Great Reasons For Choosing A Nursing Career

Flexibility, prestige, on-the-job variety, job security, growth and the ability to work anywhere in the country. If those sound like characteristics you would like in your next job, then a career in nursing may be for you. And you'll have the satisfaction of making a positive and lasting difference in people's lives.

Today, qualified medical professionals are in demand like never before. It's no secret that the medical profession is booming and medical professionals are increasingly in demand to meet the many requirements of an aging population in the United States. There is a special need for qualified people in the nursing field. And so, choosing to enter the nursing profession is simultaneously a rewarding career choice and a decision that will serve others in need.

So, you've decided to become a nurse. That's great, but that's just the first step. Once the decision has been made, you'll need to discover and choose a specific discipline within the nursing profession. What type of nurse do you want to be -- an LPN, RN or BSN? You'll find lots of opportunities for each within the field, but these positions vary greatly with respect to job descriptions, duties and educational requirements. Once you've made a decision on the type of nurse you would like to become, you can then choose an appropriate nursing school.

So how much and what type of training does it take to become a nurse? In only one to two years of study at an accredited nursing school, you can achieve associates degree and certification as an LPN (licensed practical nurse) or RN (registered nurse). And you'll be on your way to joining the fastest growing profession in the world.

Why is the medical industry growing so quickly? It's for a few reasons. First, there is a generation of medical professionals leaving the field as they reach retirement age. Simultaneously, the tens of millions of baby boomers in their generation are reaching senior citizen status at the same time, creating an enormous demand for medical services and consequently new medical professionals to meet the demand. Finally, massive government changes through health care reform have shifted much of the traditional work performed by physicians to a new class of nursing specialists. There is a very high demand for nurses with these specialized skills and training. Experts estimate a shortage of nearly 800,000 nurses by the year 2020, and this supply and demand disparity is creating tremendous opportunity for those entering the nursing field.

Benefits Of A Nursing Career

Today, hospitals and other institutions are offering serious benefits and perks in their effort to recruit new healthcare professionals. They include:

Flexible Hours -- Nurses are needed at all hours of the night and day. And as a result, there are many shifts available. Also, many hospitals and medical facilities allow nurses to craft flexible working arrangements where they may work as little as three to four days per week.
High Salary And Bonus Structure -- Salaries, of course, depend on the type of nursing position and the skills and certifications required for the job. Experience also comes into play as well as geography and specializations. However, as a general rule, RNs can earn upwards of $75,000 per year, and many organizations offer significant bonus structures.
Continuing Education -- After getting a baseline Associates Degree, many nurses choose to enhance their marketability and earning potential with additional training and specializations. Many healthcare organizations offer free access to the training the required for these specializations.
Making A Difference In The Community -- In addition to the prestige and earning potential that comes with a nursing career, nurses make a difference. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, you'll be changing people's lives and a positive and proactive way by rendering healthcare service and education.
Variety -- There are dozens of areas of specialization in the medical field. And with specific training, you'll be able to use your core nursing education to enter most of them.
Relocation -- Nursing and medical professionals are needed everywhere and in every discipline. So, there are unlimited opportunities to choose where you want to work. Unlike many professions, the nursing field is not limited to a few specific locations with high concentrations of employers and talent.

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