Nursing is one of the largest segments in the health care industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there are at least 3 million nursing jobs, and the demand only continues to increase. This is because of the ever-growing population and new specialties emerging to improve the quality of life. So, read on to find different types of nursing segments and how you can apply for these jobs in said segments.

Types of nursing jobs
Numerous options are suitable for both new and experienced nurses. Following is a compilation of different nursing positions mentioning their average pay and responsibilities:

Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
A licensed practical nurse (LPN), or licensed vocational nurse (LVN), is responsible for basic but essential procedures like monitoring blood pressure, bandaging, collecting blood and urine samples, and addressing the patient’s concerns to RNs (registered nurses) and doctors. LPNs earn close to $50,000.

Registered nurse
A registered nurse earns at least $77,000 annually at hospitals, nursing care facilities, and ambulatory care services. An RN’s key responsibilities involve assessing patients, administering medications and treatments, and providing health education and emotional support.

Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
This designation typically requires only state-approved education and on-the-job training. With a median salary of around $30,290 per year, CNAs monitor vital signs, bathe, and dress patients. They also assist them with walking and repositioning when bedridden.

Emergency room registered nurse
As the name suggests, emergency room registered nurses are typically required in emergency rooms. These nurses triage patients upon their arrival in the ER and determine the order of treatment. They also record patient history, conduct examinations, and monitor patient progress by consulting supervising physicians. They earn an average $80,000 annually.

Labor and delivery nurse
Along with helping during birth, these nurses also perform cognitive tests on newborns and help their parents choose a plan of care. Labor and delivery nurses earn around $76,400.

Surgical assistant registered nurse
A surgical assistant registered nurse can earn upwards of $100,000, and they assist surgeons during procedures. They also take care of patients before, during, and post-surgical treatment.

Advanced practice registered nurse
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) are usually required at physician offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. Their key responsibilities of nurses include diagnosing patients, managing their treatments, ordering tests, and prescribing medications.

Health informatics nurse specialist
Health informatics nurse specialists maintain medical hardware and software. They also review organization standards and train medical staff to ensure their electronic documentation meets accreditation. They can earn up to $94,000 annually.

Clinical nurse supervisor
This nursing job has an average salary of approximately $76,200, and nurses in these positions work at hospitals and long-term care facilities. Their responsibilities include supervising nursing staff, scheduling hours, and completing performance evaluations.

Home care registered nurse
Nurses from these categories earn an average of $53,000 annually and are required at patient homes. They are responsible for preparing equipment, bathing and dressing patients, monitoring conditions, and administering medications.

Tips for finding the best nursing jobs
Now that you are aware of various nursing positions and their responsibilities, it is important to know how to find the one that suits you the best. Use the following tips to find an opening that best suits your skills:

Check job qualifications
As stated above, different nursing positions have different levels of responsibilities and require different qualifications, experience, and skills. So, check the qualifications required for the nursing job you are eyeing. Note that some positions also require candidates to complete a particular certification.

Keep an open eye
Many hospitals often post several openings at once. So, be aware of such openings by subscribing to job boards and enabling job alerts. Filtering job alerts will also help you get notifications of relevant positions. This can increase your chances of being the first applicant for the position, increasing the probability of getting the nursing job in case the hospital or the employer is looking to hire someone quickly.

Volunteering can help
Volunteering can be a great way to land your dream nursing job. It helps you gain experience, learn about job opportunities, and grow your network. Moreover, if a hospital or healthcare facility is looking to fill a position, they may hire a volunteer, as they already have experience within their organization.

Keywords are the key
When looking for nursing jobs online, focusing on a set of keywords can be great for finding the exact position you are looking for. Being precise in your search can also make it easy to find a job as per your requirements. For instance, using keywords like “home care nurses” instead of “nursing jobs” when searching for jobs will help you get better results.