Careers In Nursing

There are two basic types of nurses. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) take care of sick, convalescent, disabled or injured people. Usually they work under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. Typically LPN training programs take one

to two years to complete. These programs are offered at junior colleges, community colleges, vocational and technical schools.
Registered nurses (RNs) educate and treat patients and the public, providing emotional support to the patient and their family. Registered establish a care plan or contribute to the existing care plan for patients. Educational courses to become a registered nurse take two to four years to complete. With 2.5 million jobs, registered nurses are currently the largest health care occupation.

LPN and LVN Careers

LPNs and LVNs are generalists, which means they work in all health care areas. They may be employed in hospitals (26 percent), nursing care facilities (26 percent), physicians' offices (12 percent), clinics, outpatient care facilities, residential care facilities, Federal state and local government agencies and home health care agencies. In all states, an LPN must pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam to get licensed. In 2006, LPNs held a total of 749,000 jobs in health care. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports LPN employment is anticipated to grow 14 percent in the next decade. As of May, 2006, LPNs enjoyed a median yearly salary of $36,550.

RN Careers

Careers in nursing are even more plentiful for RNs. An RN can choose her position based on his or her unique personal qualifications. RN jobs can be hand-on with patients, administrative with staff or educational with the public. Approximately 59 percent of RN positions are in hospitals. An RN may complete a bachelor's degree course for four years, an associate degree course for two to three years or a diploma program at a local hospital for three years. RNs must pass a licensing exam called the NCLEX-RN to obtain a nursing license. Licenses must be periodically renewed and continuing education is often required. The median annual salary enjoyed by RNs as of May, 2006 was $57,280.

What The Professionals Say

Nursing and medical professionals state there are many careers in nursing available and the opportunities are limitless. According to Barbara R. Heller, PhD and dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing, “There are so many opportunities and challenges now. Nursing can attract the best and the brightest. All nurses are going to play a significant role in the changing health care environment, especially in an atmosphere in which prevention and health promotion is stressed.”
Dr. Linda N. Pugh, director of professional education at Hopkins' School of Nursing, states, “Nursing is such a wide open career right now. There are so many possibilities that weren't available even 10 years ago.”

Choosing A Nursing Career Path

There are so many careers in nursing, it is essential to choose a particular career path. Do you prefer to work with patients or paperwork? Are you most comfortable in large or small settings? Are there particular aspects of nursing that interest you most? These are questions to ask yourself as you consider the following careers in nursing.

Specialty Nurses

Registered nurses may decide to specialize in a certain health care area.

• Acute care nurses take care of patients with serious illnesses and disabilities.
• Maternity and labor nurses, delivery and neonatal nurses, women's health nurses and nurse-midwives take care of women's concerns.
• Trauma and emergency nurses are specially trained to deal with emergency situations.
• Public health nurses educate the public about ways to take better care of their health.
• Pediatric nurses work with children.
• Dermatology nurses specialize in skin care.
• Holistic nurses treat body, mind and spirit with therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage.
• Psychiatric-mental health nurses work with patients who have mood and personality disorders.
• Addictions nurses help patients in substance abuse programs.
• Orthopedic nurses take care of patients with skeletal and muscular problems.
• Home health care nurses provide at-home nursing care for patients.
• Transport nurses give medical care to patients transported by air to the closest medical facility.
• Oncology nurses provide cancer care.
• Radiology nurses give care to patients getting diagnostic radiation procedures such as ultrasounds.

This is just a sampling of the specialized careers in nursing available today. There are literally dozens of specialties to choose from. Basically speaking, nursing specialties fall into four categories. Nurses can work in a particular setting offering a certain type of treatment. Nurses can also specialize in specific health conditions. Some nurses decide to work with certain organs or body systems. Finally, nurses may decide to deal with a designated population such as children or elderly.

Administrative Nurses

Administrative nurses can be in charge of other registered nurses, licensed practical nurses or a particular clinic, department or office. While some work may involves hands-on patient care, administrative nurses usually deal with policies, procedures and paperwork in an office-type setting. Registered nurses can pursue an M.S. or M.B.A. degree in nursing to qualify for top administrative positions.

Travel Nurses

Travel nurses do not work in one particular location. Rather, traveling nurses work at one of the understaffed hospitals in the country for three to six months then move on to the next assignment. Travel nurses are paid hourly wages, benefits and expenses for travel, rent and utilities.

Institutional Nurses

There are quite a few careers in nursing at institutions such as schools, colleges, camps, substance abuse treatment centers, correctional facilities, insurance company, shelters, state and municipal governments and in forensic and legal fields.
Today's careers in nursing are flexible and offer great growth opportunities. With more careers in nursing than ever before, it's a top career for a bright future.