The 10 Easiest Nursing Jobs (With Salaries and Job Requirements) - Zippia (2024)

Easy nursing jobs are great if you’re starting in nursing or if you’re looking for a break from grueling nursing jobs. Nursing can be a challenging career, causing many to suffer from burnout due to taxing work schedules, emotional drain, and understaffed facilities.

Getting an easy nursing job can be easier than you think. We’ve put together a list of some of the easiest nursing jobs available to help you make your decision as far as what’s next for your career.

No nursing job is easy, but certain nursing jobs and specialties tend to be easier and bring less stress than others. These low-stress jobs ensure that you still have a way to impact patients positively but can reduce the burnout many nurses encounter during their careers.

  • Nurse Educator

    Average Annual Salary: $62,000

    Being a nurse educator is one of the least stressful nursing jobs available, but one that can still allow you to impact the future nurses of the next generation. Your responsibilities would include teaching the nurses that will lead the next wave of patient care.

    If you have clinical experience, becoming a nurse educator is a great way to maintain your nursing skills in a low-stress environment. Nurse educators are tasked with providing critical education to future nurses and helping to teach them training techniques that impact patient care.

    Requirements to become a nurse educator: You’ll usually need a master’s degree in nursing to become a nurse educator — more specifically, a Master of Science in Nursing. To get this degree, however, you’ll need to already have a bachelor’s degree and be a registered nurse (RN).

    Find Nurse Educator jobs near me

  • Nurse Blogger

    Average Annual Salary: N/A

    Being a nurse blogger is a low-stress job that still helps you educate and provide important insights to nursing professionals across the globe. Nurse bloggers also have the flexibility to work from home and on their own schedule, which can help maintain a healthy work-life balance and low stress.

    In this position, you would write informative articles and blogs to provide key insights into different nursing techniques that improve patient care. You would also provide insights into various nursing positions and guide those interested in entering the nursing profession.

    Requirements to become a nurse blogger: You don’t usually need any specific credentials to become a nurse blogger as long as you only write about topics you have expertise in or have thoroughly researched. You can do this by reading scientific studies or interviewing someone who does have expertise on the subject.

  • Clinic Nurse

    Average Annual Salary: $65,000

    Nurses don’t just work in hospitals; they can also work in healthcare clinics of all kinds. In this type of role, you’ll still be interacting with patients but without the stress of working in a hospital. You may be required to assess patients, educate patients on their health, and deal with any inquiries that may come into the office.

    Clinic nurses often talk to patients over the phone or video conference to determine whether or not they should come into the clinic or visit the hospital for additional care. Clinic nurses can also enjoy more traditional working hours, such as holidays.

    Requirements to become a clinic nurse: Usually clinic nurses need to be RNs, which requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing.

    Find Clinic Nurse jobs near me

  • Traveling Nurse

    Average Annual Salary: $70,000

    If you like traveling to new places, then travel nursing might be the procession for you. Resorts, airlines, and cruise ships are all legally required to have nurses on their staff to appropriately care for their clientele. By landing a traveling nurse job, you can get paid and have a vacation all at once.

    Core responsibilities could include treating minor injuries and illnesses, administering vaccinations if necessary, and creating a treatment plan for patients to seek further care. Travel nurses can also hold short-term contracts at hospitals and medical facilities in need of extra staff.

    Requirements to become a traveling nurse: Traveling nurses usually need to at least be RNs. Additional specialized certifications such as a CCRN certification will also help you get a job in the area you’re interested in.

    Find Traveling Nurse jobs near me

  • School Nurse

    Average Annual Salary: $50,000

    Being a school nurse can be an easy job and working in an educational facility is also extremely beneficial to all who work there, including weekends, holidays, and summers off. School nurses are an integral part of any school and can be a great profession for those who enjoy working with children.

    Nurses play a critical role in schools, ensuring children are safe and healthy. School nurses also only provide light care, including first aid for minor injuries or illnesses and administering daily medication for those who need it.

    Requirements to become a school nurse: A bachelor’s degree in nursing and an RN license are usually required to become a school nurse, and most schools want nurses who have a few years of clinical experience as well. Different states will have different requirements, though.

    Find School Nurse jobs near me

  • Summer Camp Nurse

    Average Annual Salary: N/A

    Summer camp nurses are a great option similar to school nurses for those nursing professionals who enjoy working with kids. Camp opportunities are available all over the country.

    For a camp to run properly throughout the summer, summer camp nurses are required. These individuals will treat minor illnesses or injuries. Since this job is only available for the summer, it may be ideal for school nurses or retired nurses looking for a way to keep busy and earn extra cash over the summer.

    Requirements to become a summer camp nurse: Most summer camps require their nurses to have associate’s degrees or bachelor’s degrees in nursing and to be RNs. Adult and pediatric CPR training is also a common requirement, as is a few years of experience in a clinical nursing setting.

  • Nurse Administrator

    Average Annual Salary: $68,000

    Being a nurse administrator can be an easy position because you don’t work with patients directly but instead take an operational role that impacts patients. Nurse administrators are a crucial part of any hospital or healthcare facility.

    Nurse administrators must organize patient and employee records, direct nursing staff on new or existing policies, educate staff members on new healthcare regulations and coordinate medical services. Nursing experience is helpful in this role, especially if the administrator is dictating nursing policy and procedures.

    Requirements to become a nurse administrator: An RN license, several years of nursing experience, and a master’s degree in nursing or health administration are usually required to become a nurse administrator.

    You’ll also usually need either a Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML), a Nurse Executive (NE-BC), or a Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) certification.

    Find Nurse Administrator jobs near me

  • Public Health Nurse

    Average Annual Salary: $56,000

    Being a public health nurse can be easy because you deal directly with communities and populations to better educate them on preventing diseases and dealing with various medical issues that may impact their communities. You are responsible for the overall health and well-being of your community and population.

    You may also provide care and health services to individuals who may not otherwise have access to health facilities. Public health nurses may also be required to stay updated on new health programs, procedures, training, and other important information.

    Requirements to become a public health nurse: To become a public health nurse, you’ll need to be an RN with several years of experience and have a Certified Public Health Nurse certification.

    This certification has additional eligibility requirements, including a bachelor’s degree and five years of public health work experience, a master’s degree and three years of experience, or a certificate from an accredited public health program and three years of work experience.

    Find Public Health Nurse jobs near me

  • Researcher Nurse

    Average Annual Salary: $62,000

    A career in nurse research could be an ideal job if you are someone who enjoys gathering and analyzing data. Nurse researchers are nursing scientists who study different aspects of patient care and improve overall healthcare.

    Nurse researchers can then find ways to implement their new knowledge in improving patient care outcomes. They may also study diseases, healthy lifestyles, and outcomes of medical treatments to find ways to improve them.

    Requirements to become a researcher nurse: To become a nurse researcher, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an RN certification, a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing (or both), and a Clinical Research Nurse certification.

    Find Researcher Nurse jobs near me

  • Home Health Nurse

    Average Annual Salary: $64,000

    Being a home health nurse can be an easier job because you are only dealing with one patient at a time. Home health nurses work with patients and family members to coordinate post-acute care outside the hospital or healthcare facility. Nurses get to focus on a smaller number of patients and provide care directly in their homes.

    Home health nurses are tasked with monitoring a patient’s overall care plan, including overseeing the personal care aides treating the patient.

    Requirements to be a home health nurse: An RN license is typically required to become a home health nurse, but some organizations will hire Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as well.

    Find Home Health Nurse jobs near me

  • Stress comes with every job, no matter how difficult or easy it’s considered. Nursing is considered a high-stress and difficult occupation due to several different things, including long working hours, staffing issues, physical labor, and patient care stress.

    Becoming a nurse means you will encounter some stress in your job. Having thick skin is key in supporting patients with health difficulties. You must maintain a positive attitude through long shifts that sometimes even last overnight.

    Although this may sound overwhelming to many, the job itself is incredibly rewarding. Nurses make positive impacts on their patients every day.

  • Can nursing be an easy career?

    Yes, nursing can be an easy career. While not every nursing job will be completely easy and stress-free, being a nurse educator, nurse blogger, and nurse researcher are easier when it comes to the nursing field.

  • What is the most common degree in the nursing field?

    A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the most common degree in the nursing field. Having a BSN will help your chances of getting a nursing job because most nursing employers prefer candidates to have a BSN degree.

  • The 10 Easiest Nursing Jobs (With Salaries and Job Requirements) - Zippia (2024)

    FAQs

    The 10 Easiest Nursing Jobs (With Salaries and Job Requirements) - Zippia? ›

    Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are some of the lowest-paid nursing roles, but that is due to the fact that the educational requirements are less than most other types of nurses.

    What type of nurse gets paid the least? ›

    Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are some of the lowest-paid nursing roles, but that is due to the fact that the educational requirements are less than most other types of nurses.

    What do the top 10% of nurses make? ›

    1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – $217,000. ...
    2. Pediatric and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – $144,461. ...
    3. Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) – $137,280. ...
    4. Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner – $128,483. ...
    5. Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – $128,480. ...
    6. Oncology and Hematology Nurse Practitioner – $128,264.

    What is the least stressful job as an RN? ›

    Working as an office nurse is one of the most relaxed options for RNs seeking a career change. Office nurses work in clinics with set hours and provide basic, non-emergency medical care.

    What is the most demanding nursing field? ›

    The following list comprises some specializations that are most in demand for nurses.
    • Critical care nurse.
    • Nurse practitioner.
    • Certified registered nurse anesthetist.
    • Clinical nurse specialist.
    • Oncology nurse.
    • Pediatric nurse.
    • Public health nurse.
    • Telemetry nurse.
    Mar 28, 2023

    What's the easiest nursing job to get? ›

    The 5 Easiest Nursing Jobs to Get with Less than One Year of Experience
    • #1: Skilled Nursing Facility Jobs. By far one of the easiest nursing job to get with limited experience is an assignment at a nursing home. ...
    • #2: School Nursing Jobs. ...
    • #3: Med/Surg Nursing Jobs. ...
    • #4: Travel Nurse Jobs. ...
    • #5: Psych Nursing Jobs.
    Jul 18, 2023

    What is the easiest RN job? ›

    8 Easiest Nursing Jobs
    • School Nurse. Average Annual Salary (April 2024): $51,500. ...
    • Nurse Educator. Average Annual Salary (April 2024): $84,000. ...
    • Primary Care Nurse. ...
    • Informatics Nurse. ...
    • Clinical Research Nurse. ...
    • Occupational Health Nurse. ...
    • Lactation Consultant Nurse. ...
    • Home Care Registered Nurse.

    Do all nurses make 6 figures? ›

    Nearly any nurse has the potential to make six figures — it just involves some work. To make over $100,000 as a nurse, you should: Understand that where you work might influence your pay. Acquire specialty certifications.

    Where do the smartest nurses work? ›

    Case in point, within all general areas of nursing, the Medical ICU, Trauma ICU, Peds ICU, Neonatal ICU, are perceived to require the highest skill set of nurses.

    Where do RNs make the most money? ›

    The states that pay nurses the most are California, Hawaii, and Oregon, with California paying the most with an average of $133,340 wage per year.

    What type of nurse has the best work life balance? ›

    For example, one of the best nursing jobs for work-life balance is home health nursing. It allows you to deliver personalized care in a patient's home. This shift away from the hospital setting can contribute to a more relaxed and comfortable dynamic, benefiting both patients and nurses.

    Which type of nurse is most prone to burnout? ›

    Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses

    Nurses may have to deal with ethical dilemmas and poor patient outcomes, which can frustrate any nurse. It's no wonder that burnout syndrome is so common among critical care nurses.

    Can I be a nurse if I have anxiety? ›

    Nurses can continue to work with depression and anxiety, but they must take steps to address their mental health conditions. Nurses can do this by: Becoming aware — The first step to managing anxiety or depression is awareness.

    What type of nurse is most respected? ›

    1. Certified registered nurse anesthetist. Nurse anesthetists are in one of the most well-respected fields in nursing, and it requires years of education, training, and experience to become one. These nurses provide anesthesia to patients, typically in a surgical, dental, or ER/OR scenario.

    What state needs the most nurses? ›

    Which States Need Nurses the Most?
    • California – 44,500 FTEs.
    • Texas – 15,900 FTEs.
    • New Jersey – 11,400 FTEs.
    • South Carolina – 10,400 FTEs.
    • Alaska – 5,400 FTEs.

    Which career is currently a growing field in nursing? ›

    Fastest Growing Nursing Fields in the US

    According to the recent BLS list of the fastest-growing occupations, nurse practitioners (NP) are at the top with a whopping 46% growth rate for 2021 to 2031. Furthermore, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) also see an increased growth of 12% in this decade.

    Which RN position pays the most? ›

    Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists make the most money, earning an average of over $232,500 yearly.

    Do female nurses get paid less? ›

    Men represent about 13% of the overall nursing profession. However, registered nurses (RNs) identifying as male reported a median salary of $90,000 vs $76,000 for RNs who identified as female—a $14,000 gap in earnings, according to the 2022 Nurse Salary Research Report.

    What is the hardest nursing certification to get? ›

    CRNA- Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist

    This certification is the most difficult and lucrative. Under the supervision of an anesthetist, a CRNA provides anesthesia during surgery and other procedures. CRNAs must have a BS and RN certification. They also need to take 2 years of classes.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Neely Ledner

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6640

    Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

    Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Neely Ledner

    Birthday: 1998-06-09

    Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

    Phone: +2433516856029

    Job: Central Legal Facilitator

    Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

    Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.