Find Nursing Schools Online
So you want to become a nurse? You have picked a challenging and emotionally rewarding career field that is looking for YOU to fill their plentiful job openings. The word “plentiful,” in fact, may even be an understatement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “[r]egistered nurses constitute the largest healthcare occupation,” and “is expected to grow…much faster than the average for all occupations.” Further, the BLS predicts a similar occupational growth rate for licensed practical nurses.
There has probably never been a better time for you to get started on a nursing career.
The bulk of the nursing occupation falls into two categories: registered nursing or licensed practical nursing. Although both are concerned with caring for patients, their full job descriptions are vastly different.
Registered Nursing: To enter this career field, you must complete (and pass) an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Approximately 60 percent of nurses are employed in hospitals (Source: BLS) and, depending upon the facility, their job duties may include:
…and many more.
Licensed Practical Nursing: To enter this career field, you must complete (and pass) an accredited program for practical nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Once you obtain this license, you are free to work under the direct supervision of physicians and registered nurses. Licensed practical nurses primarily work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies and their job duties may include:
…and much more.
The job duties of registered nurses, moreover, vary greatly depending upon their chosen specialty.
There is an almost endless list of specialties within the nursing field. Some of these specialties include:
An Internet search of nursing specialties will yield many more interesting options for you to investigate, options which will give you a choice in how you will spend your work days.
Although money should not be your only consideration when choosing a specialty, the 10 highest paying nurse specialties,* (listed from highest paying to lowest paying of the 10 highest paying nursing specialties) are:
*Source: Nurse Link
Whatever specialty you choose, you can expect to have an interesting career in an occupational field that will always have room for YOU. Good luck!
