Did you know that most of the nurses you see are registered nurses (RNs)? Different from nursing assistants and LPNs (licensed practical nurses), RNs rank higher on the health care employment chain and they’re often responsible for delegating tasks. This is what makes the job of being an RN appealing to those who are up to the challenge. RNs can work a schedule as demanding as a doctor’s schedule and work evenings, weekends, or on-call. But such a schedule doesn’t go without being well-rewarded. RNs earn very impressive salaries.
Work in a Wide Variety of Settings
As an RN, you’ll work in a wide variety of settings that are equally as challenging. From operating rooms to small health care clinics, you’ll help care for a wide range of ill and/or injured patients and work side-by-side doctors of all specialties. Outside of the hospital, you may work as a nurse-midwife instead.
Of course, if you’re attracted to working in administration rather than directly working with patients, you can study nursing programs that prepare you for (1) managing patient medical histories, (2) preparing individualized health care plans, (3) managing LPN and assistant tasks, and/or (4) advising patients and their families. You may even work with a team.
Demand for RNs is at Its Highest
Even better, you’ll work at a time when demand for RNs is at its highest, enabling you to command a much higher income than RNs of the past. Your potential for success lies within your education. On average, RNs earn $57,280 a year, $47,710 on the lower end of the spectrum, $69,850 on the higher. Nurses with an extensive educational background and resume earn even more.
Become a Registered Nurse
Become a registered nurse by earning an associate’s degree in nursing, a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), or a nursing diploma. Many people opt for the associate’s degree in nursing since it’s easily acquired in three years or less. An associates degree in nursing will act as credit toward a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN) and qualify you for an entry-level position at the same time, giving you the perfect opportunity to learn as you earn. The bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN) program is a four-year program, while the nursing diploma program is a three-to-five year program.
With either an associate’s degree in nursing, bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), or a nursing diploma, you’ll still need a license before you can work. Passing the national licensing examination (NCLEX-RN) qualifies you to work as a nurse in your current state – emphasis on ‘current,’ since different states have different nursing requirements. Should you move to and work in a different state, you may have to retake the exam.
Is it worth it? We’ll let you decide. By the time 2016 rolls around, there’ll be 587,000 job openings exclusive to RNs. The current nursing shortage forces employers to offer some attractively competitive packages – packages that include signing bonus, personal work schedules, and tuition reimbursement. You need only take a look at the part-time and full-time aging veteran nurse force to size up tremendous opportunities in the near future. Retirements are coming, and the health industry will need replacements quickly. Get your RN degree online and become a part of the next hiring wave.
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