Clinical Nurse Career & Salary Overview

NurseJournal Staff
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Updated on February 9, 2024
    The following article discusses the critical role Clinical Nursing play in the community including what they do, tasks performed, work environment, qualifications to become, area of focus, training & certification, education requirements, job outlook, salary, related job titles and salary ... Read More
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    The following article discusses the critical role Clinical Nursing play in the community including what they do, tasks performed, work environment, qualifications to become, area of focus, training & certification, education requirements, job outlook, salary, related job titles and salary by state data.

    What We Do

    Clinical nursing is a very advanced specialization in the registered nursing field, designated to those who have continued their academics and achieved a graduate degree or higher. According to the NACNS or National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, there is also additional training in this field for the advancement in the area of clinical skills and knowledge during patient assessment as well as for educating patients and the families of patients on a large assortment of medical fields. Clinical nurses are found in many fields of specialization within the medical field including geriatrics, obstetrics, pediatrics, emergency, intensive care unit, and even the natal ward. They may give care in any matter from psychiatric to obstetrics, and may work with patients undergoing rehabilitation, or recovering from surgery.

    Top 5 Tasks Performed

    Manage registered nursing teams and licensed practical nurses during care for patients, educate patients and other medical personnel on specifics of conditions, administer therapy for pain relief, administer medication, and act as liaison between patients and physicians.

    Work Environment

    Clinical nurses can work in a number of different settings, doing a variety of specialized jobs within the field of medical practice. From acute care institutions such as private clinics, or hospitals to nursing homes and research facilities, clinical nurses play a key role in many leadership roles within the nursing community. One such area of work falls under the category of education, and while nursing teachers can be found in community colleges and other academic institutions, they can also be located within medical facilities instructing medical personnel on ways to improve healthcare environments and through the utilization of programs and classes.

    How to Become

    In order to become a clinical nurse, students must first complete the appropriate schooling from an accredited university to become a registered nurse. This education can come through an Associate’s degree or Bachelor of Science in nursing degree and requires the completion of the national licensing examination to certify you as an RN. Once these steps have been completed most CNs require a Master of Science in nursing degree, although some facilities will accept professionals who have explored this advanced RN title through additional training and certification through other examinations rather than a graduate degree. Throughout this training, nurses are expected to complete 100 to 200 additional nursing hours in a practical hands on situation. They may also apply for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in specialties like Adult-Gerontology CNS, CNS Core, Home Health CNS, Pediatric CNS, and others

    Job Outlook

    The outlook for positions within the field of registered nursing shows clear signs of growth. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has expressed that there should be about 19% growth by the year 2022, which is much faster than other occupational growth within the country. There are a number of reasons why this growth is apparent, including an aging population, a rise in obesity which has sparked numerous forms of heart disease as well as diabetes, and an increase in other chronic health conditions as well. Although clinical nurses and registered nurses have similar roles in the hospital, the advanced training of a clinical nurse gives them the upper hand for a higher pay grade. Most registered nurses will make approximately $65,470 per year, while a CN can make anywhere from $65,000 to $110,000 per year.

    Training & Certification

    The NCLEX-RN license examination must be passed with an acceptable mark in order to work as a registered nurse anywhere within the United States. Clinical Nurses do not require any particular additional license or certification, although many of them will go on to complete other certification examinations in varying specialized fields for a chance at promotions, higher salaries, and more respect in their field of work.

    Min Education Requirements

    Associates, Bachelors, Some College

    Sample of Reported Job Titles

    Clinical Nurse Manager, Clinical Wound Specialist, Clinical Liaison, Post-Acute Clinical Navigator, Clinical AdministratorBelow are the salaries for Clinical Nursing, as quoted by the top job websites:
    • Indeed: $69,000
    • CareerBuilder: $83,730
    • SimplyHired: $53,000

    Average Salaries Across The Country

    Average Salary of Jobs with Related Titles

    • Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab Nurse: $62,000
    • Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurse: $64,000
    • Clinical Associate: $23,000
    • Clinical Coordinator: $24,000
    • Clinical Nurse: $54,000
    • Clinical Nurse Manager: $69,000
    • Hospice Consultant: $20,000
    • Medical Records Field Technician: $42,000
    • Ms Tele RN: $112,000
    • Nurse Clinician: $22,000
    • Nurse Coordinator: $22,000
    • RN Care Coordinator: $22,000
    • Telemetry Nurse: $59,000
    • Telemetry Nursing: $59,000
    • Vocational Nurse: $21,000