Nursing career paths and how to choose one

If you love helping people and you’ve got an interest in healthcare, then nursing could be right for you. One of Australia’s most in-demand professions, nursing can open up countless career opportunities for you, both here and overseas. 

This rewarding field can take you on a range of different career paths, depending on where your passions lie. Paediatrics, aged care, social work, psychiatry – it’s about finding the right fit for you.

In this guide, we look at the different nursing career paths you can take, along with the qualifications and skills you need. Whether you’re considering nursing as a graduate or looking to change your career, here are the benefits to nursing, qualifications required and common nursing career paths.

Benefits of a career in nursing

Nursing is known to be a professionally and personally rewarding career. Here are some of the top benefits of choosing a career in nursing:

• Job security. The healthcare industry consistently experiences a high demand for qualified nursing professionals. As a consequence, nurses enjoy a high level of job security, with opportunities across different healthcare settings.
• Making a positive impact. Nurses provide medical and emotional support to patients, which means they can make a real difference, whether it’s through their care or by offering compassion in challenging times.
• Professional growth and advancement. Nurses have numerous opportunities to advance their career, whether they want to move into a specialised area of care, take on leadership roles, or pursue further education. 
• Variety of specialities and work settings. Nurses can choose to specialise in areas like paediatrics, emergency care or geriatrics. They also have a choice of work environments such as hospitals, clinics, schools and private practices. 
• Competitive salaries and benefits. High demand translates to high wages and employee benefits like health insurance, sign-on bonuses, extended paid parental leave and opportunities for overtime. 

Skills needed for a career in nursing

A career in nursing requires a high level of soft skills and technical knowledge. Soft skills enable nurses to provide comfort and reassurance, while specialised technical skills allow them to administer the right medical care and monitor a patient’s condition. Here are some of the most important soft skills a nurse needs to have.  

Ability to adapt to changing situations

Medical conditions can change rapidly and nurses need to be able to respond without any hesitation. Whether a patient’s health has declined or there’s a shift in workplace protocols, being adaptable is a key skill. 

Effective communication skills

Nurses spend the majority of their day communicating, whether it’s with patients, families or other healthcare professionals. This includes explaining complex medical information in everyday terms, listening to patient concerns and collaborating with other team members. 

Meticulous attention to detail

Administering medications, monitoring vitals and documenting patient information all require accuracy. Attention to detail is critical in avoiding errors and ensuring that patients receive the correct care at the right time.

Efficient time management

Effective time-management skills are essential to prioritise tasks, manage a busy schedule, and ensure that all patients receive timely and appropriate care. 

Empathetic approach to patient care

An empathetic nurse can build trust with patients and provide intuitive emotional support. Empathy also helps nurses connect with patients on a personal level, which can help with diagnoses.

Nursing qualifications required

A career in nursing requires specific qualifications that ensure nurses have the right knowledge and experience to provide high-quality care. These qualifications include degrees, diplomas and certifications, and licensing through the Nursing and Midwifery Board AHPRA (NMBA). 

Formal education requirements

The educational requirements for nursing vary:

• Enrolled nurse (EN): requires a Diploma of Nursing. This is typically an 18-month to 2-year program offered at TAFE institutes and private colleges.
• Registered nurse (RN): requires a Bachelor of Nursing degree, a three-year program available at numerous universities across Australia. 

Specialised certifications

After gaining on-the-job experience, nurses may choose to specialise in areas such as critical care, mental health or paediatrics. Depending on the hospital, some pathways may require additional certifications or postgraduate qualifications, though hospitals will often have in-house training programs for nurses wanting to go into a specialty.

Licences

All nurses in Australia must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). This registration is essential to practise as a nurse and must be renewed annually. 

Practical training

Both a diploma of nursing and the bachelor of nursing include clinical placements in various healthcare settings. These placements provide essential hands-on experience, allowing nursing students to apply their theoretical knowledge to patients in real-world environments.

Types of nursing careers

Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced environment of emergency care or the specialised field of midwifery, there are different nursing jobs and pathways to suit your preferences. Below, we explore some common careers, providing insights into each role.

Registered nurse (RN) 

Registered nurses (RNs) provide patient care, administer medications and work with other healthcare professionals. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. To become an RN you will need to complete a bachelor of nursing at university. 

Average salary: $85,000 per annum

Licensed practical nurse (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work under the supervision of RNs and doctors. Their duties include monitoring vital signs, administering medications and providing basic patient care. LPNs must complete a practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination.

Average salary: LPNs generally earn less than RNs (around $55,000), but don’t need to spend as much time studying, so they have a quicker path to entering the nursing field. 

Travelling nurse

Travelling nurses fill temporary positions in different places where there are shortages. This role offers the opportunity to work in diverse settings and locations. Travelling nurses must be RNs, often with additional experience in a specific nursing area.

Average salary: travelling nurses can earn higher salaries due to the demand and the nature of their assignments. There’s also the potential for additional benefits like housing and relocation allowances.

Nurse midwife

Nurse midwives provide care to women, parents and babies, including gynaecological exams, family planning services, prenatal care, labour and delivery. To become one, you’ll need to do an undergraduate degree in midwifery. Nurses who have a bachelor of nursing will need to do extra studies and get a graduate certificate in midwifery. Midwives also need to be registered with the NMBA to practice as a midwife. 

Average salary: from $85,000 to $105,000 per annum

Geriatric nurse

Geriatric nurses specialise in caring for elderly patients. They manage chronic illnesses, provide comfort care and assist with daily living. Geriatric nurses are typically RNs with additional training or certification that specialises in geriatrics. 

Average salary: depends on the level of experience and the facility, but averages $76,000 for an entry-level role. 

Psychiatric nurse

Psychiatric nurses specialise in mental health, providing care to patients with mental illnesses or disorders. This role requires RN status, often with additional certification or a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. 

Average salary: from $85,000 to $100,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Emergency room nurse

Emergency room (ER) nurses work in a dynamic environment, providing treatment to patients in critical conditions. This varied role requires specialist experience working as a registered nurse in critical care and emergency. 

Average salary: $85,000 per annum

Operating room nurse

Operating room nurses assist in surgical procedures, providing care to patients before, during and after surgery. OR Nurses are RNs with specialised training in perioperative nursing.

Average salary: $80,000 per annum

Paediatric Nurse

Paediatric nurses specialise in caring for infants, children, and adolescents, providing care and support. Paediatric nurses must be RNs, often with additional certification in paediatric nursing, though post-graduate qualifications aren’t mandatory.

Average salary: from $80,000 to $95,000 per annum.

Certified nursing assistant (CNA)

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide basic patient care, assisting with daily activities and supporting RNs and LPNs in their duties. To become a CNA, you must gain a Health Assistant Certificate III and pass a competency exam.

Average salary: around $70,000 per annum.

Certified registered nurse anaesthetist (CRNA)

CRNAs provide anaesthesia and care before, during and after surgical procedures. This role requires a degree or diploma in nursing and then it is useful (but not mandatory) to get a master’s certification in anaesthetics and recovery.

Average salary: around $120,000 per annum.

Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide intensive care in specific areas, like cardiology, oncology or neuroscience. All clinical nurse consultant roles in Australia require at least a bachelor of nursing. Clinical nurse consultants must also have at least five years of full-time post-registration experience. 

Average salary: $100,000 per annum.

Nurse practitioner (NP)

Nurse practitioners (NPs) provide primary and specialty healthcare. They often focus on providing preventive care and patient education. NPs must complete a master’s degree in nursing. They can diagnose patients and write certain prescriptions, but aren’t as qualified as GPs. 

Average salary: from $135,000 to $150,000 per annum.

Charge nurse

Charge nurses oversee specific departments or units, manage staff and ensure quality patient care. Charge nurses are experienced RNs with leadership skills and often additional management training. Some employers may require a master's degree in nursing or a related field. 

Average salary: around $90,000 per annum.

Considerations for choosing a nursing career

Selecting a career path in nursing requires careful consideration. With so many specialties and roles to choose from, it’s important to find a path that aligns with your personal goals, interests and lifestyle. 

Personal goals and interests

When choosing a nursing career, consider what you’re passionate about. Do you thrive in fast-paced, variable environments or do you prefer building relationships with patients? Are you interested in working with children, the elderly, or those with mental health issues? From there, you can find a career that aligns.

Job market

Some nursing fields may have higher demand based on current healthcare trends, geographic location and more. Understanding the demand can help you determine job stability and opportunities for advancement in your chosen speciality.

Geographical factors

Licensing requirements for nurses vary by state, so it’s important to be aware of the specific requirements in the state or territory where you plan to work. It also helps to consider the cost of living, lifestyle and availability of job opportunities in different regions.

Financial and career prospects

It pays to research the average salaries for different nursing roles and specialities in your chosen area. Also, consider the long-term potential in your field, including opportunities for promotions and further education.

Exploring higher-level opportunities

If you’re aiming for more money and autonomy, consider roles as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), such as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anaesthetist. The starting point for all higher-level positions is a bachelor’s degree. 

Nursing demands dedication, compassion and a commitment to lifelong learning. In return, it offers satisfaction, stability and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. With so many different career paths in nursing, the field caters to a wide range of interests, skills and personal aspirations. 

Each nursing role comes with its own set of responsibilities, challenges and rewards. Whether you are drawn to direct patient care, administrative roles or specialised areas, there is a nursing path that can fulfil your goals.

FAQs

What are the considerations for choosing a nursing career?

When choosing a nursing career, consider the following:

• Your personal goals and interests
• Researching the job market
• Understanding salary expectations
• Pursuing advanced practice roles

These factors will help you enjoy a fulfilling and sustainable career in nursing.

What is the best path to become a nurse?

The best path to becoming a nurse typically starts with an undergraduate degree or diploma. The next step is to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Both the diploma and bachelor’s programs include clinical placements, providing practical, hands-on experience in healthcare settings.

What is the highest-paying nursing job?

Nurse practitioner is generally the highest-paying nursing job. They assess and manage clients and can prescribe medicines and receive/make referrals. This role requires advanced education, reflecting the high level of responsibility and expertise required.

What are the stages of a nursing career?

The stages of a nursing career typically begin with entry-level positions such as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). From there, many nurses advance to become registered nurses (RNs) and may then specialise in areas like paediatrics, emergency care and more. 

What is the easiest nursing job that pays well?

While ‘easiest’ is subjective, roles like a clinic nurse, say in a GP’s office or a cosmetic clinic, are often considered less stressful while still offering competitive pay. These roles typically involve regular working hours and fewer (or no) critical emergencies.