Elizabeth Morrill, MHS, BSN, RN 

Nurse Types / Blood Management Nurse

Blood management nurses are responsible for implementing and managing transfusions of blood and other blood products for patients with blood loss or blood disorders. This could include blood loss related to injury or surgery, or due to conditions like anemia or cancer. 

This specialized career requires an in-depth knowledge of blood transfusions, including when they are necessary and how to implement them. Learn more about how to become a blood management nurse, including:

• What is a blood management nurse?
• What do blood management nurses do?
• Where do blood management nurses work?
• What are specific types of blood management nurses?
• How do you become a blood management nurse in 3 steps?
• What are the salary and career outlooks for blood management nurses? 

What is a blood management nurse?

Blood management nurses are part of clinical teams that oversee patient blood management programs in hospitals, clinics, or outpatient centers.

Patient blood management actually strives to eliminate the need for blood transfusions. Blood management nurses accomplish this through evidence-based medical and surgical techniques that can reduce blood loss during surgery and help patients stay medically stable during illness and recovery. 

In other words, blood management nurses use evidence-based strategies to help patients prevent anemia and maintain their own healthy blood supply.

Patient blood management is a relatively new field and has three primary goals:

1. Improve patient’s red blood cell amounts through specialized medications as well as iron and vitamin supplements.
2. Minimize blood loss through advanced surgical and anesthetic techniques. 
3. Increase heart and lung function to minimize the impact of anemia, which can reduce the need for blood transfusions. 

Blood management nursing is closely related to infusion nursing, but there is more emphasis on improving clinical practices so blood transfusions are only used when absolutely needed. This career may involve elements of administration, research, and best practice development.

Qualities of a successful blood management nurse

A blood management nurse must:

• Be detail-oriented 
• Understand how to safely administer blood and blood products
• Have strong communication and teamwork skills
• Understand effective patient education techniques
• Understand the role of patient blood management within larger plans of care

While blood management nurses work closely with patients, they may also be involved in research or the development of best practices for an entire unit or hospital. For this reason, it can be useful also to have experience with research, interdisciplinary team efforts, or hospital administration.

What do blood management nurses do?

Blood management is about more than performing blood transfusions. Blood management nurses also use their clinical expertise to help patients prevent blood loss and avoid anemia. In other words, a key part of this job is preventing the need for blood transfusions in the first place.

Additionally, blood management nurses may find opportunities to get involved in research and best practice development, management of blood programs, or blood donation drives.

---

A day in the life a blood management nurse

On a clinical level, blood management nurses are specialists in blood transfusions. This work involves:

• Assessing patients to determine if a blood transfusion is necessary.
• Collaborating with a healthcare team to advise when a transfusion is necessary.
• Teaching patients and their loved ones about blood transfusions and how to manage their conditions as relates to blood loss and blood transfusions.
• Working closely with blood banks to ensure that sufficient supplies and resources are available at all times.
• Performing transfusions of blood and other blood products, including initiation of intravenous lines, administration of blood products, monitoring for side effects, evaluation of treatment, and follow-up care.

Common conditions treated by blood management nurses

A blood management nurse will work with patients who are at risk for blood loss or who have experienced blood loss due to injury or disease. This field originally developed in surgical settings, but it has since expanded to other medical settings as well.

Some conditions that may require the support of a blood management nurse include:

• Trauma
• Sepsis
• Anemia
• Surgery
• Blood loss related to childbirth
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Liver disorders
• Heart failure

Where do blood management nurses work?

Blood management nurses work wherever patients might need blood transfusions. This may include:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Outpatient centers

Closely related fields 

Fields closely related to blood management nursing include:

• Infusion nursing
• Surgical and post-operative nursing
• Oncology nursing
• Dialysis nursing
• Critical care nursing, like emergency and intensive care

---

---

How do you become a blood management nurse in 3 steps?

To become a blood management nurse, you have to follow three steps. First, you must obtain a nursing degree and become a registered nurse (RN). Next, you need to gain experience as a nurse. Finally, you must complete relevant certifications to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in blood management.

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

The first step on the path to becoming a blood management nurse is becoming a registered nurse. This requires getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and passing a national competency exam.

Earn a degree 

There are many different degree paths available to prospective nurses. However, most hiring managers prefer nurses with a bachelor’s degree or more. This opens the door to higher salaries and more responsibilities.

You can earn a BSN through traditional four-year college programs, accelerated second-degree BSN programs (ABSN), and RN-to-BSN bridge programs.

Pass the NCLEX exam

Once you have a degree in nursing, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. You must pass this test to demonstrate that you have a minimum level of competence in nursing knowledge. After passing the NCLEX, you may apply for a nursing license in the state you wish to work.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Once you become a registered nurse, it’s important to gain experience in patient blood management. 

Helpful skills and experience

If your ultimate goal is to work in blood management, it’s helpful to target initial jobs that involve blood transfusions, like:

• Medical-surgical nursing
• Emergency nursing
• Intensive care nursing

Maternity and postpartum care nursing may also provide opportunities to work with patients who need blood transfusions. 

These specialties will include working with patients with various conditions that may involve blood loss or blood diseases. This will allow you to gain vital skills in patient blood management, like:

• Initiating intravenous lines and managing central line access
• Administering intravenous medications
• Implementing blood transfusions and evaluating outcomes of transfusions
• Educating patients about their blood transfusion needs

You can also demonstrate an interest in this career path by working with local blood banks or blood drives through organizations like The American Red Cross.

Changing specialty to blood management nursing

Nurses with experience in critical care, long-term care, or medical-surgical nursing are all good candidates for blood management nursing. Nurses who are interested in switching specialties should investigate opportunities to build experience in patient blood management within their current employment. 

Additionally, nurses can take Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in blood transfusions and blood management to help build their skillset. The Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM) is another opportunity for networking, education, and training.

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

Certification and continuing education options for blood management nurses include:

• Patient Blood Management (PBM) Certificate Course: This is offered by the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management (SABM). It includes 9 CEU hours and costs $350. This is only a certificate course, however, and does not allow for certification.

• Patient Blood Management Specialist (PBMS) Certification: This certification deals with blood management in the perioperative phase of patient care. The exam is open to anyone with an interest in patient blood management and who has recent experience in this area.

• Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI): To be eligible for this exam, you must have an active RN license and at least 1,600 hours of infusion-nursing experience in the last two years. The exam covers blood and blood products in addition to other infusion topics.

Nurses who are interested specifically in oncology or blood and bone transplants may also consider becoming a Blood & Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN). 

What are the salary and career outlooks for blood management nurses? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for all nurses is strong, and jobs in this field are expected to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031.

The BLS reports that the average nurse earns $82,750 per year.   

Ziprecruiter states that perioperative blood management technologists earn on average $74,367 per year. According to Salary.com, infusion nurses earn on average $86,870 per year. 

Nursing salaries vary based on education, experience, and location, such as state and city.  

---

---

Job satisfaction

Successful patient blood management is related to lower healthcare costs, improved outcomes for patients, and fewer patient complications. Nurses who work in blood management are involved in a rapidly emerging field that directly improves patient outcomes for entire hospitals or outpatient centers. 

Additionally, this career path offers room for growth, from bedside blood transfusion practice up to research and administration of whole patient blood management programs.

Next steps 

The Joint Commission offers a Patient Blood Management Certification, which is a hospital- or organization-level certification. This initiative is an opportunity for nurses to become involved in leadership within the patient blood management field.

Nurses can also progress in this career field by pursuing Masters-level education, like a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). This can open up new opportunities and higher salaries.

If you’re interested in learning more about working as a blood management nurse, you can talk to other blood management nurses in the Incredible Health Q&A Forum. Use our career resources page for even more valuable information. 

---

---

FAQs

Nurse Types / Infusion Nurse

An infusion nurse, or IV nurse, specializes in the administration of medications and therapies through intravenous (IV) lines, midline or central lines, or venous access ports. 

Infusion nursing is a flexible career that provides the freedom to work in many different settings with diverse populations. An infusion nurse might administer chemotherapy in the hospital or provide specialized nutrition in a patient’s home. They may also train patients and their caregivers how to properly administer medication through venous catheters utilizing various devices including electronic pumps.

Find out more about how to become an infusion nurse, including:

• What is an infusion nurse?
• What do infusion nurses do?
• Where do infusion nurses work?
• What are specific types of infusion nurses?
• How do you become an infusion nurse in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of infusion nurses? 
• What are the salary and career outlooks for infusion nurses?
• FAQs

---

---

What is an infusion nurse?

An infusion nurse is an expert in managing intravenous and central venous catheters and administering medications through them. The job requires a strong understanding of pharmacology, patient assessment, and sterile/aseptic procedural techniques.

Qualities of a successful infusion nurse

An infusion nurse must have a deep understanding of the proper administration of specialized and potentially dangerous medications and therapies. If their position involves training patients and family members, it requires the ability to educate people on complex procedures using easy-to-understand terminology and demonstrations.

You might be a good fit for infusion nursing if:

• You have a broad understanding of different disease processes and conditions
• You have strong assessment and teaching skills
• You understand the appropriate monitoring and management required for a wide range of medications and conditions, as well as the nursing care requirements for every medication you administer
• You can interpret lab results and adjust therapies accordingly in collaboration with the prescribing provider

Infusion nurses work closely with bedside nurses, physicians, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other members of the healthcare team. For this reason, infusion nurses should also possess excellent communication skills.

What do infusion nurses do?

Infusion nurses administer medications and through intravenous catheters, midline catheters, central venous catheters, and central venous ports.

Infusion nurses do a lot of teaching as part of their work. This usually entails helping patients and their families learn to care for venous catheters/ports, how to administer medications through them if they will be discharged home on intravenous medications, and what adverse signs/symptoms to look for.

Types of medications they may administer include (but are not limited to):

• Chemotherapy
• Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
• Antibiotics
• Steroids
• Fluid and electrolyte infusions
• Cardiac medications
• Biologics

A day in the life of an infusion nurse

A typical day for an infusion nurse depends on the setting. Some work in hospitals, some work in outpatient infusion centers, and others work primarily in home care.

An infusion nurse working in patients’ homes may assess the patient’s line for patency and signs of infection, perform a sterile dressing change, draw lab work, and/or administer prescribed medications. 

During the visit, they will also assess the patient for complications and ensure the drug has the intended effect. They may also provide education about how to care for the line, self-administer the medication, and what adverse signs/symptoms to look for that would cause concern.

Nurses working at an infusion center within the hospital or in an outpatient setting administer various types of medications while monitoring the patient for reactions. They may also perform sterile dressing changes and provide education about side effects and/or how to also administer medications at home.

Common conditions treated by infusion nurses

Infusion nursing can be an exciting and rewarding field due to the variety of patients and conditions who need this type of care.

These nurses might treat patients with (but not limited to):

• Different forms of cancer
• Cardiac conditions
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Crohn’s disease
• Rheumatoid disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis
• Dehydration
• Anemia

Where do infusion nurses work?

Infusion nurses work in many different settings. Here are some of the places an infusion nurse might work:

• Outpatient clinic or primary care office
• Home health agency
• Specialized infusion unit within the hospital
• Oncology unit
• Medical day spas
• Palliative and hospice care

While some infusion units are open 365 days a year, other workplaces follow a more traditional Monday-Friday schedule, which may be appealing to nurses looking for a more traditional work schedule.

What are specific types of infusion nurses?

Some infusion nurses work as generalists, caring for patients with many different conditions and diseases. Others specialize in a particular field, like oncology or rheumatology.

Closely Related Fields

There are many fields of nursing that require top-notch IV skills and skilled medication management, including:

• Critical care nursing
• Emergency nursing,
• Surgical nursing
• Oncology nursing
• Dialysis nursing
• Rheumatology nursing

---

---

How do you become an infusion nurse in 3 steps?

All infusion nurses start by following the same steps: obtain either your Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and gain experience in nursing.

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

To become an infusion nurse, you must first obtain your Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Ways to Earn a BSN degree

While it’s possible to become a nurse with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), most employers prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses. A BSN provides additional training in critical thinking and problem solving that will help you excel as an infusion nurse.

There are several ways to obtain your BSN. Some prospective nurses graduate from traditional four-year degree programs. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, you may be eligible for an accelerated degree program (ABSN) which allows you to graduate with a BSN in 16-24 months. 

Others may be eligible for an RN-to-BSN bridge program. This allows you to work as nurse while earning your degree.

It may also help you negotiate a better salary and more responsibilities once you’ve entered the job market.

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

Every registered nurse must pass the NCLEX-RN, a national exam that certifies you have a minimum level of skill and knowledge to practice safely.

After you pass the NCLEX-RN, you are eligible to apply for a nursing license in your state and begin applying for jobs.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Infusion nurses should have a strong knowledge of peripheral, midline, and central line venous catheters to include potential problems associated with the devices. They should also have a strong understanding of pharmacology and be comfortable with providing patient education. The best way to acquire this experience is to work as a bedside RN for a few years.

Helpful skills and experience

Aspiring infusion nurses should consider continuing education units on topics like:

• Central venous catheter management
• Intravenous medication therapy
• Pharmacology
• Sterile dressing changes
• Lab value interpretation
• Patient education

It may also be worthwhile to ask an infusion nurse in your hospital if they would be willing to let you shadow them for a shift. This can provide great insight into the nurse’s work and required skills.

Changing specialty to a infusion nurse 

Many infusion nurses start their careers as bedside nurses in the hospital where they acquire IV/CVC management and medication administration skills, then switch specialties after they have gained some experience. Bedside nursing roles provide an excellent foundation in patient education and medication management that will help prepare you for infusion nursing.

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

The primary certification for infusion nurses is the Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI) exam. To be eligible for this exam, you must have an active RN license and at least 1,600 hours of infusion-nursing experience in the last two years.

Depending on the type of work you plan to do, you may also consider the following certifications:

• Blood & Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN)
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)

What are additional requirements of infusion nurses? 

Infusion nurses are exceptional healthcare providers who provide essential care to patients requiring advanced medical therapies. To succeed in this career, an infusion nurse must be patient, caring, a great educator, and organized.

What are the salary and career outlooks for infusion nurses?

The need for nurses continues to grow. The aging population and number of patients requiring the services of an infusion nurse is steady and many jobs are available. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for all nurses is expected to grow 6% between 2021 and 2031.

The average nurse earns $82,750 annually. Infusion nurses earn on average $86,870 per year, but nurses who are certified with several years of experience can reasonably expect to earn over $96,000.

Nursing salaries vary by state and by city. Our salary estimator can help you estimate how much you could earn. 

---

---

Job satisfaction

Many nurses turn to infusion nursing since this type of work generally involves a more reliable schedule and slower pace compared to shift work in the hospital. While schedule and salary depend on where you work, nurses in this field have some flexibility to choose the setting that works best for them.

Another benefit to this type of nursing is that it allows nurses to work individually with patients. This includes those who go into home health or outpatient infusion clinics where many patients come in for routine therapy for weeks, months, or even years.

For these reasons, infusion nurses are likely to find a great deal of job satisfaction within this field.

Next steps 

Infusion nursing is a rewarding and flexible career. Nurses who wish to advance their careers might consider academics or management positions once they have several years of experience. 

Another option is to join organizations like:

• Infusion Nurse Society
• National Home Infusion Association

The Journal of Infusion Nursing is another good resource.

Do you have additional questions about infusion nursing? Post your questions in our question-and-answer forum and receive advice from real nurses.

Ready to find your first infusion nursing job? Our career resources can help you prepare your resume, practice for interviews, and target the right jobs for your professional goals. Start by creating a profile with Incredible Health to help you find the right opportunity for your career goals.

FAQs

Nurse Types / Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

An adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) is a type of advanced practice registered nurse who provides essential care to individuals from later adulthood through the end of life.

The American population is going through a demographic shift, and the percentage of people older than 65 is growing. In 2019, 16% of Americans were over age 65. The number is projected to grow to over 25% by 2060.

In order to care for an aging population, there is a great need for skilled healthcare providers who understand the challenges and unique health concerns of this population.

This article will explain how to become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, including:

• What is an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner?
• What do adult-gerontology nurse practitioners do?
• Where do adult-gerontology nurse practitioners work?
• What are specific types of adult-gerontology nurse practitioners?
• How do you become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of adult-gerontology nurse practitioners? 
• What are the salary and career outlooks for adult-gerontology nurse practitioners?
• FAQs

What is an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner?

Gerontology is the study of the aging process. Someone who works in gerontology supports patients with age-related changes and disease processes, like:

• Stiffening of the arteries
• Reductions in bone density
• Loss of muscle strength and flexibility
• Changes in lung strength and capacity
• Hearing and vision changes
• Changes in cognition and memory

Learn more about the types of nursing careers.

Qualities of a successful adult-gerontology nurse practitioner

A successful AGNP has deep knowledge of the aging process and conditions that may occur more frequently in older adults.

In addition to providing exceptional healthcare, an excellent AGNP also:

• Provides comprehensive, holistic care that takes into account psychological and physical health needs
• Empowers patients to find fulfillment and enjoyment in the later years of life
• Teaches patients how to stay safe and live independently as long as they would like

What do adult-gerontology nurse practitioners do?

On a typical day, an AGNP may:

• Provide information to patients to help prevent injury and infection
• Assess older adults 
• Interpret lab results
• Diagnose diseases and conditions 
• Formulate a plan of care
• Perform procedures like suturing or conduct diagnostic tests
• Refer patients to specialists as needed
• Educate patients on their health and treatment plans
• Collaborate with other providers, from nursing assistants, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and specialists

---

AGNPs also play an important role in helping older adults improve their quality of life by encouraging healthy behaviors that can prevent, minimize, or accommodate age-related changes.

This might include teaching patients about:

• Safe exercise programs
• Appropriate diet
• Medication usage
• Safety measures like removing loose area rugs or installing grab bars in the shower

Common conditions treated by adult-gerontology nurse practitioners

An AGNP may work with adults in an outpatient setting who require preventive and well-patient care. They may also care for patients with chronic conditions or acute injuries related to the aging process.

Approximately 92% of older adults suffer from at least one chronic condition, and 77% are diagnosed with two or more. The most common chronic conditions among older adults are:

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Diabetes

Other common conditions that affect older adults include:

• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Skin tears or skin breakdown
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Kidney disease
• Hypertension

AGNPs should also be well-versed in psychological conditions that may affect older adults. For example, one in four older adults is reported to suffer from mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or dementia. In addition, the highest rate of suicide occurs in adults over age 85.

Where do adult-gerontology nurse practitioners work?

An AGNP may provide both preventative and acute care. As such, they can work in a diverse range of settings, such as:

• Primary care offices
• Hospitals and urgent care clinics
• Long-term care facilities and nursing homes
• Correctional facilities
• Hospice centers

What are specific types of adult-gerontology nurse practitioners?

There are two main types of AGNPs:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) focuses on acute illnesses and conditions, like pneumonia or a bad fall. They are more likely to work in a hospital or acute-care setting.
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP) specializes in preventative care and overall wellness. They most often work in outpatient settings.

Closely related fields

There are many different specialties for nurse practitioners to pursue. The most closely related field is Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS).

The difference between an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist is subtle. An AGNP provides direct patient care. An AG-CNS may be more involved in administrative, research, and consulting roles than bedside care. For example, an AG-CNS could manage patient care and larger health programs, research and implement overall nursing best practices, and mentor and support other nurses. 

An AG-CNS who wants to stay at the bedside may also specialize further to diagnose and treat very sick patients within this population, like an oncology NP (AG-CNS-Oncology) or critical care and trauma NP (AG-CNS-CCT). 

Other related fields include:

• Family Nurse Practitioners also provide preventative and acute care to patients across the lifespan.
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioners specifically treats acute conditions and may work with both children and adults.
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners treat conditions affecting the female reproductive system.
• Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners provide programs and services that support a healthy and safe work environment. They may also work directly with employees who have suffered a workplace injury.

---

---

How do you become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner in 3 steps?

All prospective AGNPs must follow the same steps to pursue this career: 

• Become a registered nurse
• Pass the NCLEX and get your nursing license
• Work as a nurse for 1-2 years minimum
• Complete master’s or doctorate level coursework in adult-gerontology nursing
• Pass national boards

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

Earn a BSN and MSN degree 

The first step to becoming an AGNP is to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Some roles may also require a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Most, if not all, master’s programs require BSN-prepared nurses. If you already have an Associate Degree in Nursing, an RN-to-BSN program can help you quickly bridge the gap. 

Accelerated BSN programs are an option for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Nurses may also complete a BSN-to-MSN or a BSN-to-DNP program.

Pass the NCLEX exam

All registered nurses must also pass the NCLEX exam. Passing this exam certifies that you have the minimum knowledge necessary to practice safely as a nurse. After you pass the NCLEX, you can apply for a license to become a registered nurse.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Helpful skills and experience

The best preparation for a future as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner is hands-on clinical experience with older adults. 

As a registered nurse, it is helpful to target jobs that allow you to:

• Assess older adults
• Implement plans of care for aging populations
• Administer medications that treat chronic and acute conditions 
• Provide patient education to older adults about their care plans and wellness goals
• Collaborate with other care providers who work directly with this population

This work will allow you to develop a solid foundation in the most common conditions and health concerns among adults. 

Changing specialty to adult-gerontology nurse practitioner 

Many AGNPs come from other specialties. You can increase your chances of acceptance in an AGNP program by demonstrating clinical experience with aging populations either in acute or primary care. 

Clinical experience

Most nurses work for a few years before continuing to master’s or doctorate-level work. While every program is different, many experienced NPs recommend several years of clinical nursing experience to help prepare for advanced coursework and patient care.

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

In order to practice as an AG-NP, you must be certified by either the American Nurse Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 

Both exams require that you complete all coursework from an accredited nurse practitioner program in gerontology nursing, including required clinical hours. Nurse practitioners may choose whichever exam best suits their objectives.

Both certifications must be renewed every five years and require completion of continuing education units (CEUs).

What are additional requirements of adult-gerontology nurse practitioners? 

AGNPs are skilled healthcare providers who provide compassionate, holistic care to older adults. Depending on their role and where they work, they must also be prepared to work with varying degrees of independence and autonomy.

A nurse practitioner’s scope of practice varies on the state. Some NPs work autonomously and independently, while others are limited in their ability to diagnose or prescribe without physician oversight. It’s important to check the scope of practice in the state where you wish to work.

What are the salary and career outlooks for adult-gerontology nurse practitioners?

AGNPs and other nurse practitioners earn one of the highest salaries in nursing. The average salary for AGNPs is $100,381. In comparison, the average salary for a registered nurse is $82,750 per year according to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Years of experience, education level, and location also affect pay. For example, some of the highest-paid AGNPs are found in:

• California ($111,510)
• New Jersey ( $110,372)
• New York ($107,117)

Learn more about the highest salaries for registered nurses by city and state. Curious what you could earn in your city? Check out our free salary estimator to learn more.

Overall, the job outlook for both registered nurses and advanced practice nurses is strong. The BLS predicts the growth rate of nurse practitioners will be 40% from 2021 to 2031. There are many high-quality jobs for AGNPs around the country due to a number of factors, like:

• A growing shortage of physicians
• Healthcare legislation that is widening the NP scope of practice
• An aging population
• A growing emphasis on preventative care

---

---

Job satisfaction

Working as an AGNP provides the opportunity to play a vital role in disease prevention and recovery among a growing population.

Many AGNPs value this career because it allows:

• Increased autonomy and independence compared to bedside nursing
• Lots of hands-on patient interaction
• Increased salary potential
• Professional growth
• The opportunity to directly impact patient health and well-being

Next steps

Working as an AGNP is a rewarding and fulfilling career with good income potential. If you have questions about the AGNP career path, share them on the Incredible Health forum. You’ll receive answers from nurse practitioners who personally understand the ins and outs of this career.

If you’re ready to start your job search, our career resources can help you prepare.  Start by creating a free profile with Incredible Health to connect with employers looking to hire qualified AGNPs in your area.

FAQs

---

---

Nurse Types / Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators are healthcare leaders who help direct policies and manage staff in healthcare organizations.

If you enjoy working at the highest levels of healthcare and serving as a leader within your team, then nurse administration might be for you.

This article will explore the steps to becoming a nurse administrator, including:

• What is a nurse administrator?
• What do nurse administrators do?
• Where do nurse administrators work?
• What are specific types of nurse administrators?
• How do you become a nurse administrator in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of nurse administrators? 
• What are the salary and career outlooks for nurse administrators? 
• FAQs

What is a nurse administrator?

Nurse administrators oversee nursing staff within a healthcare organization or hospital and are involved in high-level policy decisions that impact how care is provided. 

In order to become a nurse administrator, you should have many years of clinical experience. Nurse administrators draw from a deep well of hands-on nursing knowledge to evaluate hospital policies, staff performance, and resource allocation.

However, this is not a bedside role, and nurse administrators rarely interact with patients. Instead, nurse administrators work with other members of the leadership team within a healthcare organization.

Qualities of a successful nurse administrator

Nurse administrators are experienced nurses, and most have advanced degrees. They should be able to manage minute details of budget and staffing needs while also understanding larger strategic goals.

To be a successful nurse administrator, you should:

• Be organized and meticulous about details
• Be adept with record-keeping systems and specialized software for budgets and personnel management
• Show strong accounting and financial management skills to track and implement budgets
• Enjoy mentoring and coaching other nurses
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Exhibit good social-emotional skills to assist with conflict resolution among staff
• Employ effective negotiation skills to advocate for policies and resources

What do nurse administrators do?

Nurse administrators are involved in both management and personnel. Here are some of the tasks a nurse administrator might perform:

• Conduct personnel management, including performance reviews and workplace conflict resolutions
• Review and implement budgets to ensure sufficient resources within the department
• Order supplies and make major purchasing decisions for a clinic or hospital unit
• Assess healthcare policies that affect day-to-day nursing care for efficiency, quality, and safety
• Ensure nursing staff follow policy regulations and standards of care
• Help staff access the training and resources they need to provide quality care

---

A day in the life of a nurse administrator

Most nurse administrators work during standard business hours and rarely work weekends or nights. During a typical day, they might:

• Attend hospital administration meetings to advocate for budgetary requirements
• Counsel a new charge nurse about good delegation skills
• Prepare annual performance reviews for nursing staff
• Develop a training presentation to educate staff nurses about a new safety protocol
• Review hospital nursing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for accuracy and clarity
• Review timecards and scheduling needs within the department
• Analyze the existing onboarding checklist for new nurses to ensure new staff are adequately trained 
• Send out a reminder to staff nurses about annual tuberculosis testing requirements or other licensing needs
• Advocate for first-year nurses to attend an educational conference to acquire Continuing Education Units and new certifications

Nurse administrators will deal with any task related to personnel or management within the department or clinic. They must think strategically about every decision and consider how even small budgetary items could affect larger departmental goals. 

Patient safety and well-being are the core of all nurse administration duties. A nurse administrator must consider how staffing needs, training programs, hospital SOPs, and budgetary requests will ultimately affect day-to-day patient care.

Where do nurse administrators work?

Nurse administrators work at the highest level of clinics, hospitals, and hospital systems. They primarily work in office environments.

Potential opportunities include:

• Hospitals and hospital systems
• Large clinics 
• Travel nursing companies
• Nurse staffing agencies
• Hospital management organizations

Closely related fields

Some nurse administrators work in a specific area, like health information. This field deals with the maintenance and security of electronic systems for patient records. Nurse administrators in this field should be comfortable working with new and emerging technology, large amounts of data, and laws that affect patient records.

Clinical Nurse Specialists are also advanced nursing professionals who oversee other nursing staff, but they are more involved in bedside care than nurse administrators.

Nurse managers may continue to progress in their careers to higher levels of administration and management.

For example, Chief Nursing Officers and Directors of Nursing work at the highest levels of an organization or hospital where they oversee nursing staff and nursing policies for the entire organization. Other nurse administrators oversee entire organizations, like nursing homes or long-term care facilities. 

---

---

How do you become a nurse administrator in 3 steps?

Nurse administrators have advanced training and experience. Here’s how to become a nurse administrator in three steps.

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse 

Earn a BSN and MSN

Nurse administrators must first become registered nurses with advanced degrees, like a Master’s or Doctorate in a related field.

The first step is to become a registered nurse. While it’s possible to become a registered nurse with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepares potential nurse administrators for higher level degrees like:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DPN)
• Ph.D. in Nursing 
• Masters in Health Administration (MHA)
• Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
• Masters of Public Health (MPH)

Nurses who are interested in advancing their careers have options, even if they currently have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in another field. RN-to-BSN programs can help nurses achieve their BSNs in a streamlined program. Accelerated BSN programs provide the opportunity to obtain a BSN in as little as 16 months for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in other fields.

Pass the NCLEX exam

After finishing your BSN, it’s time to take your board exams. The NCLEX is a national exam that certifies you have the minimum knowledge to practice safely as a nurse.

After passing the NCLEX, you can apply for a nursing license in the state where you wish to work.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Helpful skills and experience

Nurse administrators should have several years of clinical experience before considering this career path. This experience allows potential nurse managers to understand the workflow and daily requirements of staff nurses.

In addition, aspiring nurse administrators should have some leadership and managerial experience. This could come in many forms, like:

• Serving as a charge nurse
• Working as a nurse preceptor
• Volunteering for hospital committees
• Serving as part of Joint Commission or other accreditation efforts
• Acting in a managerial position for professional nursing societies

Potential nurse administrators might also explore professional resources, such as:

• The American Organization for Nursing Leadership, which provides educational and credentialing opportunities for nurses in this field. 
• The Organization for Nurse Leaders provides a similar resource for nurses specifically in New England.
• The American College of Health Executives provides resources and education for healthcare leaders from many different disciplines. It’s open to students in health management programs as well.

Changing specialty to a nurse administrator 

Nurse administrators come from many nursing specialties. To change careers to nurse administration, the most important prior experience for a nurse to have is:

• A deep understanding of the daily needs and challenges facing staff nurses
• Experience serving as a leader and manager of healthcare staff

• A minimum of five years of clinical experience
• An advanced degree in healthcare administration or similar

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

Nurse administrators have several options for advanced certifications to help demonstrate their skills and expertise.

These include:

• Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC): To be eligible for the NE-BC exam, you must have 2,000 hours of managerial experience in the last three years, as well as 30 hours of relevant CEUs. This certification is for nurse administrators who manage a single unit or department. 

• Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC): This certification is for nurse administrators who manage multiple departments or work in larger hospital systems. The eligibility criteria are the same as the NE-BC certification, except the 2,000 hours of experience must include managing systems or organization-wide processes.

• Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML): To sit for this exam, you must have at least one year of experience in a managerial role as well as a BSN degree.

• Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP): This certification is for nurse managers with 2-4 years of executive-level experience and either a BSN or Master’s degree in a nursing-related field.

What are additional requirements of nurse administrators? 

Nurse administrators are experienced nursing professionals with years of clinical and managerial experience. 

Other beneficial skills include:

• Good computer skills, especially with specialized personnel software
• Strong communication skills, including advanced negotiating ability
• Financial savvy to help make major purchases and justify budget recommendations for staff salaries, labor costs, and necessary supplies
• An eye for the big picture and larger strategic decisions
• The ability to collaborate with all levels of healthcare staff

What are the salary and career outlooks for nurse administrators? 

Medical and health service administrators earn an average salary of $101,340 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In comparison, the average salary for registered nurses is $82,750 per year. 

Average salary varies based on where you live, prior experience, and additional certifications and degrees. Setting also plays a big role in salary, with nurse administrators in hospitals earning nearly $120,000 per year.

Average Salary by Setting, BLS.com

Healthcare and hospital administration is a growing field, and the BLS reports that the field of medical and health services managers will grow by 32% between 2019 and 2029. Both registered nurses and nurse administrators have many opportunities for employment due to an aging U.S. population requiring more healthcare resources.

Discover the best-paid cities for nurses.

---

---

Job satisfaction

Nurse administration is a good career choice for nurses who:

• Enjoy strategic decision making
• Appreciate the opportunity to train and mentor other nurses
• Desire a more regular schedule, without nights or weekend shifts
• Want to help improve nursing care from the top level

This area of nursing is potentially less stressful than bedside nursing due to the opportunity for more regular hours, a higher salary, and the opportunity to be more involved in decision-making. There is also the potential for upward mobility into Chief Nursing or Director of Nursing opportunities.

Next steps 

There are so many ways to use a nursing degree, and nurse administration is an excellent option for nurses who are looking for a change from bedside nursing and who are interested in improving daily nursing care.

Nurse administrators can grow in this career by acquiring additional educational degrees or certifications. 

Other options include taking on additional responsibilities in a larger organization, research or publishing, or academia. 

If you have questions about nurse administration, be sure to check out the Incredible Health forum. You can talk to other nurse administrators about how to get started in the field and the best way to gain experience.

Ready to learn more about nursing administration jobs in your area? Incredible Health career resources can help you prepare for your next career leap. Create a free profile to get started today!

FAQs

---

---

Nurse Types / Dermatology Nurse

Dermatology nurses help patients care for their largest organ – their skin. Dermatology nurses help inspect skin for any issues such as skin cancer or burns. This rewarding career offers flexibility, a good income, and close patient interaction, making it popular among nurses looking for an alternative to traditional hospital shift work.

This article will explain everything you need to know about becoming a dermatology nurse, including:

• What is a dermatology nurse?
• What do dermatology nurses do?
• Where do dermatology nurses work?
• What are specific types of dermatology nurses?
• How do you become a dermatology nurse in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of dermatology nurses? 
• What are the salary and career outlooks for dermatology nurses?
• FAQs

---

---

What is a dermatology nurse?

Dermatology nurses are specialists in caring for the skin, including skin diseases, burns, wounds, and cosmetic concerns.

As a dermatology nurse, you may help patients learn how to:

• Protect and care for their skin
• Manage conditions like skin cancer
• Maintain healthy skin as part of diabetes management
• Provide pre- and post-operative care for cosmetic surgery
• Assist with cosmetic skin procedures
• Treat skin wounds and injuries

Qualities of a successful dermatology nurse

If you are interested in dermatology nursing, you should have advanced knowledge of skin health and treatment for common skin issues.

Other important qualities include:

• Strong patient assessment skills
• An understanding of common skin disorders, skin diseases, and wound care
• Knowledge of common dermatologic procedures
• Excellent patient communication and education skills
• Pre- and post-op management skills

What do dermatology nurses do?

Dermatology nurses care for patients with a variety of skin conditions and concerns. 

Some of the tasks that a dermatology nurse might perform include:

• Assess skin condition
• Perform wound care and apply dressings
• Provide burn care
• Assist with tattoo removal
• Take patient history about skin health and daily skincare
• Conduct skin cancer screenings
• Assess skin for wounds, pressure ulcers, or suspicious growths
• Assist with procedures like skin peels, microdermabrasion, or skin biopsies
• Monitor patients after procedures like skin grafts or cosmetic surgery
• Educate patients about general skin health, post-op skin care, and preventative sun measures

A day in the life of a dermatology nurse

A typical day for a dermatology nurse will depend on where they work. A nurse who works in a general outpatient office may have tasks that include:

• Taking patient vital signs and medical history
• Conducting skin assessments
• Preparing equipment for the healthcare provider
• Assisting with procedures like skin biopsies or wart removal
• Providing patient education about skin health or sun protection

Nurses who work in a cosmetic dermatology office may also assist with cosmetic procedures, including pre- and post-operative care and education. 

Dermatology nurses who specialize in wound or burn care may work in specialized units in a hospital or as part of wound care teams who visit patients throughout the hospital or in their homes. They may care for ostomies, burns, pressure ulcers, or skin tears. They may also educate other nurses about how to support skin health.

Outside of burn care units, dermatology nursing is typically slower-paced than other types of nursing. This field has fewer emergencies and less need for life-saving measures. 

Common conditions treated by dermatology nurses

Nurses who are interested in dermatology have the opportunity to work with many different kinds of patients and conditions.

Some nurses work in outpatient offices that primarily deal with cosmetic skin procedures or general skin health. Others work as part of a wound care team in the hospital, long-term care, or home health.

Common conditions that dermatology nurses make see are:

• Skin cancer
• Burns
• Warts
• Acne
• Moles
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Skin tears
• Wounds and ostomies
• Rosacea
• Impetigo 

Where do dermatology nurses work?

This type of Registered Nurse can work in many different settings depending on their specialty. 

Some of the places that dermatology nurses may work include:

• Hospitals
• Burn units
• Plastic surgeon’s offices
• Home health
• Dermatology clinics or private practices
• Day spas or cosmetic dermatology offices

What are specific types of dermatology nurses?

Dermatology nurses can specialize in cosmetic dermatology, general skin health, or wound and burn care.

Nurses who work in general dermatology offices may see patients with:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Rosacea
• Skin cancer
• Psoriasis

Nurses who deal with skin trauma will have advanced knowledge of:

• Wound care
• Dressings
• Pressure ulcers
• Skin tears
• Burns
• Skin grafts

These nurses may work with specialized equipment like wound vacs or advanced dressings.

Cosmetic dermatology is a growing industry. Some of the procedures that cosmetic dermatology nurses may assist with include:

• Facial peels, microdermabrasion, and laser hair removal
• Tattoo removal and scar treatments
• Botox and dermal fillers
• Laser skin resurfacing
• Cosmetic surgeries like face lifts, breast augmentations or reductions, liposuction, or nose shapings

Closely related fields

Dermatology nurses may specialize into sub-specialties. For example:

• Wound care nurses specialize in ostomies, wounds, pressure ulcers, skin breakdown, and diabetic foot care. They may work on an outpatient or hospital basis.
• Burn units treat patients with injuries related to fire, chemicals, electricity, or oil. Nurses who work in burn units are a type of critical care nurse.
• Plastic surgeon nurses care for patients undergoing both cosmetic and reconstructive work. They may assist with elective procedures like tummy tucks or nose reshaping, or they may work with surgeons who provide breast reconstruction after mastectomy. 

---

---

How do you become a dermatology nurse in 3 steps?

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

All dermatology nurses must be Registered Nurses. To become a Registered Nurse, you must complete 2-4 years of education and pass a national certifying exam called the NCLEX.

Earn a BSN degree

If you would like to work as a dermatology nurse, the first step is to obtain your Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN). 

While it’s possible to practice with an Associate Degree in Nursing, most employers are looking for BSN-prepared nurses. A BSN usually qualifies you for a higher salary and more responsibilities. There are RN-to-BSN programs for nurses looking to increase their degrees.

There are several ways to achieve your BSN, including traditional four-year degree programs and accelerated BSN programs for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field. 

Pass the NCLEX exam

Once you have obtained your BSN degree, you are eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam. This certifies that you have the minimum knowledge necessary to practice safely as a nurse. After you pass your NCLEX, you may apply for a nursing license in the state where you wish to practice as a nurse.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Helpful skills and experience

Patients can feel self-conscious about their skin conditions. Many skin issues affect personal areas of the body, and dermatology nurses must be able to build a trusting relationship with their patients. A great dermatology nurse helps patients feel at ease throughout their care and treatment.

As a dermatology nurse, you should also be prepared to:

• Provide excellent patient education
• Conduct thorough assessments
• Be organized 
• Demonstrate good time management skills
• Work well with a multidisciplinary healthcare team, including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, surgeons, lab staff, and nursing assistants

Changing specialty to a dermatology nurse 

Many dermatology nurses start in related fields, like med-surg, surgical, or family practice nursing. If you want to change your specialty to dermatology nursing, it helps to take continuing education units in related topics. This can also help you meet the requirements to renew your nursing license.

Other ways to increase your odds of finding a dermatology nursing position include:

• Shadow a dermatology nurse to learn more about the specialty
• Read relevant professional journals, like The Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association
• Join professional organizations like The Dermatology Nurses’ Association

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

Nurses should plan to work in dermatology for at least two years before considering certification. The primary certification in this field is the Dermatology Nursing Certification (DNC) offered by the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.

The DNC certification demonstrates that a nurse has advanced knowledge in the practice of dermatological nursing, including at least 2,000 hours of dermatology nursing in the past two years.

What are additional requirements of dermatology nurses? 

Nurses who enter the field of dermatology should be prepared to help patients understand their skin conditions and appropriate skin care. They may also need to help their patients set reasonable cosmetic goals, as some patients have unrealistic expectations for cosmetic dermatologic procedures.

What are the salary and career outlooks for dermatology nurses? 

Nursing is a growing field with high demand. Nurses who enter dermatology nursing can anticipate steady growth and opportunities for advancement.

According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for all nurses is $82,750 annually. This varies based on geographic location, setting, and years of experience.

Nurses who work in conventional dermatology typically earn $60,792 per year. While this is lower than the average salary for nurses, this work may offer other benefits like regular hours and a slower pace. Additional years of experience and certifications can help you negotiate for a higher salary.

Nurses specializing in wound care or burns often have advanced knowledge and years of experience that can command higher salaries. Burn unit nurses earn on average $98,511 per year.

Nurses who specialize in cosmetic dermatology have a very high earning potential. The average cosmetic dermatology nurse earns $107,335 per year, with the potential to earn much more depending on the city and office where you work.

Job satisfaction

There is great potential for job satisfaction within dermatology nursing. 

Many nurses who turn to dermatology nursing appreciate the regular hours. This field generally involves more favorable outcomes compared to med-surg or critical care nursing, so dermatology can be a good fit for nurses dealing with burn-out after working in other areas of nursing.

Nurses who choose specialized areas like cosmetic dermatology or plastic surgery may also appreciate higher-than-average salaries while maintaining a good work-life balance.

---

---

Next steps 

Nurses interested in furthering their careers in dermatology may consider becoming a Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner. Dermatology nurses can also acquire advanced certifications in skills like laser treatments.

Dermatology nurses can also advance their careers by:

• Acquiring additional years of experience
• Specializing in fields that require advanced nursing care
• Obtaining specialty certifications
• Precepting and mentoring new nurses
• Taking on additional responsibilities as a charge nurse or supervisor
• Working in education, research, or academia

Do you have more questions about dermatology nursing? Post your questions on the Incredible Health forum and receive answers from real nurses. 

Our career resources can help you prepare and find your next nursing position. Create a free profile with Incredible Health and we’ll help you learn more about dermatology nursing positions in your area.

FAQs