Intro
Kickstart your nursing career with the top 10 jobs for new grad registered nurses. Discover in-demand roles, competitive salaries, and growth opportunities in specialties like pediatrics, ICU, and ER nursing. Get expert advice on landing your dream job and advancing your career in this comprehensive guide for new RNs.
As a new grad registered nurse, you're likely eager to start your career and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry. With so many job opportunities available, it can be overwhelming to decide which path to take. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of the top 10 jobs for new grad registered nurses. These roles offer a great combination of job satisfaction, growth opportunities, and competitive salaries.
Why These Jobs?
These top 10 jobs for new grad registered nurses were selected based on factors such as job demand, salary range, growth opportunities, and work-life balance. We also considered the level of autonomy, patient interaction, and opportunities for professional development. Whether you're interested in pediatrics, gerontology, or another specialty, there's a job on this list that's sure to suit your skills and interests.
Job #1: Pediatric Nurse
As a pediatric nurse, you'll work with children from birth to adolescence, providing care and support to young patients and their families. This role requires a strong understanding of child development, pediatric medications, and family-centered care.
- Median salary: $65,000 - $85,000 per year
- Job demand: High
- Growth opportunities: Opportunities to specialize in pediatric subspecialties, such as pediatric oncology or pediatric critical care
Job #2: ICU Nurse
Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses work with critically ill patients, providing life-saving care and support. This role requires strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.
- Median salary: $70,000 - $90,000 per year
- Job demand: High
- Growth opportunities: Opportunities to specialize in ICU subspecialties, such as cardiovascular or neuro ICU
Job #3: Operating Room Nurse
Operating room (OR) nurses work alongside surgeons and anesthesiologists to provide care to patients undergoing surgery. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure, and a strong understanding of surgical procedures.
- Median salary: $65,000 - $85,000 per year
- Job demand: High
- Growth opportunities: Opportunities to specialize in surgical subspecialties, such as orthopedic or cardiovascular surgery
Job #4: Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery (L&D) nurses work with expectant mothers, providing care and support during labor, delivery, and postpartum. This role requires strong communication skills, a strong understanding of fetal monitoring, and the ability to work well under pressure.
- Median salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
- Job demand: High
- Growth opportunities: Opportunities to specialize in maternal-child health or high-risk obstetrics
Job #5: Emergency Department Nurse
Emergency department (ED) nurses work with patients who are experiencing acute illnesses or injuries, providing care and support in a fast-paced environment. This role requires strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.
- Median salary: $65,000 - $85,000 per year
- Job demand: High
- Growth opportunities: Opportunities to specialize in emergency nursing subspecialties, such as pediatric emergency or trauma nursing
Job #6: Medical-Surgical Nurse
Medical-surgical nurses work with adult patients who are experiencing a variety of medical conditions, providing care and support to help them recover. This role requires strong communication skills, a strong understanding of medications, and the ability to work well with interdisciplinary teams.
- Median salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
- Job demand: High
- Growth opportunities: Opportunities to specialize in medical-surgical subspecialties, such as oncology or cardiology
Job #7: Gerontological Nurse
Gerontological nurses work with older adults, providing care and support to help them manage chronic conditions and maintain independence. This role requires strong communication skills, a strong understanding of gerontological health, and the ability to work well with interdisciplinary teams.
- Median salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
- Job demand: High
- Growth opportunities: Opportunities to specialize in gerontological subspecialties, such as gerontological oncology or palliative care
Job #8: Nurse Educator
Nurse educators work with nursing students, teaching them the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. This role requires strong communication skills, a strong understanding of adult learning theory, and the ability to create engaging educational content.
- Median salary: $70,000 - $90,000 per year
- Job demand: High
- Growth opportunities: Opportunities to specialize in nursing education subspecialties, such as curriculum development or educational technology
Job #9: Nurse Researcher
Nurse researchers work to identify and address gaps in healthcare knowledge, developing new treatments and interventions to improve patient outcomes. This role requires strong analytical skills, a strong understanding of research methods, and the ability to work well with interdisciplinary teams.
- Median salary: $80,000 - $100,000 per year
- Job demand: High
- Growth opportunities: Opportunities to specialize in nursing research subspecialties, such as outcomes research or health services research
Job #10: Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses work to promote health and prevent disease at the community level, developing programs and interventions to address health disparities and improve population health. This role requires strong communication skills, a strong understanding of health promotion theory, and the ability to work well with community partners.
- Median salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
- Job demand: High
- Growth opportunities: Opportunities to specialize in public health subspecialties, such as health education or health policy
Getting Started
As a new grad registered nurse, it's essential to start your job search early and be prepared to apply for multiple positions. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Update your resume and online profiles to highlight your skills and experience.
- Network with other nurses and healthcare professionals to learn about job opportunities and get advice.
- Consider working with a recruiter or career coach to help you find job openings and prepare for interviews.
- Be open to different types of jobs and work environments – you may find that a job that's not on this list is the perfect fit for you!
Conclusion
As a new grad registered nurse, you have a wide range of job opportunities available to you. Whether you're interested in pediatrics, gerontology, or another specialty, there's a job on this list that's sure to suit your skills and interests. Remember to stay flexible, be open to learning and growth, and always prioritize patient care. Good luck in your job search!
What is the average salary for a new grad registered nurse?
+The average salary for a new grad registered nurse varies depending on the location, employer, and specialty. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses is around $76,000.
What are the most in-demand nursing specialties?
+According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most in-demand nursing specialties include pediatrics, gerontology, and critical care.
How can I increase my chances of getting hired as a new grad registered nurse?
+To increase your chances of getting hired as a new grad registered nurse, make sure to update your resume and online profiles, network with other nurses and healthcare professionals, and consider working with a recruiter or career coach.