Nursing Job Information

By pursuing a career in the nursing field you will soon have endless job opportunities, job security, a good income, prestige, flexible hours and more. Nursing is one of the fastest growing industries, not just in the US but worldwide. In an economy where many people are suffering financially from being laid off and an inability to find work, the field of nursing is experiencing a shortage. This explains the great demand for new nurses that currently exists.

Not only is the industry is need of new and experienced general nurses, the job outlook is diverse and interesting. Nurses don't just work in hospitals but they use their skills in schools, on helicopters and in spas, just to name a few. Some of the nation’s top nurses are earning more than $100,000 annually, with the average annual salary of a registered nurse being close to $65,000. A person can choose to take their career path as a nurse in literally thousands of different directions and create an individual path that works with their own lifestyle. There has never been a better time than now to choosing a nursing job as a career.

This short guide to nursing careers includes:

• Starting Your Nursing Career
• Types of Nursing Specialties
• How to Become a Certified Nurse Assistant
• How to Become a Registered Nurse
• How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Manager Job Overview
• Nurse Hiring Process Information

Did You Know? The USA is currently experiencing a nursing shortage of about 100,00 nurses and the number is expected to rise to 800,000 over the next decade?

Nursing Career Paths

One of the reasons there is such a great need for nurses in the field is because of the very diverse environment of the nursing field. Although about half of all nurses work in hospitals, there are also those who work in places that you might not suspect to find them such as court rooms, forensic labs, cruise ships and ambulances. But even in hospitals nurses have the opportunity to work in many different kinds of environments as well as with a very diverse group of patients. Some nurses prefer the fast pace of the emergency room while others like the intensity of being in the operating room. Midwife nurses help pregnant women bring new babies into the world naturally, while other professionals are passionate about interacting with patients who have cancer in the oncology unit. Nothing about a career in nursing will ever be boring, and what's more, you can decide to change directions with your career anytime you choose.

For example, one of the most in-demand positions in the nursing field is for travel nursing. A travel nurse works on short-term contracts with different facilities. Not only do they gain a wide range of experience and skills from working in such a variety of settings, but they also earn very competitive wages.

Not to mention that they get to travel and live in many different places as part of their job! Although there are great opportunities in the US, there are also openings in other countries worldwide as well.

Whether you prefer to work with infants or the elderly, in a doctor's office or on a cruise ship, there is a nurse job just waiting for you. All you have to do is get trained, then take your spot among those who will always have work. The need for nurses is increasing every day - not many careers can offer you that type of job security or the wide variety of jobs that the nursing field has to offer.

Did You Know? Gallup conducts a survey every year to find out which of American's professions rank the highest in ethics and honesty. Nurses continually rank in the #1 spot, and in fact, 81 percent of people polled this year rank them as high or very high in ethics and honesty.

Nursing Career Options

With so many different types of nursing jobs available, it can be difficult to pick just one.

And there are many factors to consider when deciding about which type of nursing job that want to pursue. You'll have to factor in some of these variables to see what works best for you.

It's possible to get on the fast track, meaning that you want to get started working the field as soon as possible. For instance, a nursing school can offer classes to get you working in the field in as little as one year.

You would be working as a basic licensed practical nurse or licensed vocation nurse and, although certain duties would be limited, it's the fastest path to becoming a nurse and gaining real experience.

Becoming a registered nurse requires a longer school commitment - usually four years.

The training and courses are longer and cover more material, but will allow you to enter the nursing field working alongside doctors, have large amounts of responsibility for your own patients, and earn a nice salary as well.

Many nurses choose to specialize and take their education and passion to the next level. Some nurses choose to go to school and get into the field as fast as possible, gaining experience year after year in the field while they discover what they like, and then move toward that specialty. Others know exactly what they want to specialize in - such as oncology or pediatrics - and finish school before entering the field.

The level of education that a person has will play a factor in the salary that they earn. With each new certificate that a nurse earns, she can expect an increase in salary.  In addition, all nurses can expect yearly salary increases.

Are you ready to learn more about the exciting field of nursing? On the next page, we'll cover the basics of how to become a nurse and get your career off the ground.

Nursing Jobs Summary

• Nurses are in high demand all across the nation and there are an unlimited amount of job opportunities available right now.
• Benefits of becoming a nurse include a good income, flexibility, job security, prestige and more.
• The top nurses in the field are making over $100,000 a year.
• You'll never be stuck in one nursing position because you can always choose to change your career path as your life changes.
• In as little as one year you could be working in the nursing field.

Learn more about Starting a Career in Nursing >>>