So You Want to Become a Nurse - Go For It, It's Never Too Late!
The nursing profession can be one of the most rewarding, and the possibilities open to you for careers in nursing are numerous.
If you believe you have what it takes to become a nurse, then with a little hard work and perseverance, you could perhaps fill one of the estimated 2 million nursing jobs available throughout the country.
Studies have been done and it is estimated that nurses will be in high demand for many years to come.
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If nursing is such a great career to enter into why are there so many positions waiting to be filled? Well there are two main factors behind this.
Many individuals who have enjoyed a career in nursing have been in the profession for many years. As such, they eventually reach retirement age, and of course, this leaves a gap in the system and jobs open, waiting to be filled.
Health care responsibilities are changing. For example, the smaller jobs once performed by a physician are in many cases passed onto nursing staff, for instance the insertion and removal of stitches. This proves to be more cost effective to the hospitals.
Of course, you cannot walk straight into nursing; a little hard work and dedication will be needed on your part to gain an education, and you will be starting at the bottom rung of the ladder.
How far you travel up the ladder is up to you as the possibilities for a career in nursing are endless, depending on what you want out of the profession.
At the very bottom of the nursing staff ladder is the licensed practical nurse, or vocational nurse, depending on the state you reside in. To become a nurse you will have to train for a period of at least one year. Your training could be undertaken in a hospital, community college or vocational school.
Once you have passed your licensing exam, your responsibilities in nursing will be limited and you will more than likely be working under close supervision of a registered nurse.
The next step up on the ladder to further your career is becoming a registered nurse and as this comes with more responsibility, the position comes with higher pay. Of course, to further yourself you also have to further your education and earn yourself a diploma, bachelor's degree, or an associate degree.
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There are many opportunities to acquire a college degree online with an accredited institution. Many in the profession get their associate degree and continue to work, and then get their bachelor's degree online working at your schedule.
The diploma however is now not one of the most popular ways and requires 3 years training, usually within a hospital, however, more and more employers are requiring the bachelor's degree.
A bachelor's degree, often referred to as a BSN, on the other hand is one of the most popular and many RN positions advertised require this degree.
A bachelor's degree will usually take around 4 years to earn but it can be well worth it as this is the best way to make advancements in your nursing career and to earn more money in the profession, especially if you branch out into the consultant area.
An associate degree is earned in 2 years, and once your state board examination has been passed, you may work as a registered nurse.
Usually this is taken before going for the bachelor's degree, as this is where you will learn and focus on the technical skills needed when deciding to become a nurse.
