By Elizabeth West (BA 26)
What jobs can you get with your BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree? You might think that earning your license and working in a hospital is the set career path for a nurse. While hospital work is a common starting point and a great place to gain valuable experience, your nursing degree gives you a variety of options where you can use your skills!
Dr. Kristen Richmond, the director of nursing at Grace College, says, “Anywhere that you can get medical care and anywhere there is a large group of people, you can find a nurse.” After graduating and passing the NCLEX, your BSN degree and an RN license open up numerous career opportunities that might not be on your radar, including political and community jobs. While some will require additional certifications and experience, you’ll be well-prepared with your nursing degree.
Hospital Nurse
An RN in a hospital setting can specialize in several areas with different certifications, including surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, labor and delivery nursing, trauma nursing, ICU nursing, and many others. If you’re looking for a more business-oriented nursing vocation, nursing administration is a strong choice. 1
School Nurse
Wanting to keep working in an academic location after earning your nursing degree? You might be interested in a school nursing position where you can work at places like elementary schools or college campuses. A school nurse’s primary job is to ensure students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. They provide direct care, manage chronic conditions, and promote mental health. School nurses fall under the category of public health nurses and promote overall school community health through education and wellness initiatives. 2
Missionary Nurse
Missionary nurses provide the same care as hospital nurses, but often work in underdeveloped areas with limited resources. This can be a great way to access unreached people groups both spiritually and physically. Health and hygiene education also play a part in this nursing role. If you’re looking to serve or grow your resourcefulness, you could find your place nursing on the mission field. 3
Military Nurse
Military nurses are BSNs who work within branches of the military to provide care for veterans, service members, and their families. These healthcare professionals can pursue employment in various nursing roles with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard or Coast Guard. To join the military as a nurse, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. 4
Factory or Construction Site Nurse
Nursing majors can graduate and become nurses on staff in factories or construction sites. These nurses prevent and manage accidents, and routinely check the health of workers. Part of their job is balancing safety with productivity. These nurses are also referred to as industrial nurses or occupational health nurses. 5
