Nursing is the fourth most popular job category in the United States, according to Indeed Job Trends, with a total 329,613 job postings on the site. In this post, we break down the most popular nursing job titles. Nursing is an area where it’s medically necessary to choose an individual with the appropriate licenses and qualifications. If you’re a small clinic or hospice, having the right job title is essential to your hiring.
Where We Got This Data: Indeed, the largest online job board in the US, ranks job categories based on the number of job postings published on their site. Indeed then tallies the number of clicks for job postings in each category during the current month to come up with the 10 most popular job titles in each category.
Most Popular Nursing Job Titles
1. Registered Nurse (RN) (3.38 million monthly clicks)
What they do
RNs can be seen working in various clinical settings such as hospitals, senior centers, outpatient facilities, hospices, and clinics. While they perform an assortment of tasks throughout the shift, their primary role is to promote health and wellness and follow the doctor’s instructions.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must have an active RN license and preferably with at least two years of RN experience. The person should demonstrate excellent clinical skills with strong critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills.
2. Nursing Assistant (2.79 million monthly clicks)
What they do
Nursing assistants work with RNs and other members of the healthcare team to attend to patient needs. Their duties include but are not limited to pushing patient’s’ wheelchairs, changing of wound dressings, bathing, grooming, and recording vital signs.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must have state certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The person should possess solid interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to keep emotions in check to effectively work with colleagues, superiors, and possibly hostile patients.
3. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (2.18 million monthly clicks)
What they do
An LPN is in charge of various patient care tasks such as providing medicines, recording vital signs, administering injections, completing charts, and noting prescribed medications. The person also interacts with patients and serves as the first responder whenever a medical issue arises.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal LPN must have a Current Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) within the state of practice. The candidate must also possess excellent communication and collaboration skills with genuine desire to provide compassionate care.
4. Home Health Aide (1.23 million monthly clicks)
What they do
The home health aide works with nurses to provide care to elderly, disabled, or chronically-ill patients living at home. They keep track of the patient’s condition and calls the attention of nurses or doctors if significant changes are observed.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate should meet the Certified Home Health Aide training requirements based on state and federal laws. The person should possess a nurturing and caring demeanor and must be able to relate to the patient while exhibiting compassion and patience.
5. Nurse Practitioner (NP) (1.12 million monthly clicks)
What they do
NPs are RNs who are pursuing post-graduate medical study. They are high-quality health care providers who have the authority to write prescriptions in accordance to state laws. NPs are known to promote a holistic approach to health care and may collaborate with licensed physicians to advance the patient’s health and wellness.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal NP must have an active state license and must be able to work in a fast-paced environment. The person should also possess excellent bedside manner and strong patient-centred communication and presentation skills.
6. Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) (608,555 monthly clicks)
What they do
The LVN’s primary role is to assist patients in preparation for treatment as well as help in their recovery. They perform such duties, the LVN communicates with patients and physicians, assesses medical documents, monitors patient condition, and report and record changes in patient’s health.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must have a current LVN license. In addition, the person should be familiar with medical tools and equipment and must have strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients and colleagues.
7. Registered Nurse – Operating Room (476,225 monthly clicks)
What they do
Also referred to as perioperative nurse, the operating room RN works with patients who are undergoing invasive medical procedures. They are involved in every stage of operative care. Operating room RNs are stationed in sterile medical facilities working with personnel involved in patient operations such as surgeons, other nurses, and anesthesiologists.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The perioperative nurse must have current RN licensure as well as BLS and ACLS from the American Heart Association. Ideally, the candidate has a few years of working experience in a similar unit with demonstrated proficiency in computer charting.
8. Home Care Nurse (475,234 monthly clicks)
What they do
Home care nurses look after elderly, chronically-ill, or disabled patients living in their homes by providing various health care services. They may work independently or with other healthcare professionals such as home health aides and physicians depending on patient needs. Since they stand as the patient’s companion, home care nurses are expected to demonstrate genuine care, compassion, and patience.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must possess an RN license with excellent communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.
9. Nurse/Staff Nurse (467,271 monthly clicks)
What they do
Staff nurses are usually seen working with patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. They perform various medical tasks which include patient assessment and administration of prescribed drugs in addition to keeping an accurate record of the patient’s condition. They are also authorized to delegate functions and schedule shifts of nursing attendants.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The staff nurse should possess a valid RN license with CPR and BLS certifications. The candidate must also have solid communication and organization skills.
10. Registered Nurse – Medical/Surgical (286,712 monthly clicks)
What they do
Medical-surgical nurses provide patient care before, during, and after operations. During procedures, they provide critical assistance such as monitoring vital signs, handing medical tools and equipment, and administering suction. After the procedure, medical-surgical nurses help implement post-operative care and keep track of the patient’s progress and report any sign of complication.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal medical-surgical nurse must have an active RN license and significant and verifiable medical-surgical care experience. The candidate must also have CPR and BLS certification.
Bottom Line: Most Popular Nursing Job Titles
Staff and home care positions are popular among job seekers looking for work in nursing. What are your thoughts about the most popular nursing job titles? Feel free to write your comments below.
