NURSING SPECIALTIES IN DEMAND

Bedside care is only one application of a nurse’s skill. The range of jobs and specialties nurses occupy are many, probably more than you realize. Every year the Arkansas Times Nurses Guide surveys working nurses and nurse educators to identify a few of the fulfilling careers that are in particularly high demand.

NURSE EDUCATOR

At the very basic level, nurse educators are responsible for teaching future nurses. However, these professionals also fulfill a variety of roles in designing, implementing and evaluation nursing curriculum.

“Nurse educators serve as leaders and advocates for both the nursing profession and the patients and families they serve,” Pamela Ashcraft, a professor at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, said. “The goal of all nurse educators is to teach skills and disseminate knowledge necessary to providing the best possible patient care.”

Nurse educators play a vital role in ensuring the nursing profession continues to move forward. They enjoy dynamic career options for where they work and what audiences they teach, Dr. Larronda Rainey with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing said.

“Nurse educators are employed primarily in hospitals and educational institutions; however, their education and training allows them to work in various locations,” she said. “A few of the nurse educator responsibilities include teaching, advising, mentoring, inspiring, leading and serving others.

“Nurse educators are essential in preparing future nurses. Without nurse educators, the number of nurses overall would decline, creating deficiencies in patients’ health care services.”

Basic qualifications in this field generally take the same amount of time to earn as it takes to become a registered nurse, but most instructors choose to expand their credentials.

“At minimum, you must be a registered nurse; however, most nurse educators complete a master’s degree in nursing,” Dr. Julie B. Meaux, professor and Undergraduate Program coordinator for UCA, said. “Many nurse educators who teach in colleges and universities have a terminal degree, of which there are two in nursing. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is a research-focused degree and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a clinical-focused degree.”

With the retirement of many baby boomer-age nurse educators, job opportunities are at an all-time high.

“Yes, there are jobs!” Janice Ivers, dean of Nursing and Health Sciences for National Park College in Hot Springs, said. “A nurse educator can wear many hats, so the potential to earn a good paycheck is certainly there. As with other professions, the further you advance in your education, the better your chances for an increased salary.”

Brenda Trigg, director of nursing at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, said demand is particularly high right now as the medical field strives to attract more nurses to all segments of the health care industry.

“As the nursing shortage continues across the nation, the work of the nurse educator in the university setting is even more important,” she said. “According to AACN Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing, tens of thousands of qualified nursing students are turned away from nursing school, in part, due to a shortage of nursing faculty.

“Nurse educators who teach at the baccalaureate level have the privilege to prepare nursing graduates for entry into professional practice as generalist nurses. Now more than ever, the nursing profession needs these educators.”

ADVANCED PRACTICAL PSYCH NURSE

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides mental health services to individuals and families. These health care professionals work in a wide variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, community health centers, private practices, emergency departments, hospitals, schools, prisons and substance abuse programs. They may also serve as consultants or educators.

“Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners assess, diagnose, treat and manage mental health problems and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and substance use disorders,” Carol Campbell, clinical instructor with UAMS College of Nursing, said.

“They may conduct psychotherapy, prescribe medications, order and interpret labs, and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. With a focus on improving mental health care across the lifespan, PMHNPs are committed to promoting mental health through preventive health care.”

To become a PMHNP, students first earn their RN license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. In addition, completion of an approved Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is required to become a PMHNP.

“Completion of an approved PMHNP program qualifies a graduate to take the PMHNP certification examination to become board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center,” Campbell said. “After successfully passing the certification exam, the PMHNP may apply for an APRN license and prescriptive authority through their state board of nursing.

“As a PMHNP myself and co-coordinator of the PMHNP Program in the UAMS College of Nursing, I would highly recommend candidates gain experience working as a psychiatric nurse before applying for a PMHNP program. Obtaining experience in mental health is critical as it prepares you for future PMHNP practice.”

As more attention is paid to mental health issues in general, the important work of mental health care workers has become increasingly more visible.

“One of the major concerns for individuals with mental health issues is access to mental health care professionals,” Campbell said. “Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are well-equipped to provide that care, as well as preventive strategies. And, PMHNPs are essential advocates for individuals and families in need of mental health services.”

COMMUNITY-BASED NURSING

Like many nursing specialties, community-based nurses are in very high demand and enjoy a variety of work environments. Practitioners in this area of nursing also get the additional self-satisfaction of directly helping improve health conditions and wellness for the entire community.

“A community-based nurse is a specialty nursing profession, focusing on providing care to families and individuals within the community where they live, work and function,” Dr. Stephanie Trotter, clinical professor with UAMS College of Nursing, said. “A CBN manages acute and chronic conditions of families and individuals from birth to end of life, and places an emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion. They achieve this in person and through the use of telehealth.

“A CBN can work in a wide variety of unique work locations. Some examples include a local health department, client homes as a home health nurse, schools, prison facilities, client workplaces as an occupational health nurse, even places of worship and community centers. When telehealth is available and utilized, it can further decrease barriers to care, such as lack of transportation and lack of access.”

A bachelor’s degree in nursing is preferred for community-based nursing jobs, along with a few years of nursing experience. Experienced nurses within this specialty can attain a certification in public health nursing. RNs with advanced degrees in either community health or public health are also needed, and can attain advanced public health training and certification (APHN-BC).

Trotter said an emphasis on wellness and greater attention to providing health care access in underserved neighborhoods are pushing demand for these nursing specialists

“The future is bright for CBNs, because there is a growing societal emphasis on the importance of health promotion and disease prevention across the lifespan,” she said. “CBNs working in a variety of community settings will help decrease individuals’ and communities’ risks of developing chronic diseases and improve the quality of life over time.

“CBNs are vital to health care, because they work to preserve, protect and promote the health of those within their community. Working with families and individuals, a CBN ultimately helps clients develop autonomy and identify ways to care for themselves. Healthy persons within a community can, in turn, positively improve the community as a whole.”

SCHOOL NURSE

One familiar role within community-based nursing is also one of the most familiar. School nurses provide essential health care that enhances the ability of students to be academically successful and develop the life skills and attitudes of healthy, productive members of society.

“School nurses work in both private and public schools, pre-K to high school,” Rochelle McFerguson, clinical instructor with UAMS College of Nursing, said. “There are also nurses who work in college and university student health clinics.”

School nurses help provide health care services to students in a way that minimizes disruption in their education day. Many times these services can be provided onsite at the school rather than pulling the student out and having them miss class for an outside appointment. And in a growing number of cases, the school nurse is becoming the most accessible health care option a child’s family may have, particularly among low-income populations.

“School nurses provide screenings, treatments, physical assessment and, in some cases, diagnosis and prescriptions,” McFerguson said.

The qualifications of the school nurse depend on school district hiring requirements. They can be a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse. Even in the era where coronavirus is disrupting school operations and keeping many kids home, the school nurse is a vital member of the faculty.

“The need for the school nurse is in every school district, but not always the funding. This means that in some districts one nurse may be responsible for as many as 1,000 students,” McFerguson said. “That means there is a particularly desperate need for school nurses, especially in rural or poorer school districts.”

MASTER YOUR CRAFT

Pursuing a master‘s degree in nursing may seem like a daunting task, particularly with the long hours that a nurse already puts in on the job and at home. However, having an advanced degree opens multiple career possibilities, including higher pay and greater opportunities to lead. Here are a few things to consider, per Teresa Whited, associate dean of Academic Programs for UAMS College of Nursing:

WHY A GRADUATE DEGREE?

The Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees open many doors for a nurse to become a leader in health care. These graduate degrees allow advancement, autonomy and the opportunity to improve health care through quality improvement, research and preventative care.

WHAT DO THESE PROFESSIONALS DO?

The work of an advanced practice nurse is rewarding. It allows you to see patients and families throughout the lifespan and through the ups and down of their health care journey. It requires dedication to detail, a commitment to lifelong learning and an ability to provide excellent care with patient advocacy.

HOW DO I BECOME ONE?

Pursuing an advanced practice registered nurse role takes about two additional years of study after becoming a registered nurse and requires additional licensure and prescriptive authority. There are four roles of the APRN, including:

Certified nurse midwife, who provides primary and specialty health care for women.

Certified nurse anesthetist, who administers anesthesia and provides care to patients before, during and after therapeutic, surgical, obstetrical and diagnostic procedures.

Clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner are two very distinct specialties. Clinical nurse specialists often lead a department of nursing either at a private practice location or in a hospital setting, with the education and expertise to lead the nursing staff in education and improving the patient care process. Nurse practitioners work under the indirect supervision of a physician and use their expertise to consult on patient care, diagnose chronic illnesses, manage acute episodes, promote disease prevention, perform health assessments, and order and interpret diagnostic tests.