by Individuals who enter the nursing field have room for personal and professional growth. The demand for workers in this field continues to grow, so nurses have outstanding job security and earning potential. They may advance in their careers to earn higher pay and take on more responsibilities. What are some nursing career options they should consider?
Earn a Degree
Earning a post-secondary degree is the first step in becoming a nurse. A licensed practical nurse program is a certificate program that allows a person to enter the field in a year. They may then choose to continue with their education and earn a nursing diploma, such as a Bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Most RN programs are hospital-based and allow a person to become a registered nurse in under two years. However, these programs aren’t as common now. They don’t provide college credits, so nurses cannot use them to advance their education in the future. The pay is also lower for those who become registered nurses with the help of a certificate program.
An associate degree is another way to become a registered nurse. This program typically takes two to three years. Upon completion, the individual will have an Associate Degree in Nursing or ADN. Any credits obtained while participating in this program should transfer to a BSN program if the student wishes to continue their education.
A bachelor’s degree nursing program takes longer to complete and is more costly. These programs typically span four years. The benefit of obtaining a BSN is that it allows the nurse to advance in their career. With this degree, they can take on more responsibility, and their pay will reflect this.
Many hospitals and healthcare organizations today require nurses to have a BSN when they are employed. Advanced certification and post-graduate programs do the same. Any person planning to establish a long-term career as a nurse should pursue this option for higher pay and more career opportunities.
Obtaining the Nursing License
A person wishing to work as a nurse must become licensed upon completing their schooling. They must successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination, which tests their knowledge and skills in nursing. They will then receive their nursing license.
Securing a Job
Once the license has been secured, a person can begin applying for jobs as a nurse. Registered nurses make a median salary of $77,000, but anyone in this field can make a decent living. Licensed practical nurses make significantly less, approximately two-thirds of the registered nurse’s salary.
Advanced Certifications
A nurse might continue their education by participating in additional training and certification programs. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is an excellent place to find opportunities to achieve this goal. Another option is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for these programs, so anyone without this degree must obtain it first. Advanced specializations lead to more career opportunities and higher pay.
Nurses have flexibility when it comes to their jobs. They can serve as licensed practical nurses or choose to specialize in a field and increase their pay significantly. They also decide which environment they want to work in and may even opt to move away from patient care and work in administration, research, or another area. This flexibility helps prevent nursing burnout, as men and women can pivot their careers quickly in this field without missing out on opportunities or pay. Wherever they choose to work, they will be bettering the lives of others, which is why they entered the field initially.
