Interview With Nursing Experts: Answering Students' Questions About Nursing Trends

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Nursing, a profession rooted in compassion and skill, is experiencing significant changes. As the healthcare landscape evolves, it presents both challenges and opportunities for future nurses. This article seeks to provide nursing students and those interested in the field with valuable insights into the ever-changing world of nursing. By exploring essential skills, emerging trends, technological innovations, and practical experiences, we aim to empower readers to make informed choices regarding their education and careers.  Our Research.com team interviewed some of the leading nursing experts in the world to gather their insights and advice for students.

Whether you are a nursing student eager to optimize your learning journey or someone seeking to understand the intricacies of this vital field, this article offers valuable knowledge. It will explore the essential competencies required to thrive in today's job market, the importance of staying abreast of industry developments, and the indispensable role of technology in modern nursing care. 

We will show you some timely statistics on the nursing workplace and the nursing career you are looking forward to. Finally, we'll unpack diverse nursing career paths and offer insights into certifications. and higher degrees. If you are just starting your nursing education or considering a career in this field, this comprehensive guide will provide the foundation for a successful and fulfilling journey.

Experts We Interviewed:

• Dr. Anne Lynn Derouin, DNP, APRN, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP: Clinical Professor, School of Nursing, Duke University
• Dr. Lisa Grubb, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN: Assistant Professor, School of Nursing., Johns Hopkins University

Table of Contents

1. What are the most critical skills that nursing students should focus on developing during their studies to succeed in the current job market?
2. What current trends in the nursing industry should students be aware of, and how can they leverage these trends to their advantage?
3. How is technology transforming the nursing sector, and what tech skills should students focus on acquiring?
4. What role do internships and practical experiences play in the education of a nursing student, and how can students maximize these opportunities?
5. What advice would you give to nursing students about preparing for the transition from academia to the professional world?
6. What books, courses, or resources would you recommend to nursing students to enhance their learning and exposure?
7. What are the different career options for nursing majors?
8. How do advanced nursing certifications contribute to financial growth?
9. What should I know about nursing certifications?
10. How can accelerated school programs enhance my nursing career?
11. How Do Advanced Nursing Degrees Influence Career Progression?
12. How can military experience shape my nursing career?
13. How Does an Online PhD Degree Drive Nursing Research and Innovation?
14. How Can Cross-Disciplinary Skills Increase My Nursing Salary?

What are the most critical skills that nursing students should focus on developing during their studies to succeed in the current job market?   

• Dr. Derouin: The most critical [skill] to cultivate during nursing school is critical thinking—being able to distill all the information that is being offered in the classroom and clinical practice settings and consider how that translates into practice. This takes time, but realizing that nurses build their knowledge and expertise on a platform of science can be helpful—not every detail needs to be remembered for immediate recall, but patients and the healthcare team [do] need the nurse to synthesize and think critically to deliver expert, person-centered care in the moment. Students who are trying to think about the “big picture” as well as the specific details pertaining to a patient receiving care is an important skill that students must develop. The skill also makes it easier for the job search—most employers will ask graduates to give examples of times they needed to manage a stressful situation, or “think on their feet”.
• Dr. Grubb: The most critical skills that undergraduate nursing students should focus on include a deep understanding of research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement, and how each [is] used from boardroom to bedside. These skills are essential for translating research findings into optimal patient care and driving system-wide improvements. Moreover, students must grasp how these concepts are applied across all levels of healthcare, from the managerial level to the patient level. It is equally crucial for nursing students to comprehend the intricate relationship between an organization's mission, vision, and values, and their operational strategies. This includes understanding the role of quality assurance plans, benchmarking, and goal prioritization in achieving organizational objectives. Additionally, students should be familiar with value-based purchasing and how it impacts resource allocation and care delivery. By grasping these interconnected concepts, students will be well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to healthcare organizations.

Our experts concur that critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of nursing's research and evidence-based foundations are the most crucial skills to develop. Thinking on one's feet in very stressful situations requires clarity and a solid grasp of medical principles as well as patient care. Knowing how all the parts fit and work together at all levels of practice gives nurses a good handle on their overall profession and the details of nursing care at the bedside.

The U.S. faces a growing shortage of registered nurses due to the aging population and limited nursing school capacity. Looking at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment projections, the RN workforce is expected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, reaching 3.3 million by 2032. 177,440 new RN positions are projected over the decade, with 193,100 RN openings estimated annually through 2032. The APRN workforce is also projected to grow 38% from 2022 to 2032., with a need for 29,200 new APRNs annually through 2032. These are shown in the graphic below. Now is the time to study nursing and get a BS degree at the best online accelerated BSN programs!

What current trends in the nursing industry should students be aware of, and how can they leverage these trends to their advantage?

• Dr. Derouin: Nursing continues to be the most trusted healthcare [profession]—this trend continues to underline the importance of nurses being alert to social determinants of health (SDOH) that have implications for treatment, follow-up and access to care, community resources, and healthcare literacy. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the overarching conditions in which people live and grow. These factors, such as income, education, and access to healthcare, significantly influence a person's overall health, well-being, and quality of life. As we use more and more technology to deliver care, the value of delivering person-centered care and using effective connectivity and compassion cannot be [underestimated]. Healthcare in general is moving to less human touch and more technology but humans need human interaction and touch. Nurses can leverage their ability to demonstrate care and compassion, making ALL the difference in health outcomes.
• Dr. Grubb: Pay for improvement, value-based purchasing, Quintuple AIM in Healthcare, Key Performance Indicators, and Data. The “pay for improvement” model reimburses healthcare providers based on their achievement of specific quality and efficiency targets. Instead of paying for the sheer volume of services, this model incentivizes better care delivery while cutting costs. Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) is a payment approach that holds healthcare providers accountable for the quality, cost, and outcomes of their care. It ties financial rewards to performance on certain measures, pushing providers to enhance patient outcomes and manage costs effectively. The Quintuple Aim framework builds on the Triple Aim by adding two more goals: improving healthcare providers’ work lives and reducing health disparities. This framework aims to create a healthcare system that is sustainable, equitable, and beneficial for all stakeholders. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are quantifiable metrics used to assess the success of an organization or activity. In healthcare, KPIs can measure various performance aspects, including patient outcomes, quality of care, efficiency, and financial health. These metrics provide data-driven insights that guide decision-making and improvement efforts.

Our experts emphasize two different but equally important areas. Dr. Derouin cites social determinants of health as a crucial area we must examine hand in hand with patient care. Even while technology progresses, the human factor ultimately is still the most important part of nursing practice. Dr. Grubb emphasizes practical measures such as KPIs and VBPs as pillars of success for healthcare providers and patient outcomes and the Quintuple Aim framework as a working structure for all stakeholders.

As of 2017, a high percentage of hospitals across all categories have adopted certified health IT systems. Large hospitals lead with a 99% adoption rate, followed by medium-sized hospitals at 97%. Smaller urban hospitals have a 95% adoption rate, while both critical access and small rural hospitals report a 93% adoption rate. This widespread adoption indicates a significant shift towards digital health records in the U.S. healthcare system. These are shown in the graph below.

How is technology transforming the nursing sector, and what tech skills should students focus on acquiring?

• Dr. Derouin: Nurses do need to feel confident and competent with technology to ensure they document safe and effective care, but the MOST important skills they can continue to contribute [are] communication and compassion. While technology streamlines processes and provides valuable data, it cannot replace the human connection essential for healing. Nurses possess the unique ability to build trust, offer emotional support, and advocate for their patients. By effectively communicating with patients, families, and healthcare teams, nurses can foster collaboration and ensure optimal patient outcomes. Ultimately, it is the combination of technical proficiency and compassionate care that defines exceptional nursing practice.
• Dr. Grubb: Data skills are essential for modern nursing practice. Nurses equipped with data analysis capabilities can extract valuable insights from patient records, [allowing them to identify] trends, [predict] outcomes, and [optimize] care delivery. By understanding data, nurses can contribute to evidence-based decision-making, improve patient safety, and enhance overall healthcare quality. Data skills also empower nurses to participate in research, contributing to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice. Ultimately, data-driven nursing leads to better patient outcomes and a more efficient healthcare system Data skills are particularly valuable when interacting with Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Nurses can utilize data within EHRs to track patient progress, identify at-risk populations, and optimize medication management. For instance, by analyzing patient data, nurses can detect potential adverse drug reactions or medication non-adherence early on, preventing complications. Additionally, data-driven insights can inform staffing decisions, resource allocation, and quality improvement initiatives. By harnessing the power of data, nurses can enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and contribute to a safer healthcare environment.

Our experts emphasize two different but intertwined ideas. Dr. Derouin leans towards the integration of technology with the human touch and compassion that only nurses can give to patients. Dr. Grubb explains data skills in more detail, emphasizing EHRs and their importance in streamlining a nurse's job. EHRs are but one of the many technologies embraced by the majority of the profession. 

In fact, by 2021, a substantial majority (88%) of U.S. doctors working in offices had implemented some form of electronic health record (EHR) system, with almost four out of five (78%) using a certified EHR, shown in the figure below. This upward trend in EHR adoption has been consistent since 2015.

What role do internships and practical experiences play in the education of a nursing student, and how can students maximize these opportunities?

• Dr. Derouin: Internships and fellowships are emerging as popular tools that assist with [the] onboarding, mentoring, and retention of novice nurses. They can be very helpful in gaining insight [into] the culture of the healthcare setting and having an ally to answer questions, offer guidance, and serve as a model of excellence. Students can maximize this opportunity for mentorship but “leaning in” to the opportunity, asking questions, trusting their training to serve as a nurse but also [using] the preceptor or mentor to aid in understanding the culture, communication style, policies of the organization and gain opportunities for growth. Students should think of fellowships as a safety net while also practicing to their full scope of practice, gaining confidence, and adding competency skills that may have been offered at a minimum during school. Additionally, fellowships are helpful for those working in specialty settings like Pediatrics, Women’s health, the Emergency Department, Telemetry, and ICU settings—these are not experiences that commonly [require] a lot of clinical time during academic preparation so the fellowships are helpful in offering additional training time with a guide prior to the novice nursing being fully responsible for care.
• Dr. Grubb: The more one interacts with the interdisciplinary team and with patients, the easier it is to synthesize the information that is learned during one’s nursing education. The nursing process is at the heart of all that nurses do and all of our decisions need to be based on the nursing process and decisions based on evidence-based practice, clinical guidelines, or standards of care. Internships and practical experiences offer invaluable opportunities for nursing students to bridge the gap between theory and practice. By immersing themselves in real-world healthcare settings, students can apply classroom knowledge to patient care scenarios, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This hands-on experience fosters clinical judgment, time management, and effective communication, essential attributes for successful nursing practice. Moreover, internships provide a platform for students to explore different areas of nursing, discover their passions, and build professional networks. To maximize these opportunities, students should actively engage in patient care, seek mentorship from experienced nurses, and take initiative in learning new skills. By embracing challenges and seeking feedback, students can develop the confidence and competence required to excel in their future nursing careers.

Our experts agree that Interacting with patients and healthcare teams helps nursing students integrate classroom knowledge into practice. Internships provide hands-on experience, fostering critical thinking, communication, and clinical judgment, preparing students for successful nursing careers. They also aid in onboarding, mentoring, and retaining novice nurses by providing cultural insights, guidance, and role modeling. Students can maximize these opportunities by actively seeking mentorship, building confidence, and gaining specialized skills in areas with limited academic exposure.

What advice would you give to nursing students about preparing for the transition from academia to the professional world? 

• Dr. Derouin: Expect the transition to be challenging and that there will always be more to learn. In fact, all nurses are life-long learners [because] we are caring for unique individuals each day AND ... technology and science [are] always evolving. I also advise students to expect to see miracles and “magic moments” that they will never forget. I believe that being a nursing STUDENT is not that fun, but being a NURSE is wonderfully rewarding, joyful, and yes, fun. Having the skills, knowledge, and ability to serve patients and families in both their most difficult and most meaningful moments related to healthcare is a privilege and honor—we, as nurses, are fortunate to be the professionals closest to the experiences and therefore have the ability to make the most difference.
• Dr. Grubb: I advise new nurses to find nurses who strive to always do what is right for patients, ... to always do the right thing no matter what, and to stay away from nurses who take and make shortcuts and skip steps. Learn to do the right thing from day one of your practice and that is how you will always practice... [F]ind other nurses who practice that way and surround yourself with those nurses and build one another up and stand for only the best possible care for all patients. I also reinforce that it will take [five] years to truly feel comfortable practicing as a nurse, ... so give yourself grace and kindness and ... learn every single day—I still learn and I have been a practicing nurse for 38 wonderful years!

The transition to nursing involves continuous learning as each patient and healthcare advancement is unique, and our experts concur. While nursing school may be challenging, the profession offers immense rewards, allowing nurses to witness miracles and make a profound difference in patients' lives. Building a strong foundation of ethical practice from the start is crucial for a fulfilling nursing career, which requires continuous learning and self-compassion.

What books, courses, or resources would you recommend to nursing students to enhance their learning and exposure? 

• Dr. Derouin: Enroll in courses that “call” to you—electives, specialty courses, workshops or build an independent study with faculty so that you can explore opportunities for the future while still a student. Reach out to professionals (faculty, administrators, practicing nurses) who you admire and invite them for coffee to learn about their journeys—most will eagerly be willing to share their “story” with nursing students and will be glad to mentor and support shared interests. When looking for a nursing position, take your time and do not rush to accept the first position that is offered, unless it was exactly what you had envisioned. Do your homework as you approach the job market: read the mission statement of the organization, read reviews from patients, and visit the clinical setting by walking through the lobby, visiting the gift shop, [and] watching team members engage with one another—do they look happy, do they seem proud to be there? It is important to consider the culture of the organization to be sure it is a good fit for personal values [and] goals rather than trying to get a “job.” I encourage students to remember that nursing is not a job—it’s a profession and you are looking for opportunities that will nurture your passion for the profession, recognize your value to the health professional team, cultivate growth, and enable your ability to effectively serve patients and families. Some of the days you serve will be hard—ask how the team supports one another and be prepared to ask other questions at the time of [the] interview. Thoughtfully approach the job market with a recognition that you are needed and deeply valued—choose a position that values and respects what skills you bring to the team.
• Dr. Grubb: I recommend that nurses join ANA and get connected. ANA also has a wonderful journal that is full of great information that will give them information across the nursing spectrum and they can get connected locally. I also recommend making sure that if they are inducted into Sigma to stay connected with Sigma, another wonderful nursing organization with great resources and website. I also recommend that once they have decided what area of nursing they want to specialize in to become certified and join their respective professional organization. I also recommend that they read a general nursing journal and commit to reading 3 journal articles every month to stay current and make this a habit for their career. I stress the importance of being a lifelong learner – nursing is a career and journey. Our dean loves to share that nurses should be everywhere to change the world!

Dr. Derouin recommends exploring interests through electives, networking with professionals, and prioritizing organizational culture and values aligned with personal goals. Dr. Grubb recommends joining professional organizations, staying connected, accessing resources, and advancing careers through continuous learning and certifications.

What are the different career options for nursing majors?

Nursing offers a diverse range of career options to suit various interests and skill sets. From direct patient care to leadership roles and specialized fields, the possibilities are vast.

1. Direct Patient Care

• Registered Nurse (RN): The foundation of nursing, providing care in hospitals, clinics, and more.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): Offering basic patient care under RN supervision.
• Critical Care Nursing: Caring for critically ill patients in intensive care units.
• Emergency Room Nursing: Providing immediate care for patients with urgent medical needs.
• Pediatrics: Specializing in the care of infants, children, and adolescents.
• Geriatrics: Focusing on the healthcare needs of older adults.
• Oncology: Caring for patients with cancer.
• Mental Health Nursing: Supporting individuals with mental health conditions.

2. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

With further education and certification, RNs can become APRNs, offering advanced care:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP): Diagnoses and treats patients, prescribes medications, and often leads healthcare teams. NPs can specialize in various areas such as family, adult, gerontology, pediatrics, women's health, and acute care. They may work in primary care settings, hospitals, clinics, or community health centers. If you are interested in becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP), you can consult our list of the cheapest online nurse practitioner programs.
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Administer anesthesia before, during, and after surgery.
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Provide prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care.

3. Nursing Leadership and Administration

• Nurse Manager: Overseeing nursing staff and operations within a unit.
• Chief Nursing Officer (CNO): Leading nursing services within an entire healthcare organization.
• Nurse Executive: Leading and managing nursing departments.
• Healthcare Consultant: Offering expert advice to healthcare facilities.
• Policy Maker: Influencing healthcare policies.

4. Other Nursing Roles

• Nurse Educator: Teaching nursing students.
• Nurse Researcher: Conducting research to improve patient care.
• Nurse Informaticist: Using technology to manage healthcare data.
• Forensic Nursing: Applying nursing knowledge to legal investigations.
• School Nursing: Promoting and protecting student health.
• Travel Nursing: Experiencing different healthcare facilities and locations.
• Military Nursing: Serving in the armed forces and providing care to military personnel.

This overview highlights some of the many career paths available to nursing graduates. Your specific interests, skills, and educational background will help you determine the best fit for your career goals.

This leads us to another important item - nurse certification. Did you know that A 2002 Harris Poll revealed strong public awareness of nurse certification (78%), exceeding awareness of certification in other professions? Moreover, the public expressed a clear preference for hospitals employing certified nurses (73%). These are shown in the graphic below.

How do advanced nursing certifications contribute to financial growth?

Advanced nursing certifications can serve as a catalyst for enhanced career trajectories and long-term financial benefits. Evidence suggests that professionals who secure specialized credentials are more likely to command higher salaries and enjoy increased job stability. Employers often regard such certifications as proof of advanced expertise and commitment to quality care, which can differentiate candidates in competitive settings. Furthermore, pursuing targeted certifications opens doors to leadership roles and specialized clinical positions, providing access to exclusive opportunities for career advancement. For a detailed analysis of programs demonstrating significant return on investment, explore certifications that pay well.

What should I know about nursing certifications?

• Nursing certifications are voluntary credentials that demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area of nursing.
• While not mandatory for licensure, they can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential.

Why Pursue a Nursing Certification?

• Specialization: Deepens your knowledge in a specific area of nursing.
• Career Advancement: Often required for leadership roles or advanced practice.
• Salary Increase: Certified nurses often command higher salaries.
• Professional Recognition: Validates your expertise and commitment to the field.

Types of Nursing Certifications

Certifications are available for a wide range of nursing specialties, including:

• Medical-Surgical: Critical care, emergency nursing, oncology, trauma, perioperative nursing, and more.
• Advanced Practice: Nurse Practitioner (NP) specialties: (family, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, women's health, mental health, etc.), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
• Pediatrics: Neonatal intensive care, pediatric oncology, pediatric emergency nursing.
• Geriatrics: Gerontological nursing, gerontology acute care, long-term care.
• Mental Health: Psychiatric-mental health nursing, substance abuse nursing.
• Other Specialties: Wound care, case management, diabetes education, informatics, leadership, and many more.

2023 saw a total of 205,412 certified nurse practitioners across various specialties as certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Family Nurse Practitioners constituted the largest group with 97,007 certifications, followed by Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners at 24,841. Other significant specialties included Adult Nurse Practitioners with 15,204 certifications, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (across the life span) with 40,193, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners with 10,765.

Data for these certifications was provided by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in 2024. These figures offer a snapshot of the nurse practitioner workforce in the United States and highlight the diverse roles these healthcare providers play in patient care.

Key Certification Bodies

Several organizations offer nursing certifications. Some of the most well-known include:

• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): Offers a wide range of certifications for RNs and APRNs.
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN): Focuses on critical care certifications.
• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB): Provides certifications for Nurse Practitioners.

How to Obtain a Specific Certification

The process typically involves:

• Meeting eligibility requirements: This may include education, experience, and licensure.
• Preparing for the exam: Studying relevant materials and practice questions.
• Passing the certification exam. Maintaining certification: Often requires continuing education.

Important Considerations

• Cost: Certification exams and maintenance fees can be expensive.
• Time Commitment: Preparing for and maintaining certification requires time and effort.
• Career Goals: Choose a certification that aligns with your career aspirations.
• Research: Investigate different certifications to find the best fit for you.

What does the future hold for nursing careers?

The nursing field is poised for significant growth in the coming years, with an increasing elderly population that necessitates more specialized care, driving demand for geriatric nurses. Technological advancements will reshape the industry, increasing roles in areas like informatics and telehealth. Nurses will have expanded opportunities in advanced practice, leadership, and prevention-focused care. Lifelong learning will be essential to adapt to these changes, while nurses will also enjoy diverse work settings and a global reach. Patient-centered care will remain a cornerstone of nursing, and the profession will continue to play a vital role in improving healthcare outcomes. As the nursing shortage persists, there will be ample job opportunities, particularly in areas like advanced practice and specialized care. Nurses who embrace technology, leadership, and a focus on prevention will be well-positioned to thrive in the evolving healthcare landscape.

What should I consider when selecting affordable online nursing education options?

When evaluating online nursing programs, focus on key factors such as accreditation, curriculum quality, and clinical practice opportunities to ensure they meet industry standards. Compare total costs including tuition and additional fees relative to financial aid or scholarship options available. Assess the program structure for flexibility, ensuring it accommodates varying schedules while integrating essential technological tools that enhance learning outcomes. Examine documented program results and student satisfaction metrics as indicators of success. For a detailed cost comparison, review cheap online nursing programs to identify options that combine affordability with quality education.

How can accelerated school programs enhance my nursing career?

Accelerated nursing education options offer an efficient pathway for individuals seeking to enter the healthcare field quickly without compromising academic quality. These programs are designed to condense essential coursework, allowing students to transition from learning to clinical practice in a shorter time frame. By leveraging accelerated school programs, aspiring nurses can gain timely exposure to cutting-edge clinical practices, specialized skills, and emerging technologies that are reshaping patient care delivery. This focused approach not only accelerates career entry but also provides a competitive edge in high-demand areas of nursing.

How Do Advanced Nursing Degrees Influence Career Progression?

Pursuing an advanced degree can refine critical decision-making skills and expand access to leadership roles within healthcare organizations. This elevated academic focus enhances research proficiency and practical competencies, enabling nurses to transition confidently into administrative or policy-making positions. Advanced education also empowers professionals to drive evidence-based initiatives and to innovate solutions that improve patient care and operational performance. For an in-depth review of educational pathways that support these advancements, consider exploring masters programs.

How can military experience shape my nursing career?

Military service fosters leadership, resilience, and quick decision-making—qualities that are directly applicable to the nursing profession. Veterans often bring a unique blend of discipline and real-world experience that enhances clinical judgment and patient care in high-pressure environments. Recognizing these valuable skills, some accredited nursing programs offer specialized pathways that acknowledge and leverage military training. These programs provide tailored support services, academic accommodations, and financial benefits designed to facilitate a smooth transition into a nursing career. Prospective nursing professionals with a military background should consider exploring programs that integrate their skills for accelerated career progression. For further information on relevant educational opportunities, review our guide on the best online military colleges.

How Does an Online PhD Degree Drive Nursing Research and Innovation?

Earning an online PhD degree equips nursing professionals with advanced research capabilities essential for shaping clinical practices and healthcare policies. Doctoral studies delivered online offer a rigorous blend of scholarly inquiry and practical application, fostering the ability to develop innovative approaches toward patient care and system improvement. This educational pathway enhances leadership in research initiatives, promotes evidence-based practice, and supports the integration of emerging technologies with clinical expertise.

How Can Cross-Disciplinary Skills Increase My Nursing Salary?

Nursing professionals who integrate clinical expertise with complementary disciplines such as healthcare management, informatics, or business can unlock broader leadership opportunities and improved compensation. This approach not only enhances strategic decision-making and resource allocation skills, but also positions nurses to negotiate higher salaries and secure roles that require multifaceted expertise. Leveraging interdisciplinary education enables a more robust understanding of healthcare systems and operational efficiencies, ultimately translating to improved financial outcomes. For insights into fields with strong earning potential, explore the most lucrative college majors.

More Information About the Experts We Interviewed

Dr. Anne Lynn Derouin, DNP, APRN, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP

Dr. Anne Lynn Derouin is the Assistant Dean of the MSN Program and Lead Faculty for the Pediatric Behavior Mental Health specialty program at Duke University School of Nursing. She has been providing adolescent primary care services at Community and School-based Health Centers affiliated with Duke’s Department of Community and Family Medicine for over two decades. Dr. Derouin serves on the state and national boards of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) and is recognized as an adolescent clinical expert. She is actively involved in pediatric, school-based health, and advanced nursing practice advocacy efforts at both state and federal levels. She received her BSN from the University of Michigan in 1989, her MSN from Duke University in 2000, and her DNP from Duke University in 2010. She has served as President of the North Carolina School Community Health Alliance and is on the Executive Team of the Duke-Johnson & Johnson Nurse Leadership program. Additionally, she serves on the Advisory Board for the Poe Center in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Derouin’s current appointments include Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs in the School of Nursing, Professor in Family Medicine and Community Health, and Affiliate at the Duke Global Health Institute.

Dr. Lisa Grubb is a distinguished healthcare executive with a deep-rooted foundation in nursing and a proven track record in operational excellence. Her career trajectory encompasses a broad spectrum of healthcare roles, from frontline nursing to strategic leadership. With a particular focus on infection control, she has held pivotal positions as a consultant and department director, driving performance improvement initiatives across diverse areas such as infection prevention, surgical operations, and patient care. Dr. Grubb’s commitment to advancing patient care is evident in her scholarly pursuits and professional affiliations. As a certified wound care nurse, she has made substantial contributions to the field through research and clinical practice. Her expertise in pressure injury prevention has earned widespread recognition, and her dedication to educating advanced practice nurses underscores her commitment to improving patient outcomes both within and beyond the acute care setting. Her academic affiliations with the Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality and the Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation at Johns Hopkins University further solidify her standing as a leading authority in healthcare quality and innovation.

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Registered nurses. U.S. Department of Labor.
• Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. (2024). Percent of hospitals, by type, that possess certified health IT. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. (2024). Quick stats. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.