The medical field is growing and changing by the year. This rapid development has provided many opportunities and almost created a necessity for nurses to pin point a career field for specialized study. Nurses of varied educational levels can work solely in departments like pediatrics, emergency, home care and many others.
There is a surprisingly large number of different nursing careers available within the medical field. Nurses serve all over the community, providing health care in hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices; working as health supervisors for schools, universities, and corporations; and spreading health education and free assistance through community nursing services. For those who have completed their training and passed their licensing examinations to become a fully certified registered nurse, the opportunities for work are diverse.
A registered nurse degree is one of the best degrees to earn in terms of job opportunity, versatility, and wages. Registered nurses are especially in demand right now as more and more nurses are expected to retire, leaving a lot more gaps to fill in the healthcare community.
In today’s economy, it seems that nearly every sector is plagued by layoffs and budget cuts. Even fields that were previously thought to be secure are facing painful decisions about cutting staff and consolidating jobs. If one were to try to think of one profession that would always be needed, no matter what the surrounding economy’s state, it would probably be the medical field. Indeed, as jobs disappear around the county, registered nurse positions are actually becoming more available than ever. California has been struggling for several years with a sever shortage in nurses, and many other states are in similar circumstances. If your priority is a stable job in an exciting profession, nursing deserves your full attention!
How to Become a Registered Nurse: Do You Have the Prerequisites?
Whatever degree program you choose, you will need to have a high school diploma or a GED before you will be admitted into a nursing school. If you are still in high school and decided on a career in nursing, classes in science, particularly biology and chemistry, will prove to very helpful in nursing school. If you dropped out of high school, you will have to go back and get your high school graduate equivalency diploma (GED). If your high school performance was less than stellar, you may find acceptance difficult into a four-year bachelor degree program. Two-year associate degree nursing programs will often accept anyone with a high school diploma, but be prepared to prove yourself once you are in the program.
To become a registered nurse, you must first have a keen interest in the medical field. You must be willing to invest a significant amount of time and effort in order to acquire the education and practical experience necessary to prepare you for the careful, effective daily care of patients who will place their health in your care. Finally, you must be flexible enough to work in an environment where 24 hour service is required. Night shifts and long hours are a normal part of the nursing profession.
Registered Nurses: What is an RN
A registered nurse (RN) is generally defined as someone who has completed a recognized nursing training program and has passed the National Council Licensure Examination (the NCLEX-RN). All 50 states in the US recognize the NCLEX-RN as the indicator of the minimum registered nurse requirements for a new nursing graduate. Each state may have their own set of rules and regulations for nursing requirements and practice in addition to the NCLEX-RN.
Associate Degree in Nursing: What is an ASN and an ADN?
An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), which is sometimes offered as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), is an entry-level degree toward a career in nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse. The associate degree is often looked as a stepping stone degree toward getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). The associate degree is a two-year program that focuses on technical skills.
