The aging population has led to increased demand for healthcare workers like nurses. Though the thought of working in a hospital with ill people might sound unappealing, many opportunities are available if you've received your bachelor's degree in nursing. As a nurse, you could work in rural, underdeveloped communities overseas, or you could find meaning working with children or with nonprofit groups.

Join the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is a government-sponsored organization that sends Americans overseas to volunteer for 27 months (usually in Third World countries). Consider using your nursing degree to work in the health, HIV/AIDS, or youth and community development areas. Though your starting salary will likely be higher should you work elsewhere in the United States, the Peace Corps defers (and sometimes reduces) student loans, provides medical insurance and pays all expenses overseas, in addition to offering a $6,000 stipend upon returning back to the United States.

Work in a Blood Donor Center

Contemplate specializing in apheresis (removing blood from donor). Blood bank nurses are not only responsible for administering the IV---they also manage the interviews and screening, offer follow-up advice and adhere to quality-control standards. The experience you gain in blood work could assist you with career opportunities in hospitals or in performing lab work. An apheresis nurse can command a high salary. Indeed.com indicates the average salary as of December 2009 is $54,000.

Become a School Nurse

Many children are grateful for the warmth and assistance offered by their school nurse. Think about working with children, where you'll likely take their temperature, offer basic medication or provide them with a pleasant place to rest in the nursing office before their parents come to pick them up. Being a school nurse also provides regular hours and holidays off, perks not often received in the nursing field. According to Payscale.com, in 2009, an entry-level school nurse could expect to earn between $32,418 and $39,500.

Join the Army

The Army Nurse Corps works at various Army bases in the United States or could be deployed overseas to ensure the health and safety of soldiers. A few examples of nursing jobs offered as a U.S. Army healthcare team are emergency room nurse, OB/GYN nurse, critical care nurse and public health nurse. Additional education is provided in the form of four courses that each last 16 weeks. Financial benefits for becoming an Army nurse, as outlined on GoArmy.com, include sign-on bonuses of $20,000 to $30,000 and up to $120,000 for student loan repayment for active-duty nurses.

Source:

Indeed.com apheresis nurse salary

Peacecorps.gov volunteer fields

Payscale.com school nurse salary

More Information:

Goarmy.com nurse corps benefits