Becoming a certified nurse is no easy task. It takes years of hard work and dedication to become one of the best in your field. But with so many different career paths to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you

Whether you’re just starting on your nursing journey and are looking for an online BSN program, or are already well down the road, read on for some useful advice on six of the most popular career paths for nurses.

General Nursing

This is the most common path for nurses and involves working in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. As a general nurse, you will be responsible for providing basic patient care, taking vital signs, and administering medications. You will also have the opportunity to work with patients of all ages and with a variety of different health conditions.

Additionally, a career in general nursing will give you the chance to work with other medical professionals such as doctors, surgeons, and pharmacists. This can be a great way to learn more about the field of medicine and make important connections for your future. And if you want to pursue a Masters in Nursing, there are online options that will not only give you a boost in your career, but will be more flexible if you already have a job or don’t have enough time to attend classes. You can usually choose from different specializations and get a degree in as little as two years.

Pediatric Nursing

If you love working with children, then a career in pediatric nursing may be the perfect fit for you. Pediatric nurses work with infants, children, and adolescents up to the age of 21. They provide both preventive and acute care and often work closely with families to ensure that the child is receiving the best possible care.

A career in pediatric nursing can be both challenging and rewarding. You will need to have a strong understanding of child development and be prepared to deal with everything from minor illnesses to life-threatening conditions. You will also need to be able to build strong relationships with both children and their families.

Pediatric nursing is also a great way to specialize your skills and knowledge. If you are interested in working with a specific age group or condition, there are many different subspecialties within pediatric nursing that you can choose from. For instance, you could work as a neonatal nurse if you want to care for newborn babies, or as a pediatric oncology nurse if you want to work with children who have cancer.

Mental Health Nursing

Mental health nurses work with patients who have mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. They help patients manage their symptoms and recover from their illnesses.

Mental health nurses often work in hospitals, psychiatric clinics, and community mental health centers. Additionally, mental health nurses may also work in schools, prisons, and substance abuse treatment facilities.

To become a mental health nurse, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program. Once you have your degree, you must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your RN license. After you become an RN, you can then pursue a career in mental health nursing.

Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice nurses who specialize in administering anesthesia to patients. They work closely with surgeons and other medical professionals to ensure that the patient is safe and comfortable during surgery. Nurse anesthetists must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and must also complete a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia.

After you become a certified nurse anesthetist, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and pain management clinics. You will also be able to choose from a variety of different specialty areas, such as cardiovascular anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, and pain management.

However, becoming a nurse anesthetist is not a decision to be made lightly. It is a demanding career that requires both physical and mental stamina. If you are up for the challenge, though, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Nurse Midwife

Nurse midwives are advanced practice nurses who specialize in providing care to women

during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They provide well-woman care, including family planning services, gynecological exams, and preconception counseling. Nurse midwives also provide primary care to women of all ages.

Nurse midwives must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and must also complete a graduate-level nurse-midwifery program. After you become a certified nurse midwife, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, birthing centers, and private practices.

Working as a nurse midwife can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to help women through one of the most amazing and life-changing experiences of their lives. Additionally, you will be able to provide primary care to women of all ages, which can make a real difference in their lives.

Geriatric Nursing 

Finally, geriatric nurses provide care for elderly patients. They help patients manage chronic conditions, such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Geriatric nurses also provide support to the families of their patients.

Geriatric nursing is a great way to specialize your skills and knowledge. If you are interested in working with elderly patients, there are many different subspecialties within geriatric nursing that you can choose from. These include palliative care, hospice care, and long-term care. Additionally, you can choose to work in a variety of different settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

However, it is important to note that geriatric nursing can be emotionally demanding. You will be working with patients who are often dealing with chronic illnesses, frailty, and the decline of their mental and physical abilities.

No matter which area of nursing you choose to specialize in, you will be making a real difference in the lives of your patients. Nursing is a demanding but rewarding career, and there are many different paths you can take to become a certified nurse.

So, if you are thinking about becoming a nurse, be sure to research all of the different career paths that are available to you. And, most importantly, don’t forget to follow your heart.