There was never a doubt in my mind which career path I would choose. It was always my desire to become a professional nurse. At the age of six, I remember reading an advertisement on the back of a True Romance magazine requesting individuals to consider a career in nursing. The ad requested information that included name and demographic. Upon providing the information, I gave it to my mother to mail. Of course my mother sat me down and explained I was much too young to become a nurse. I would, however, go on to graduate from nursing school, a lifelong dream fulfilled after hard work and determination.
I found the nursing profession most rewarding both personally and financially. It afforded me the opportunity to help countless individuals. Moreover, during the economic downturn when the unemployment rate was 9.6 % when I was going through a divorce, I remained employed and met my financial obligations, thanks to the nursing profession.
November 13, 2008, Time Magazine reported nursing rated number four out of one -hundred fifty (150) best recession proof jobs. The article went on to define recession proof jobs were those sensitive to the economic downturn, highest salaries, growth, and the number of openings. For those who are considering a career in nursing, I recommend they have a desire to serving others and not to embark upon this profession if their primary goal is to receive a high salary because nursing is very demanding. For instance, you may find yourself working 10-12 hours a day and sometimes on major holidays depending on the place of employment.
How to become a nurse
There are three educational paths to become a professional licensed nurse. The Bureau of Labor Statistics listed the following three paths:
1. Diploma: An individual graduates from an accredited school of nursing or hospital.
2. Associate degree (ASD) Individual graduates from a two-year college after completing the required nursing courses and other required courses.
3. Bachelor degree: The individual graduates from a four-year college program.
Regardless of the educational path before an individual becomes a professional licensed nurse, he/she must pass a National Council Examination, a standardized examination used by each state board of nursing.
What are the areas of employment for Nurses?
Nurse may be employed in hospitals, doctor offices, clinics, emergency rooms, intensive care units, operating rooms, government agencies, corporations, insurance companies, public health, schools, home health services, Colleges, and many other avenues are evolving for nurses.
Are there Advancements in Nursing?
The nursing profession has a broad range of advancement. An individual may elect to continue his/ her study as an Advanced Practice Nurse at the Master level or Doctoral in various fields such as, oncology, anesthesiology, pediatrics, neonatology, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, administrator , leadership, mental health, women health forensic, research, etc.
What is the average salary for nurses in the USA without advance study?
$63,750.00
Middle 50% earned $52,520- $77,970.
What is the salary range for advance study in Nursing?
Certified Nurse Specialist salary range from $70, 000-$80, 000 or more.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) beginning salary $100,000.00 annually or more.
Source:
The Time Magazine November 13, 2008 edition
About.comhealthcareers
Bureau of Labor Statistics