My Career Choice
Elizabeth Coomer * Nursing
Description of Nursing
Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.
Benefits & Salary
Registered nurses typically receive the same benefits as all medical professionals under the same employers. Insurance is the most common, with coverage for medical, dental and vision. Retirement savings is available primarily through 401(k) and 403(b) plans, with some establishments offering pension plans. Vacation, paid holidays, sick days and personal time off are also common. Registered Nurses receive annual median wage of $64,690.
Education Requirements
There is more than one educational pathway leading to eligibility to take the standardized National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)-RN. Diploma in Nursing is available through hospital-based schools of nursing.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year degree offered by community colleges and hospital-based schools of nursing that prepares individuals for a defined technical scope of practice.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS/BSN) is a four-year degree offered at colleges and universities:
Job Outlook
- Over the five years to November 2018, the number of job openings for Registered Nurses is expected to be high (greater than 50,000). Job openings can arise from employment growth and people leaving the occupation. Further information about job openings and projected employment growth is available on the Help page.