New nurses enter the profession because it can be challenging and extremely rewarding. Most people hear “nurse” and think of those who take care of patients at the hospital or a doctor’s office. But there are other career paths nurses can take with their credentials. Davenport University’s nursing programs prepare students for all of them.
As one of the fastest-growing fields in the country, there are a variety of nursing specialties and career pathways available to registered nurses (RNs). Here are some lesser-known pathways nurses can take after earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) at Davenport.
1. Legal Nurse Consultant
As a legal nurse consultant (LNC), nurses review and analyze medical records, help simplify medical jargon for colleagues and provide medical expertise on claims or in court cases.
Required credentials: BSN, RN
Median annual salary: $91,186
See more here.
2. Nurse Educator
Prepare the next generation of nurses for practice. Nurses serve as a mentor and faculty member in academic and clinical settings.
Required credentials: BSN, RN, MSN or PhD
Median annual salary: $80,747
Davenport University’s Master of Science in nursing – nurse educator concentration
3. Air Force, Army or Navy Corps Nurse
Treat active duty and retired personnel and their families. Or travel around the world treating soldiers, serving as triage in war zones or participating in humanitarian efforts.
Required credentials: BSN, RN
Median annual salary: Based on rank, time in service and specialty
View details about these jobs here >
4. Forensic Nurse
For those who love crime dramas and have an interest in the criminal justice field, being forensic nurse is possible. Provide medical care and emotional support for crime victims while collecting evidence. Consult with legal authorities in cases and give expert testimonials in court.
Required credentials: BSN, RN, certification recommended
Median annual salary: $82,750
View a detailed job description here >
5. Nurse Researcher
As a nurse researcher, conduct research studies, test new medicines, study diseases and work closely with scientists, physicians and patients to discover the next breakthrough in the medical field.
Required credentials: BSN, RN, MSN or PhD
Median annual salary: $81,500
View a detailed job description here >
6. Nurse Informatics Specialist
The American Nurses Association defines this position as “overseeing the integration of data, information and knowledge to support decision-making by patients and their healthcare providers.” Optimize technology used by nurses to improve patient care.
Required credentials: BSN, RN, MSN recommended
Median annual salary: $85,588
View a detailed job description here >
7. Pharmaceutical or Medical Sales Representative
With a nursing degree, get a leg up on other pharmaceutical or medical equipment sales representatives. Nurses have the ability to meet customers on their level, using medical expertise to help them understand exactly how products work and why they’re needed.
Required credentials: A BSN is not required to become a sales representative; however, if you have a BSN, your medical background will help you succeed in the field
Median annual salary: $91,449
View a detailed job description here >
8. Nurse Auditor
Work for an insurance company, hospital or other medical practice. A nurse auditor examines patient records and bills to ensure they are correct, examines insurance claims and may provide financial advice to medical professionals.
Required credentials: RN
Median annual salary: $76,091
View a detailed job description here >
9. Quality Assurance Nurse
This career focuses on evaluating nursing practices within a department to improve the patient experience. By recommending and then implementing process improvements, the role of a quality assurance nurse is to increase efficiency within a department and improve care for patients.
Required credentials: RN, BSN recommended
Median annual salary: $71,092
View a detailed job description here >
For general information on all of the nursing programs at Davenport University, click here.
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