| It is far from a hidden truth that there is a | | | | consists of educational material as well as |
| shortage of nurses in the United States. | | | | practical information, making it necessary to |
| Hospitals, doctors and nursing homes have | | | | study for the exam. The major shortage in |
| been clinging to dear life for years in the | | | | nursing comes with the licensure of the |
| attempts to find and keep a good group of | | | | registered nurse. The RN certification opens |
| nurses. With the shortages in the profession, | | | | many doors and opportunities to those wanting |
| the pay rate has climbed to far exceed | | | | to pursue a career in the medical profession. |
| expectations and this leaves nurses with many | | | | In most cases the Registered Nurse oversees |
| options. For the nurse this is an excellent | | | | other medical tech., interns, LPN (LVN) and |
| opportunity, but for the providers it can | | | | Certified Nurses Aids. The average salary |
| prove costly. If you are on the fringe of | | | | reported on the Internet for a RN is in the |
| making a decision between a nursing degree | | | | range of $55,000 per year. RN's can work in |
| and some other here are some things to | | | | private practice, doctor's offices, |
| consider. | | | | hospitals, traveling situations as well as |
| | | | other medical options. |
| The American Association of College Nursing | | | | |
| estimates that there will be a shortage of | | | | BSN: |
| over 300,000 nurses by the year 2012. That | | | | |
| could not only create a hazard to the medical | | | | The BSN or Bachelors of Science in Nursing |
| industry, but also provide nurses with an | | | | can be obtained after a nurse completes a |
| excellent paying career. Nursing is one of | | | | bachelor's degree from an accredited |
| those careers that not only provides good | | | | university. Many universities are now |
| pay, but also gives the individual the | | | | offering an online option or correspondence |
| greatest reward ever. This reward can be seen | | | | classes for nurses to achieve the higher |
| on a daily basis with the fact that they help | | | | level of education. The RN may wish to return |
| those in need and it is the thanks in the | | | | to school to enhance his/her skill and salary |
| eyes of a child that sustains the career | | | | level. This transition may not be obvious to |
| choice. | | | | a patient by sight, but the experience and |
| | | | knowledge could be a tale-tale sign. A BSN |
| There are several options that nurses have | | | | also looks better on paper and hospitals, |
| afforded to them. There are different | | | | doctors, nursing homes will ring your |
| certifications in nursing and with them | | | | telephone off the wall. Generally, the BSN |
| brings different duties as well as pay. | | | | works in a managerial position reviewing case |
| Another positive about the nursing profession | | | | files, dealing with administrators and |
| is the fact that there are so many options. | | | | advocating for patients, but can hold a |
| One nurse may work in Pediatrics and another | | | | variety of other nursing positions. The |
| can work in Geriatrics. There is no limit to | | | | Internet reports the average salary for a BSN |
| the opportunities in the nursing field. Here | | | | at well over $60,000 per year. |
| is a look at the types of certifications and | | | | |
| a little bit about each. | | | | Regardless of the nursing path that is |
| | | | chosen, it is extremely important to prepare. |
| LVN/LPN: | | | | While in school take good notes, keep |
| | | | textbooks and other information obtained |
| A year's worth of college training and a set | | | | during the educational experience. Pay close |
| amount of experience can help you obtain the | | | | attention in the practical training provided |
| certification of either LVN/Licensed | | | | in the hospital or with other medical |
| Vocational Nurse or LPN/Licensed Practical | | | | professionals. The state exam that you will |
| Nurse. While completing the required academic | | | | be taking to obtain your license must be |
| requirements the nursing student will spend | | | | taken seriously. There are a variety of great |
| time shadowing nurses, doctors and other | | | | preparatory study guides that will help |
| health care providers for hands on and/or | | | | prepare you for your big day. It is also |
| practical experience. After all the | | | | recommended and advisable to obtain the |
| requirements have been fulfilled the nursing | | | | furthest degree in nursing possible. The more |
| student will be expect to take the state | | | | education and letters behind your name the |
| exam, which is not easy. It is recommended | | | | more opportunity that you will have. Nursing |
| that students purchase a good study guide or | | | | is one of those fields that no matter where |
| course to refresh and prepare for the test. A | | | | you go or live there is always a job waiting |
| LPN or LVN can expect to make an average of | | | | for you. |
| $37,000 per year. LVN or LPN can be | | | | |
| responsible for administering medications, | | | | If the predictions of the American |
| giving injections, drawing blood and/or | | | | Association of College Nursing is correct and |
| starting IV's as well as a host of other | | | | there is truly that big of a shortage in the |
| medical duties. | | | | future, the pay rates for nurses could |
| | | | double, even triple. The pay scale is already |
| RN: | | | | exceptionally good, but imagine what will |
| | | | happen when the nurses of today are retiring. |
| The RN or registered nurse is gained by | | | | The pay rate will rise and since you have the |
| attending college for two to three years and | | | | education and experience, you will be in high |
| passing the state's respective exam. The test | | | | demand. |