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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Median Salary
86,070
Job Outlook
+2%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

55%

Private not for profit

32%

State and local government

9%

Federal Government

3%

Self-employed

2%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 194,500 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$36,420

10%

$86,070

Median

$133,990

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    96%

  • Post-master's certificate

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing
  • Family Practice Nurse/Nursing
  • Adult Health Nurse/Nursing
  • Nursing Administration
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing
  • Emergency Room/Trauma Nursing
  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Critical Care Nursing
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other
  • Nursing Science
  • Geriatric Nurse/Nursing
  • Pediatric Nurse/Nursing
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Nursing Practice
  • Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing
  • Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing
  • Women's Health Nurse/Nursing
  • Palliative Care Nursing
  • Forensic Nursing
  • Perioperative/Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/Nursing

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Education and Training
  • Psychology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Medicine and Dentistry

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.