10 Things You Can Do With a Nursing Degree

A nursing degree is more than a path to a single job. It’s a launchpad for a career full of variety, impact, and growth. If you have a nursing degree or are thinking about earning one, you might wonder: What exactly can I do with a nursing degree? The answer? A lot. Nursing is one of the most versatile degrees out there, offering options in healthcare, education, leadership, and more.

From hands-on patient care to administrative roles and specialized practice, a nursing degree opens many doors. I’ve seen nurses thrive in diverse settings—hospitals, schools, community centers, research labs—and the experiences always remind me how broad this field really is.

Let’s dive into 10 things you can do with a nursing degree, highlighting career paths that might spark your interest or help you envision your future.

1. Work as a Registered Nurse (RN)

This is the most common and immediate role after earning your nursing degree. Registered nurses provide direct care to patients, administer medications, and coordinate with doctors. It’s demanding but incredibly rewarding work that puts you at the heart of healthcare.

2. Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP)

If you want more autonomy and responsibility, becoming a Nurse Practitioner is a great option. NPs diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatments, and manage patient care, often working independently or alongside physicians. This path requires advanced education but offers a chance to specialize and lead.

3. Specialize as a Pediatric Nurse

For those who love working with children, specializing in pediatrics lets you focus on caring for infants, kids, and teens. Pediatric nurses support families, monitor growth, and help young patients through health challenges.

4. Work in Nurse Education

With a nursing degree and some experience, you can become a nurse educator. You’d train the next generation of nurses, teaching clinical skills and theory in schools or hospitals. It’s a role that combines your clinical knowledge with a passion for teaching.

5. Enter Nursing Administration or Management

If you’re interested in leadership, nursing administration is a natural fit. You’d oversee nursing staff, manage budgets, and ensure quality care delivery. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills.

6. Work in Public Health Nursing

Public health nurses focus on community wellness. They run health programs, conduct screenings, and educate the public on disease prevention. It’s a role with a big-picture focus on improving health outcomes at the population level.

7. Become a Travel Nurse

If you crave variety and adventure, travel nursing might be for you. Travel nurses take short-term assignments across the country or even internationally. You get to work in different healthcare settings and explore new places while using your nursing skills.

8. Specialize in Mental Health Nursing

Mental health nurses support patients with psychiatric conditions. They provide therapy, monitor medication effects, and help manage crises. This specialty requires empathy and strong communication skills, making a profound difference in patients’ lives.

9. Work in Research Nursing

If you’re curious about advancing healthcare knowledge, research nursing could be your path. Research nurses conduct clinical trials, collect data, and ensure patient safety during studies. You help bridge the gap between science and practice.

10. Become a Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Midwife

These are advanced practice roles requiring further education. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia during surgeries, while nurse midwives care for women during pregnancy and childbirth. Both roles demand expertise and offer specialized, high-responsibility careers.

Why Knowing What You Can Do With a Nursing Degree Matters

A nursing degree is often seen as a ticket to bedside care alone. But in reality, it offers a spectrum of careers that fit different interests and lifestyles. I’ve come to appreciate how nursing blends science, compassion, leadership, and education into one profession.

When you think about what you can do with a nursing degree, remember it’s more than a job. It’s a chance to impact lives, drive health improvements, and grow personally and professionally.

So, ask yourself: Which of these 10 things I can do with a nursing degree aligns with my passion and goals? Whether it’s working directly with patients, leading teams, or advancing healthcare research, your nursing degree is a foundation for a meaningful and flexible career.

Your nursing degree isn’t just a credential—it’s a key to many doors. The question is, which door will you open first?