2026 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
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)
Nurse Life Care Planner
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