2025 Career Planning Guide
NURSING SPECIALITIES KEY : n Minimum Education required n Certifications required n Experience needed n Certification credential n Possible employment n Professional Organization n References / Resources
Nurse Attorney
Represent healthcare professionals in court ( malpractice suits , insurance-related consulting ), serve as expert witness in legal cases , or advocate / lobby for nursing organizations to effect change in healthcare policies .
n BSN and JD ( Juris Doctor ) n No nursing certification exam . Law School Admissions Test ( LSAT ) required to enter law school . n No minimum experience required . Several years experience as registered nurse recommended . n N / A n Law firms , hospitals , health insurance companies n American Association of Nurse Attorneys ( www . taana . org )
Nurse Educator
Educate and mentor nursing students . Participate in research , conduct peer reviews and write grant proposals . n BSN and MSN , or PhD / DNP / EdD ( PhD or EdD may be required for tenure ) n Certified Nurse Educator Examination n No required minimum . Advanced experience in a clinical specialty is recommended . n CNE n Colleges , universities , hospitals , continuing education
n National League for Nursing ( www . nln . org ) American Association of Colleges of Nursing ( www . aacnnursing . org ), Organization for Associate Degree Nursing ( www . oadn . org ) n Resources : “ A Closer Look at Nurse Educators ” by Susan Wheaton ( Vol 59 , No 1 – January 2012 ) Read at http :// viewer . zmags . com / publication / 68b55ba3 #/ 68b55ba3 / 2
Nurse Executive
Direct and manage nursing units in hospitals and other healthcare facilities — they are responsible for budgets , train- ing of staff , and directly affect the policies of their organi- zations .
n BSN ; MSN or MBA encouraged n Nurse Executive Certification
n A BSN or higher in nursing ; mid-level administrative position or higher , or a faculty position teaching graduate nursing administration classes , or running nursing management or executive position full-time for at least 24 months within 5 years .
n CENP n Hospitals , healthcare facilities , nursing homes n American Organization for Nursing Leadership ( www . aonl . org )
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