20 most popular jobs upon graduation for students majoring in nursing

Here’s a practical guide to the 20 most popular jobs for graduates with nursing degrees. Nursing is one of the most in-demand fields worldwide. The degree prepares you for direct patient care, but it also opens doors in administration, education, research, and even technology. Employers love nursing grads because you’re trained to handle pressure, communicate clearly, and care for people in meaningful ways.

• Registered Nurse (Hospital Staff Nurse)
  The most common start: working in medical-surgical wards, intensive care, pediatrics, emergency, or maternity.
• Community Health Nurse
  Providing education, screenings, and preventive care in schools, clinics, and public health programs.
• Primary Care Nurse
  Supporting general practitioners with patient assessments, chronic disease management, and follow-up care.
• Pediatric Nurse
  Specializing in child and adolescent health, from well-child visits to pediatric hospital units.
• Mental Health / Psychiatric Nurse
  Working in psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, or addiction treatment programs.
• Geriatric / Eldercare Nurse
  Providing long-term care in nursing homes, assisted living, and home care; strong demand as populations age.
• Operating Room (Perioperative) Nurse
  Preparing patients, assisting surgeons, and managing recovery in surgical settings.
• Critical Care Nurse
  Intensive care units rely on nurses trained to manage ventilators, drips, and critical patients.
• Emergency Room Nurse
  Fast-paced care for trauma, illness, and emergencies; requires calm under pressure.
• School Nurse
  Managing student health, first aid, and education in primary and secondary schools.
• Occupational Health Nurse
  Supporting workplace health, safety, and wellness programs across industries.
• Public Health Nurse
  Running vaccination drives, maternal-child programs, and health promotion initiatives for communities.
• Research Nurse
  Supporting clinical trials, collecting data, and ensuring protocols are followed in hospitals or universities.
• Nurse Educator (entry-level assistant roles)
  Helping to teach skills labs or support nursing programs, often alongside clinical work.
• Home Health Nurse
  Providing care for patients in their homes—post-surgical, chronic illness, or palliative care.
• Case Manager Nurse
  Coordinating care across providers, insurance, and families to ensure patients get the services they need.
• Telehealth Nurse
  Offering assessments, guidance, and support over phone or video for remote patients.
• Correctional Facility Nurse
  Providing healthcare inside prisons and detention centers, often with broad responsibilities.
• Travel Nurse
  Taking short-term contracts in different cities or regions to fill staffing shortages.
• Military Nurse
  Serving in armed forces hospitals and bases, often with opportunities for global deployment.

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How to Use This List

Nursing is both a calling and a career. Whether you want to work in a fast-paced hospital unit, a community clinic, or a corporate wellness program, your degree gives you options. The key is to gain experience in varied settings early, document the outcomes you helped deliver (improved recovery, patient education, reduced errors), and stay current with certifications. Employers know nursing grads can think critically and care deeply. That’s a rare and valuable mix.