- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
With an average annual salary of $100,000 or more, CRNAs have one of the highest salaries among the nursing field. If you are already a licensed registered nurse (RN), you may be qualified to enter a graduate education program to become a CRNA.
A nurse practitioner is a mid-level provider who provides patient care under the supervision of a licensed physician. NPs are qualified and authorized to do patient exams and some minor procedures and tests. NP practices are regulated at the state level, and state laws vary widely from state to state. In some states, NPs are legally required to practice under the supervision of a physician, and must have a licensed physician to sign off on their work. However, in other states, NPs practice independently of physicians, providing primary care, and may prescribe medications as such. Becoming a nurse practitioner could be an excellent choice for someone who wants to earn as much as a CRNA, and would also like to experience some continuity of care, and build relationships and rapport with returning patients over time. For more information on becoming an NP, plus salary information, see the nursing career profile.
A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice nurse who also assists with specialized research, education, advocacy, and sometimes management. In addition to being Registered Nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialists also hold a Master’s of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) and they have completed the additional CNS certification for their respective area of expertise.
Clinical Nurse Specialists are, as the name implies, trained and educated in a particular medical specialty. For example, a CNS of oncology would be highly trained in the treatment of cancer patients. A CNS of oncology may assist with clinical trials, and hold informational or educational meetings for cancer patients or other oncology nurses. Additionally, the CNS for oncology may assist in developing nursing protocols or quality improvement methods within the oncology department of a hospital.
According to www.allnursingschools.com, there are over 15 areas in which a CNS may specialize including psychiatry, cardiology, infectious disease, geriatrics, and more.
The average salary for CNS roles is around $70,000 – 80,000. It’s difficult to quote an average salary across all CNS roles, since pay varies according to the subspecialty as well, but there are many positions paying up to $90,000 or more with experience.
