Nursing means many different things to many different people; however, the fundamental nature of nursing is having the opportunity to focus on the patient as a whole — not just a specific health issue. If you are interested in science and enjoy caring for others — nursing may very well be for you!
Careers in Nursing
- Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession and a crucial part of the American health care system. Registered nurses (RNs) constitute the largest health care occupation, with over 2 million employed nationwide. The demand for registered nurses has never been greater. The American Nurses Association predicts that the national demand for hospital nurses will continue to increase throughout the next decade.
- Registered nurses can expect more new jobs to be created than in any other profession.
- Registered nurses work primarily in hospitals and can choose specialties such as emergency, intensive care, maternity, medical/surgical, mental health, pediatrics, and surgery. Additionally, nurses work in clinics, home health, insurance companies, long term care, military, nursing schools, occupational health, offices, pharmaceutical manufacturers, public health, research, travel nursing, and other exciting fields.
- Bachelor’s prepared registered nurses advance to master’s and doctoral degrees, including clinical nurse specialists, nurse attorneys, nurse educators, and nurse practitioners.
- Bachelors prepared registered earn an average of $75,000 annually, depending on employment setting, experience, and region of the country.
- Many employers offer flexible work schedules and educational and health care benefits.
With so many varied and challenging positions and opportunities for continued professional growth, it is easy to see why nursing is truly one of the most rewarding and fulfilling professions available.
For additional information:
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses