Education Needed to Become a Nurse
If you are interested in a job in nursing, you will find that the education needed to become a nurse is not that difficult to achieve. Within a year of studying, many get their associate degree as a LPN, or licensed practical nurse. Two years of study will get you your associate's degree as a registered nurse. You can go further to get your bachelor's degree as a registered nurse if you want to, but you can actually start working before you do that. After you have the basic education in nursing, there are different ways to further your career.
A Variety of Different Jobs Available
When it comes to registered nursing jobs, there are different types of jobs available. You might immediately think of hospitals, these are not the only places where good nurses can find jobs today. There are jobs available in nursing homes, schools, in home health care, in rehabilitation facilities, in doctor's offices, and more. There is a multiple choice once you have your degree in nursing.
The Shortage of Nursing Professionals
Currently there is a shortage of nursing professionals hence so many nursing jobs available. However, experts predict that this problem will continue to get worse over time. Many nurses working today are going to be retiring in the next few years. The population is growing, many are aging, and many believe that in the next 10 years, we could see a shortage of close to a million nurses, which is a huge shortage. This is one of the main reasons that you should consider if you find the nursing job description interesting. With such a huge shortage expected, it is a career where you are sure to hold on to your job, even in tough economic times.
The Hours are Flexible
One great benefit of taking registered nursing jobs or other types of nursing jobs available today is that the hours are often flexible. Since people need health care round the clock, you will find many different shifts available. Even if you have other commitments to take care of, you will be able to find a shift that works for you. The way some of the shifts work out, many times nurses end up working for only 3 or 4 days of the week. So, this can definitely be a benefit to you.
Salary is Great
Because of the shortage of nurses and the high demand for great nurses, the salaries are great. Generally, depending on factors like specialty, location, and experience, registered nurses earn close to $75,000 annually. There are many hospitals offering great signing bonuses to nurses, and these bonuses can be quite large, which is definitely an added benefit to those who are going into the nursing field.
The Ability to Continue Your Education
Once you become a nurse and you get a great job in nursing, you will find that the ability to continue your education is quite easy. In fact, there are many different hospitals that will help pay for your education if you want to go on to get a hiring education. This means that the employers will not only help you out by paying for much of the continuing education, but they will work with you on your hours so that you have the time to go back to school. As you achieve higher education as a nurse, you will become more marketable and have the ability to make more money as well.
Making a Big Difference in the World
While you probably would not read this in a nursing job description, you will find that a great benefit of taking one of the registered nursing jobs is giving you the ability to make a big difference in the world. Nurses work hard to be there as patients deal with physical problems and help provide the healing that they need. In many cases nurses help to save lives each day. It is wonderful to go home after work knowing that you have made a positive impact in the world around you.
