Today nursing is a growing profession that is extremely popular, and it definitely offers many nursing jobs to consider. It is a profession that takes a great deal of courage and caring, and today there is actually a shortage of nurses, which means the job market is an excellent one. Depending on the type of nurse you become, the education can vary, but getting started in a nursing career is not difficult, and nursing jobs can provide a lucrative and rewarding career.
When it comes to jobs in nursing, there are three basic types of nursing that you can get into today. You can become an LPN, an RN, or a nurse practitioner. An LPN is a licensed practical nurse, and they are the nurses with the least amount of education and seniority. Usually becoming an LPN can be accomplished in just a year or two. The RN is a registered nurse, and usually it will take 2-3 years to become an RN, although some people become an LPN first and then go on to become an RN. These registered nurses are more qualified to do certain procedures and can also administer more drugs than an LPN can. When it comes to nurse practitioners, these are nurses who have gone on to get more education and who are just about as qualified as actual doctors. Many times they practice in much the same way as a doctor, although they may be required to have the supervision of an actual doctor when practicing.
Environments Where Nurses Work
There are a variety of different environments where nurses can work when it comes to jobs in nursing. Of course, one of the most common places for nurses to work is in a hospital, although this is definitely not the only place where you can find nursing jobs. You can find employment as a nurse in a variety of other areas as well. You can find nursing jobs at schools, nursing homes, and mental institutions. Doctor’s offices and urgent care centers need nursing as well, and even the military employs nurses. So, whether you are looking for LPN jobs, RN jobs, or even nurse practitioner jobs, there are many environments to choose from.
Nursing Jobs Available
You will find that today many nursing jobs are available in all different venues, and the job market is expected to increase in the near future. We already have a shortage of good nurses and many companies are desperate to hire them. This leads to more competitive wages, more benefits, and enticing offers to those who are thinking about nursing.
Educational Background
The education that is needed for a nursing job will vary depending upon the type of nurse that you plan on becoming. Today you can find the education that you'll need at technical schools, vocational schools, junior colleges, and community colleges. As a general rule, training takes about a year. LPNs must also take state board exams in order to be licensed to practice.
In order to take nurse practitioner jobs, you must start out by becoming an RN. Once you have become an RN, you'll need to at least have a BSN, and many go on to achieve their Masters in nursing as well. There are many nurse practitioners that go through a two-year program especially for nurse practitioners where they earn a special degree.
On the Job
Nursing jobs are definitely not easy, and on the job LPNs, RNs, and nurse practitioners definitely have many tasks to attend to. They work with patients and often spend hours on their feet. They provide comfort to patients, take care of medications, and they also deal with many personal care aspects of nursing as well. Those interested in nursing jobs should definitely have a love for people and be willing to do what it takes to take care of others as well.
You will find that there are many open nursing jobs available today, and you could be the one to fill these nursing employment needs. So, take the time to find out more about what nursing jobs are available and which area of nursing that you may be interested in pursuing.