Passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a monumental step in a nurse’s career, signifying readiness to enter the professional nursing field. This achievement opens up a vast array of career paths and opportunities. Here’s a look at some of the best jobs you can pursue once you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN exam.
1. Hospital Staff Nurse
One of the most common roles for newly licensed RNs is that of a staff nurse in a hospital. This setting offers a fast-paced environment where you can gain experience in various departments such as emergency, oncology, pediatrics, and more. Working in a hospital allows for broad exposure to healthcare, helping to refine where you might want to specialize in the future.
Hospital staff nurses work in various departments, offering broad exposure to healthcare.
Salary Range: $58,000 – $75,000 annually
Best Places to Search for a Job:
- Indeed.com
- Glassdoor.com
- Hospital Careers section on their websites
| Job Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $58,000 – $75,000 annually |
| Job Search | Indeed.com, Glassdoor.com, Hospital Careers section |
2. Outpatient Care Nurse
For those who prefer a more predictable schedule without the overnight shifts typical in hospitals, outpatient care offers a viable alternative. Outpatient care nurses work in settings such as clinics, surgical centers, and doctors’ offices, providing pre- and post-operative care, administering treatments, and educating patients on health maintenance and disease prevention.
Outpatient care nurses work in clinics, surgical centers, and doctors’ offices.
Salary Range: $55,000 – $70,000 annually
Best Places to Search for a Job:
- Monster.com
- Clinic or Healthcare Facility Websites
| Job Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $55,000 – $70,000 annually |
| Job Search | LinkedIn, Monster.com, Clinic or Healthcare Facility Websites |
3. Public Health Nurse
If you’re passionate about making a difference on a broader scale, consider becoming a public health nurse. These professionals work in government agencies, schools, and community organizations, focusing on improving community health outcomes. Duties include conducting health screenings, immunization clinics, and health education programs.
Public health nurses work in government agencies, schools, and community organizations.
Salary Range: $52,000 – $68,000 annually
Best Places to Search for a Job:
- USAJobs.gov (for federal positions)
- Public Health Employment Connection
- State and Local Government Websites
| Job Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $52,000 – $68,000 annually |
| Job Search | USAJobs.gov, Public Health Employment Connection, State and Local Government Websites |
4. Travel Nurse
Travel nursing is an exciting option for those who love to explore new places. Travel nurses work temporary assignments in various locations, often where there is a high demand for healthcare professionals. This role offers competitive pay, the opportunity to work in different healthcare settings, and the chance to experience new cities and cultures.
Travel nurses work temporary assignments in various locations.
Salary Range: $65,000 – $90,000 annually (varies greatly with assignments)
Best Places to Search for a Job:
- TravelNursing.org
- TravelNurseSource.com
- Agency Websites
| Job Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $65,000 – $90,000 annually (varies greatly with assignments) |
| Job Search | TravelNursing.org, TravelNurseSource.com, Agency Websites |
5. Nurse Educator
For RNs with a passion for teaching, becoming a nurse educator could be a fulfilling career path. Nurse educators work in academic settings such as universities, colleges, and technical schools, teaching nursing students and guiding the next generation of nurses. This role may require further education, such as a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing.
Nurse educators teach in academic settings and may require further education.
Salary Range: $75,000 – $100,000 annually
Best Places to Search for a Job:
- HigherEdJobs.com
- Chronicle of Higher Education
- Academic Institution Websites
| Job Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $75,000 – $100,000 annually |
| Job Search | HigherEdJobs.com, Chronicle of Higher Education, Academic Institution Websites |
6. Home Health Nurse
Home health nursing is ideal for those who prefer working in a one-on-one setting. Home health nurses provide care to patients in their homes, assisting with medications, wound care, and other medical needs. This role often involves managing chronic conditions and educating patients and their families on care plans.
Home health nurses provide care to patients in their homes.
Salary Range: $60,000 – $80,000 annually
Best Places to Search for a Job:
- HomeCareCareers.com
- Indeed.com
| Job Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $60,000 – $80,000 annually |
| Job Search | HomeCareCareers.com, Indeed.com, LinkedIn |
7. Specialty Care Nurse
After gaining some experience and identifying areas of interest, RNs can choose to specialize in fields like cardiology, pediatrics, oncology, or critical care. Specializing often requires additional certifications but results in more focused career paths and potentially higher salaries.
Specializing in fields like oncology or pediatrics often requires additional certifications.
Salary Range: $65,000 – $90,000 annually
Best Places to Search for a Job:
- Specialty Nursing Association Job Boards
- Indeed.com
| Salary Range | $65,000 – $90,000 annually |
| Job Search | Specialty Nursing Association Job Boards, Indeed.com, LinkedIn |
The career options after passing the NCLEX-RN exam are diverse, each with its own unique opportunities and challenges. By considering your interests, lifestyle preferences, and career goals, you can find a nursing path that is rewarding both personally and professionally. Remember, continuous learning and professional development can further enhance your career prospects and satisfaction in the nursing field.
