts.
Pharmaceutical Sales. What are the side effects of penicillin? Is this going to make my skin blue? What's the difference between the name brand drug and the knock-off generic pills? These questions are for a pharmaceutical sales rep, who spends time talking with pharmacies, doctors, and patients to figure out the best medicines to sell different hospitals. Like it or not, the people who make medicines are run like businesses. They have to make money somehow. That's how they pay their staff and buy equipment. Pharmaceutical sales people have to navigate the business side of hospitals while still being knowledgeable about the drugs and human body. That may not sound especially interesting, but at least they sure know how to party.
Teacher/Professor. (Requires a Master's degree or Ph.D.) Those rockin' a nursing degree teach the future medical practitioners. By teaching the stuff, they get to keep current on scientific developments without the pressure of working in a hospital or doctor's office. Think about it. These scientific brains get to school future doctors and nurses while not having to worry if they've missed a diagnosis or navigate any malpractice lawsuits. As a professor, you get to design your own course based upon the particular field you are interested in. Then you get to blab about it all day. Pretty sweet, huh?
Current unemployment of the major
2%Percentage of majors who get a higher degree after college
24%Stats obtained from this source.