Hot Careers in Nursing

Nursing Career Information for the Non-Traditional NurseBy Jacqui Tom
Nursing career opportunities are greater and more varied than ever before, and the demand for qualified nurses has never been higher. As the health care field becomes increasingly complex and specialized, more and more nurses are finding steady, rewarding careers beyond the traditional hospital setting. If you have a desire to help others, a fascination with cutting-edge medicine or want to explore new places and meet new people, check out five of the hottest careers in nursing.

Travel Nursing Careers

From the pristine beaches of Honolulu to the picturesque coasts of Florida, there are thousands of places in the United States, and around the world, for you to pursue a career in nursing. Travel nursing lets you be in control of your nursing career. You choose the location, specialty and length of commitment for each nursing assignment. With a shortage of qualified nurses in hospitals and clinics across the country, you can find short-term work (typically eight weeks or as long as 26 weeks) in virtually any location and offering generous compensation, often ranging from $22 to $40 per hour. Many facilities also provide perks such as free housing, as well as sign-on and completion bonuses to nurses under contract.

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Military Nursing Careers

Support our troops both at home and abroad as a military nurse. In addition to the honor of protecting our nation, choosing a career in the armed forces opens the door to a wide variety of educational, travel and career-enhancing benefits. In return for service in the military, you can receive financial assistance for completing nursing programs, generous financial bonuses, as well as low-cost housing, specialized training and world-wide travel opportunities. Do your part while advancing your nursing career.

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Forensic Nursing Careers

Advances in the growing field of forensic science have helped law enforcement agencies bring criminals to justice. From documenting injuries to collecting valuable DNA evidence, as a forensic nurse you will be working on the front lines of justice. You will counsel assault victims, conduct physical examinations and collect evidence. You will also play a direct part in taking criminals off the street by testifying against defendants at trial. As the importance of forensic evidence continues to grow, so will the career opportunities in this exciting new field.

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Legal Nurse Consulting Careers

With some specialized training and your RN license, you could be making up to $100 to $150 per hour as a legal nurse consultant. Be a medical detective and use your nursing expertise to analyze complex medical records for your legal team. Apply your medical skills in the courtroom by testifying in court as an expert witness on a wide variety of medical malpractice, product liability and personal injury cases.

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Surgical Nursing Careers

As a surgical nurse, you will assist during delicate organ transplants, precision laser incisions and quadruple heart bypasses, to name a few. From preparing patients before surgery to assisting the surgeon in the operating room to charting progress in recovery, surgical nurses are there for patients every step of the way. With a mastery of clinical skills and ability to connect with people, as a surgical nurse you are an advocate for your patient during surgery. Monitoring vitals signs, alleviating discomfort and comforting anxious patients and their families are all a rewarding part of a career in surgical nursing.