Finding the right career path in the medical industry is intrinsically tied to your happiness. Your choice of career will affect many aspects of your life, from the number of hours you work each week to your overall life satisfaction. If you are considering a career in the nursing industry, registered nursing jobs should top your list of career options.
What is a Registered Nurse?
Registered nurses (RNs) treat patients, regardless of the specialty or work setting. Job tasks for RNs can be varied but generally include educating patients and the public about health conditions, giving advice on medical matters, and providing emotional support. RNs document a patient’s medical history and symptoms, help conduct exams and analyze results, administer treatment and medications, and track patient follow-up.
Registered nursing jobs provide the opportunity to work with patients, doctors, and other medical care providers, as well as a broad spectrum of employment options, which is reflected in the wide range of nursing salaries. Registered nurses can be general nurses working in a hospital or clinical setting, or they can specialize. There are a variety of different registered nursing positions available, from home health nurses to pediatric oncology nurses. Choose any specialty: dermatology, trauma, surgery, and many more.
What education is needed for RN jobs?
To get started in this rewarding career, you will certainly need the right educational groundwork. There are three typical educational paths to registered nursing: a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, and a diploma from an approved nursing program. For advanced practice nurses such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse-midwives, and nurse anesthetists, a master’s degree is required.
Most courses will take between two and three years to complete. After finishing the coursework, you will then have to take your state’s licensing test. The test is given by the NCLEX-RN, and requirements vary by state. In most all cases, if you move to another state, you will have to take that state’s examination to maintain your license. It’s best to be prepared for NCLEX exams.
The future of RN jobs and positions
Registered nursing jobs offer immense opportunities, and these types of positions are expected to be the fastest growing segment of the medical industry. Estimates for registered nurse employment project growth by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. Technological advances in patient care, which allow for more health problems to be treated, and emphasis on preventive care are two factors credited with fueling the growth. The aging Baby Boomer population is projected to grow rapidly and increase RN demand as well.
This translates to increased opportunities for RNs to find work in all 50 states, in a variety of different settings. Registered nursing jobs can be found in hospitals, in nursing care facilities, with schools and universities, and in many other areas, too. Perhaps the most promising of areas is that of home health care nursing.
Other resources:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics: The federal government makes available a wide range of information about registered nursing jobs, as well as education requirements and more.
Best nursing schools: This is a valuable resource for those considering registered nursing jobs, including information on the top nursing schools.
Career Overview: This site provides information about registered nursing jobs, as well as other career choices.
