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Dream Jobs: NursingLink's 10 Coolest Jobs in Nursing
Pam Strayer, NursingLink
April 16, 2008
A cool job…what’s that? The best answer is that it’s a job that lets you do things you love – at work – and get paid well for it. You could also add great growth potential as a criteria, too.
Today nursing’s outer limits are expanding hugely, with all kinds of creative, exciting possibilities. From mind-body medicine to leading the hospital geeks into brave new frontiers, here are Dream Jobs: NursingLink’s picks for the top ten coolest nursing careers.
“These jobs are based on trends and where the best opportunities are, now and in the future,” says Donna Cardillo, a widely respected nurse career expert who speaks at industry conferences and the author of several popular nursing career books. (Cardillo is a featured expert on NursingLink.)
Cool Career #1: Holistic Nursing
jonnyboy_715
11 days ago
6 comments
Nursing a a field of opportunity. For as many different kinds of people are out there this is a nursing job that might suit them. Possibilities are nearly endless and education is the key to an open door.
I personally work night shift in an adult ICU as a BNS educated RN. I am humbled as I look to apply to a CRNA school in the very near future while many of my co-workers 10 years my senior are trying to balance family, work AND finishing their BSN.
Wiping butts isn't the most fun but there's a lot more to nursing that just that.
nurse2bex5
21 days ago
14 comments
I am a CNA and I worked in FL at a Jail. I really loved it. For me I did not have the back breaking lifting that you have to do anywhere else. I also got to learn so much more out of the norm for me. I would love to get back into this field again.
jckiracofe
5 months ago
2 comments
I have been nursing for 17 years, with practically all of that time spent in the hospital setting--mostly critical care. I have done some home health, hospice and med surg. as well. I have a BSN and am in the process of applying to grad. school. My desire is to teach in a school of nursing. I couldn't help but notice that out of the "top 10 coolest" nursing jobs, only 1 of them involved direct patient care. That indirectly speaks worlds for the career of nursing. Those of you that have been in patient care for any length of time understand where I'm coming from. Nursing that involves direct pt. care is far from glamorous.It is very hard work! I think that some of todays students have a misconception of what hands-on nursing really is. More often than not, as soon as they do realize it, alot of them bail out. I'm afraid that the shortage of good nurses is only going to worsen. Maybe that is why veteran nurses are starting to look for a way out.
baaboo1
5 months ago
4 comments
i am a lpn, working in the county jail. i have 19 years seniorityand i have often trained the new rn's comming into the jail for them to turn around and be my boss. if i had it to do allover again, i would have immediately gone back to school after obtaining my lpn license. i'm 54 now and have 6 more years to work. i love what i do but as a lpn i dont get the respect thast i feel i should.
brirose
5 months ago
2 comments
I was an LPN for 29 years, and finally got my RN 2 years ago after many years of challenging out of my degree through the Excelsior program. As an LPN I made my best money by doing marketing and nurse liaison positions. But as an RN I have found that I LOVE assisted living nursing. The residents are still pretty cognitive, and relatively independent with some extra support. They are grateful for everything you do for them, because it focuses on care coordination to keep them independent and safe. They don't want to be in nursing homes if other options are available that allow them more choices and independence.
stormchaser
5 months ago
6 comments
I have been a LVN / LPN for 33 years and have found a variety of different areas to work in, hospital , emergency room,nursing home, school nurse, clinics, home health. I also had my EMS and worked ambulance for several years...my favorites were ER and Ambulance by the way. I now am working in Correctionsl nursing. I have been at this job 18 months and love it...many many different challenges here. I have had to use the ER and ambulance skills, clinic skills and many other nursing skills in many new and different ways. I say go for correctional nursing if you are up for a challenge.
rae1449
5 months ago
2 comments
I have made as much as or even more $$ than an RN as an LPN with my past and current jobs. I am currently a Case Manager and yes I am certified. I have also work as a Public Health Nurse and in Nursing Informatics. It all depends on your experience and education that you combine with any level of nursing.
boogle760
5 months ago
8 comments
I have one response for the LPN dilemma: continuing education. With minimal education you can expect minimal pay and opportunities. Get your RN.
smorte
5 months ago
4 comments
Not sure why it seems that options are so limited for LPN/LVN; I have been one for 15 years have done everything from med-surg; outpt triage; nursing supervisor(at nursing home), Director of Staff Development (teaching C.N.A.'s); ADON, they can be endless if one pursues it.....am gonna be getting RN soon, main reason $$$$$$
preLVN
5 months ago
2 comments
Can someone explain to me which is better, a LPN working at a nursing home, a hospital, or prison? Which PAYS More? Please reply
NuYawka
5 months ago
2 comments
I'm a corrections nurse (and yes I'm an LPN). I started part time as sort of a trial. Before this, the bulk of my experience was in pediatrics. That was quite a jump, but I can't complain. I have a huge amount of free time for study most days, but unpredictablity is a huge part of this job.
Butterfly8
5 months ago
16 comments
I was a LPN for six years in Pa, I'm thankful for my experience as an Lpn.However as LPN my oprions were so very limited. I've always been an eager learner. So when I went back for my RN, I brought six years of skilled knowledge with me. As a RN nursing student the hardest thing for me was the expanaion of my scope of responsibility.
Iv'e now been a RN for two years and my job options are so vast. I work at children hospital. Yes, it is sad at times,but it has many rewarding moments also.I'm back in school for my MSN, but not in nursing, in Public health. I want to eventually work in preventive care for women and children.
tigger18635
5 months ago
2 comments
prison nurse has got to be the coolest
PEARL
5 months ago
2 comments
I AM ALSO A LPN AND IT IS TRUE WE HAVE VERY LITTLE CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO THE COOL JOBS IT WOULD BE REALLY NICE IF YOU INCLUDED US.
PEARL ALBANY NEW YORK
Solie
5 months ago
2 comments
I don't have any experience but would like to learn.I'm starting my CNA classes in June.I would like the opportunity to learn more.