Nursing is a career path where the current and future demand for trained and skilled workers is extremely high.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the expected job growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) between the years of 2014 and 2024 will be 16%, adding approximately 439,300 new jobs during that time period.  For licensed practical nurses (LPNs) the job growth rate will also be 16%, adding approximately 117,300 new jobs.  Some of the factors contributing to this growth are:

• advances in medicine that’s allowing people to live longer
• an aging “baby boomer” population that will put more demands on medical services
• an increase emphasis on prevention and  wellness
• the need to manage and treat existing diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, etc.
• an existing staff of nurses that are reaching retirement age which is resulting in a need for younger trained and qualified nurses.

What you may not know is that nursing is considered among one of the “Most Prestigious Occupations” one can have.  The work is rewarding and exciting in that you will most likely work in an environment that challenging and constantly changing.

When Florence Nightingale bought the profession of nursing to the forefront in the 19th century, it was considered more of an occupation for women because of the nature of the work (i.e. dressing wounds, changing bed linen, bathing and feeding the sick,  etc.).   Make no mistake about it–that era of nursing is long gone.  What we see today is that women and men are finding satisfaction in their careers as nurses.

The type of duties nurses are performing  today are duties that were once reserved only for doctors.  Depending on the level of training and certification, many nurses today are responsible for providing basic primary healthcare to patients.  They diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries, prescribe and administer medication, deliver babies, assist doctors during surgeries, etc.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of other”  Mahatma Gandhi

 

 

 

Nursing is a profession of service.  Regardless as to what level of nursing you may work at, you will still be involved in caring for and providing service to others.  With that in mind, please remember that in order to be effective in nursing, you need to have an attitude of compassion, sympathy and giving.  You also need to be able to communicate effectively as a lot of your responsibility will include collaboration with other colleagues as well as educating patients.

Employment Prospects

Where you will find employment as a nurse today differ greatly from times past when employment was basically confined to a hospital setting.  Hospitals, by far, are still the largest employer of nurses.  According to the BLS, in 2014 hospitals employed approximately 61% of all nurses.   The other 39% found employment in setting such as doctor offices, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, retirement centers, insurance agencies, private corporations, lawyer offices and schools.  Remember that once an individual becomes trained and qualified as a nurse, they will not find it difficult to obtain at least an entry level position in the field.

 

Training Requirement for Nursing

 

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

At this level of nursing , you will be involved with direct patient care and most likely be under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Your duties may include checking blood pressure, inserting catheters, assisting patients with personal hygiene needs such as bathing and dressing, changing bandages, assisting with feeding, etc.

Training as an LPN requires completing a state approved educational program that is usually provided at a community  college.  The program takes approximately 1 to 2 years to complete.  In most states, once the classroom requirements are met then you must obtain your license by taking and completing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median income for LPNs in 2014 was $43,170 per year.

 

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nurses:

• are health educators for patients, their families and the public
• consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals regarding a patient’s care
• observe patients in order to assess and record their symptoms and reaction to treatment
• help administer diagnostic tests and assist with analyzing the results
• work to promote health and prevent diseases.

You can train to become a registered nurse (RN) via the following  three methods:

1.  Diploma of Nursing:   This type of RN training program is basically administered by a hospital’s School of Nursing.  The diploma program prepares a student to work in a hospital, clinic, or some other inpatient facility.  With RN training program now been offered through colleges and universities,  the Diploma of Nursing training program in not as readily available now as it was in years past.  If you do participate in this type of training program, you can expect it to take 2 to 3 year to complete.
2.  Associate Degree In Nursing (ADN): This program is offered through a community college and takes approximately 2 to 3 years to complete.  Obtaining a ADN will allow you to become an RN in less time than it would through a 4-year college Bachelor of Science Program.  However, many who have obtained an ADN feel a bit restricted when applying for senior level nursing positions.  For many, they will complete the ADN program first,  then obtain an entry level position as an RN. Once working, they will decide to take advantage of their employer’s tuition reimbursement program to return to school for their bachelor’s degree.
3.  Bachelor’s Of Science Degree In Nursing (BSN): This is a 4-year educational and training program for an RN that is offered through a college or university.  As an RN, there are definite advantages to obtaining a BSN.  Those advantages include increase consideration for administrative and leadership positions and entry into certain specialty areas of nursing.

Upon completion of an approved RN training program, you must also obtain your license by taking and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)

The 2014 median income for an RN, according to the BLS, was $66,640 per year.

Regardless which avenue you choose to enter the nursing profession, your formal training will include not only classroom instructions but also supervised clinical experience in a hospital or other healthcare setting.  Within the classroom, you can expect to take courses in subjects such as anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, psychology, behavioral science, etc.  At the bachelor’s degree level you may also have additional courses in leadership, communication, social science, and critical thinking.

 

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is an RN who has continued their education beyond the bachelor’s degree level and has obtained a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctorate of Science in Nursing (DSN).  They are some of the highest paid nurses around and are the ones in many of the specialty fields of nursing where they play a more active role in direct patient diagnosis and treatment.  You will find APRN in specialty areas of nursing  such as  Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Midwife.  As an APRN some of your duties in these specialty areas include the following:

• Nurse Anesthetist: assisting the anesthesiologist with administering  anesthesia, monitoring patient’s vital sign and overseeing a patient’s recovery from anesthesia.
• Nurse Midwife: conducting gynecological exams, delivering babies, assisting doctors in surgery during cesarean birth, being primary care provider to women and newborn.
• Nurse Practitioner:  case management, serving as primary care provider, patient assessment, patient education.

According to the BLS the median income for an APRN in 2015 was $104,740.  The expected job growth for this group between 2014 and 2024 is  31%, adding approximately 53,400 jobs.

 

If you are up for the challenge, the nursing field needs you!

 

   Attention:   Please look at the available scholarships for nursing education by clicking on Nursing Scholarships (April 2016).