The highest academic degree that nurses can attain in their field is a doctor of nursing degree. As the highest degree in the field of nursing, having this degree qualifies a nurse for many different careers. Here are some of the careers that you can pursue after graduating with a doctor of nursing degree.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Many people are familiar with anesthesiologists because these are the medical providers who anesthetize patients before surgeries and other medical procedures. Despite being a well-known field, anesthesiology is a highly specialized field that requires advanced training.

If you earn a doctor of nursing degree, you'll receive the advanced training that's required to work in anesthesiology. The nursing role in this field is called a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). You'll be able to anesthetize patients and oversee them throughout the duration of an operation while they're asleep, once you get a job working in this position.

Because patents are anesthetized for surgeries, you can expect to work at a sizeable facility where surgeries are performed if you enter this field. Outpatient centers and hospitals alike have need anesthesiology specialists. You can expect to work closely alongside anesthesiologist medical doctors, collaborating with them but also directly administering medications to patients yourself.

Clinical Researcher

Many doctoral programs in the sciences have a research component, and you'll probably complete some research projects as part of your doctor of the nursing degree program.

If you excel at research when in the degree program, you could use your degree and published findings to secure a job as a researcher. Most lead researchers have doctoral degrees, and a doctor of nursing is indeed doctoral-level academic work.

Because nursing is a clinically focused field, your research could end up being related to clinical medicine in some way. You might study patient care, facility management, public health, or some other subject that could directly improve the care that people receive from their nurses and doctors.

Research will afford you opportunities to work for organizations that aren't strictly within the healthcare field. You might conduct research for a university, for example.

Health Care Lobbyist

Healthcare lobbyists petition government leaders for changes to healthcare laws and regulations. With clinical experience and a doctoral nursing degree, you'll be well poised to argue for various changes to the existing body of laws. You'll know both what to petition government leaders for, and how to best make your case to them. 

For more information, contact a local doctor of nursing.