Registered Nurse
help others by doing what you like.
Registered Nurse
Nurses may be most visible at the hospital bedside or in the doctor’s office.This fast-growing community of more than 2.7 million workers is rapidly expanding.Solid employment growth and a wide range of job prospects help make registered nursing a top healthcare job.Between 2010 and 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects registered nurse employment growth of 26 percent.
salary
The best-paid 10 percent of RNs made more than $96,630, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $44,970.By location, the highest-paid positions are clustered in the metropolitan areas of northern California, including municipalities in and around San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco.
Employment services $64,260
Nurse case facilities $58,550
Home healthcare agencies $54,190
Hospitals $53,800
Physician offices $52,490
training
At a minimum, an entry-level nursing job requires a bachelor of science degree in nursing, an associate’s degree, or a diploma program administered in a hospital.The two-year associate’s degree can be a quicker and more economical route, but many graduates of associate’s programs eventually aim to complete a bachelor’s degree.For those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a different field, accelerated B.S.N. degree programs can take from 12 to 18 months. Students must also pass a national licensing examination known as the National Council Licensure Examination, and may have to meet other requirements which vary by state.
working conditions
Most registered nurses work in well-lit, comfortable healthcare facilities. Home health and public health nurses travel to patients' homes, schools, community centers, and other sites. Some registered nurses work in correctional facilities, schools, summer camps, and nurses often work with the military. Some move frequently, traveling in the United States and throughout the world to help care for patients in places where there are not enough healthcare workers.
pros/Cons.
Pros
Nurses are in demand, and there are abundant job opportunities, good salaries, and decent benefits to prove it. Nursing also allows for flexible scheduling, interesting specialties, and a variety of job settings, topped off with plenty of room for advancement. But the biggest advantage to being a nurse is the satisfaction that comes from knowing you make a difference in people's lives. Cons. No job is perfect, and nursing is no exception. The job is demanding and challenging. Beginning salaries are high, but in most cases they plateau, creating frustration for experienced nurses. Hazards abound because nurses are exposed to infectious diseases, chemicals, and violence, and the hours can be long.
promotion opportunities
Offers several options for continuing your nursing education at the advanced practice level. Registered nurses can follow many pathways to advancement and promotion. Registered nurses who show the appropriate levels of drive and ability can exercise substantial levels of responsibility, and earn excellent salaries.