One of the top benefits of starting a nursing career in Virginia is the ability to explore different specialties. Nurses possess an adaptive skill set that grants access to a wide range of nursing roles beyond entry-level positions.
We explore what you can do with a nursing degree, listing clinical and non-clinical roles while offering insights from real nurses who’ve established themselves as leaders in their fields. Our guide covers:
1. Traditional Patient Care Roles
2. Advanced Practice Roles (With Further Education)
3. Hospital Administration and Management Roles
4. Nursing Education and Health Advocacy Roles
5. Research and Policy Roles
Are you considering a career shift within nursing? Explore how further education or specialization can open new doors in your nursing journey!
1. Traditional Patient Care Roles
There are several reasons why registered nurses rank highly on several top healthcare job lists. Many nurses begin their careers as generalists before specializing in a specific area. This could be through transferring to a new department or investing in additional education to gain deeper expertise.
Earning certifications and advanced degrees in a nursing specialty is invaluable for career advancement. Passing certification exams often requires years of hands-on experience and extensive preparation.
Clinical roles for nursing degrees include:
•Registered Nurse (RN): Works in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities providing hands-on patient care, administering medications, and coordinating treatment plans.
•Critical Care Nurse: Specializes in ICU settings, caring for critically ill patients who need advanced monitoring and interventions.
•Pediatric Nurse: Works with children in hospitals, specialty practices, or clinics, providing essential care from infancy to adolescence.
•Labor and Delivery Nurse: Assists with childbirth, supports new mothers, and provides postpartum care.
How Dyshonn Sims Became an RN in Virginia
Dyshonn Sims started her healthcare career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) while in school to gain clinical experience. She pursued a licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate, which allowed her to work at the Sheltering Arms Institute within 12 to 15 months. After another 6 months of employment, Dyshonn returned to school to become an RN and has continued working at Sheltering Arms since.
Taking stackable education courses to earn certificates is an accessible and affordable pathway to becoming a nurse. Many RNs start their education through the FastForward or G3 Programs at one of Virginia’s Community Colleges. These accelerated programs help cover educational costs to jumpstart nursing careers.
After becoming an LPN, individuals leverage scholarships, work incentives, and employer tuition reimbursement programs to work toward a nursing degree (ADN or BSN). Because the previous courses they’ve taken are stackable, they count toward the required schooling. Pursuing an ADN is the most affordable and fastest option to becoming an RN, while earning a BSN may provide additional training for leadership skills.
2. Advanced Practice Roles (With Further Education)
Further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), allows nurses to move into specialized advanced practice roles. Compared to an RN, an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) has more autonomy and responsibility thanks to their years of proven experience and additional schooling.
The job outlook for APRNs is projected to increase by a substantial 40% from 2023 to 2033 as hospitals continue to address growing patient care needs. As specialists in their field, APRNs typically represent the highest salaried nursing positions in Virginia.
The 4 types of APRNs include:
•Nurse Practitioner (NP): Diagnoses, treats, and prescribes medications, often working in primary care or a specialized field like cardiology or dermatology.
•Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Provides obstetric and gynecological care, including prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum support.
•Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Administers anesthesia and monitors patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
•Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Focuses on a specialty like oncology, cardiology, or mental health, often working in research, education, or hospital leadership.
Why Dr. Danielle McCamey Became an APRN
Dr. Danielle McCamey, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FCCP, is an alumna of the University of Virginia and Georgetown University, where she received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice. When asked why she became an NP, Dr. McCamey recalled how NPs have the unique opportunity to blend skills from both medical and nursing models.
“As the profession has evolved, we’ve been able to gain independent practice authority, which allows us to care and manage patients independently from a physician […] There is a level of knowledge and understanding you must be willing to commit to upholding through continuing education, expanding your skills to help support and manage the patients you will be responsible for treating.”
She now serves as the CEO and president of DNPs of Color, Inc., a nonprofit that encourages people of color to pursue a doctorate in nursing practice.
3. Hospital Administration and Management Roles
Experienced nurses who excel in their specialty and have an eye for big-picture goals are ideal for upper-level management. Leadership and administrative nursing roles allow nurses to advance patient care by focusing on team efficiency, process improvements, and overall hospital operations.
Many roles are attainable through proven experience and additional training. That could be through becoming a mentor, participating in hospital committees, or leading departmental initiatives. The most senior nurse leadership roles typically require a Master’s Degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Management, or another related field.
Hospital admin roles for nurses include:
•Nurse Manager: Oversees nursing teams, manages budgets, and enhances care delivery processes.
•Director of Nursing: Leads entire nursing departments, ensuring compliance with regulations and quality patient care.
•Healthcare Administrator: Transitions into managing healthcare operations, policies, and finances within hospitals or medical facilities.
•Chief Nursing Officer: Oversees all aspects of nursing operations, including budget, patient care quality, and staffing, and reports to hospital leadership.
•Chief Executive Officer: Responsible for the hospital’s strategic plan, aligning operational and patient care goals.
Sudandra Ratnasamy’s Journey from RN to CEO
Sudandra Ratnasamy began as a bedside nurse before earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree, which opened the door to leadership roles. She transitioned from bedside nursing to becoming a director of multiple critical care units. Her newfound leadership experience eventually progressed her career to the C-suite level, becoming a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and later a CEO at Twin County Regional Hospital in Galax, Virginia.
Reflecting on her professional trajectory, Ratnasamy states, “When I transitioned into a leadership role, I felt I was making a greater impact. My tenure as a CNO and CEO allowed me to impact many lives, work with diverse teams, coach and mentor others, and learn from my leaders—all of which strengthened my leadership skills.”
Ratnasamy’s commitment to higher education and willingness to take on leadership roles to advance patient care goals allowed her to curate a robust professional career.
4. Nursing Education and Health Advocacy Roles
Besides operations and organizational management, nurse leaders typically pursue educational or training opportunities. Nurse educators leverage their years of experience to influence the next generation, focusing on the practical and soft skills needed to succeed in the field.
Some nurses translate their healthcare experience into patient advocacy, which focuses on educating patients on their rights.
Common nurse educator roles include:
•Nursing Educator: Teach in nursing programs or continuing education courses, shaping the next generation of nurses.
•Patient Advocate: Help patients navigate the healthcare system, ensuring they receive appropriate care and understand their rights.
•Public Health Nurse: Work on community health education, disease prevention, and wellness programs.
Stephanie Armstrong Advances From RN to Assistant Professor
Stephanie Armstrong, DNP, RN, CNML, initially started her nursing career as an RN at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. As she gained experience in endoscopy, pain management, surgical services, and emergency medicine, Armstrong steadily grew her leadership skills. She was promoted to a Surgical Services Nurse Manager for the Moderate Sedation Unit where she trained and guided newer nurses on best practices.
Recently, Armstrong leveraged her 15 years of nursing experience to transition into an instructional role at the James Madison University School of Nursing. As an assistant professor, Armstrong teaches nursing students how to cultivate a resilient mindset when navigating the nursing world.
Armstrong reminds students that, “nursing is not an easy field. But when you continue to invest in yourself and your craft—when you show up, engage fully, and remain open to learning—you’ll see results, both in your professional competence and the personal pride you feel in your accomplishments.”
5. Research and Policy Roles
Contrary to popular healthcare myths, nurses don’t always work bedside. For nurses interested in shaping the future of healthcare, research and policy roles offer impactful career paths. These positions require extensive understanding of the hospital system, often working behind the scenes to drive impact.
Research and information-based nursing jobs include:
•Clinical Research Nurse: Supports clinical trials at hospitals, research centers, and biotech labs, ensuring compliance with protocols and safeguarding patient safety.
•Nurse Informaticist: Works within the hospital or healthcare system (including IT settings) to integrate nursing knowledge with technology. Manages electronic health records and healthcare data systems.
•Health Policy Advocate: Collaborates with health systems, government leaders, and organizations to develop healthcare policies that improve patient care and accessibility. Advocates for hospital resources and community needs.
Find Your Nursing Career Path
A nursing degree is a powerful foundation for a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you choose to specialize in patient care, advance into leadership, educate future nurses, or explore non-traditional roles, the opportunities are vast. Browse On Board Virginia’s interactive job board to find in-demand nursing positions across the state!
