Careers in Nursing

Careers in nursing, while seemingly hectic and dull, are actually quite the opposite. They put you at the forefront of the fastest growing sectors in the United States, and offer competitive wages with a complete and satisfying professional experience.

Depending on your interest, you can pick from one of several nursing careers. Each of the options come with its own set of requirements and rewards for successful completion. It is a good idea to spend some time thinking seriously about your interests and professional goals, since you do not want to be stuck at dead end job.

Licensed practical nurses are one position you can start your nursing career in. In this position, you will be working under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse to provide routine care for the sick. This is a junior position, but you must still complete a formal training program and pass a licensing exam in order to practice your profession legally.

Registered nurses is another possible career path, but require a higher level of qualification to be obtained. In order to become a registered nurse, you will be required to follow your high school education with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in nursing, after which you will need to take a licensing examination again. The Master’s degree in Nursing is necessary since it gives you the opportunity to obtain specialized training in a field of medicine. While this path takes more time, it has its benefits. You enter the healthcare industry at a senior position, are able to draw a higher salary, and are able to work more independently. In some states, registered nurses are even allowed to individually diagnose patients and give prescriptions and make referrals.

Each of these nursing careers is lucrative, and employment opportunities are abundant. You can work in a public or private hospital, or in a smaller setting like a rehabilitation center or an old home. Your payment will depend on your location within the United States, your academic qualification and past work experience. In spite of all of the factors, the median salary for a licensed practical nurse is about $49,000 and that of a registered nurse is roughly twice as much. Registered nurses and nurse practitioners are also able to charge more because of their specialized training.

Another reason to choose nursing careers is because of the rate at which the healthcare industry is growing. The demand for qualified healthcare professionals is on the rise, and in such a scenario having a competent nursing staff is vital to cushion the shortfall. You can be sure when you enter this particular industry that you are going to have a stable, long-term job.

Nursing careers are not meant for everyone though. They require you to juggle multiple tasks at the same time, and you must be able to maintain a calm, composed state in times of crisis. Furthermore, you are required to have compassion towards the patients, and maintain a positive outlook. If you feel that you possess these qualities, you should definitely apply for a career in nursing.