The nursing profession is the fastest-growing job and for good reason. It offers one of the most challenging and rewarding careers available to women today.
Nurses work with patients from all walks of life, from infants to grandparents; they are present at every stage of life—from birth to death. They offer comfort and counsel during difficult times, administer treatments that save lives, teach healthy habits that prevent illness, and alleviate pain so patients can heal faster—the list goes on and on. Nurses do everything from diagnosing illnesses to comforting grieving families
But how does someone become a nurse? What kind of education should one pursue? How much does a nurse make?
Nursing Education
There are many different types of nursing careers, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. The most common type of nursing career is registered nurses (RNs). RNs care for patients in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for their patients.
To become an RN, you must first complete an accredited nursing program. These programs can be found at many colleges and universities across the country, while an online AGNP program might also be an option. The efficiency and quality of online programs have increased tremendously over the past decade, making them a viable option for many students.
The average salary for an RN is $66,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and type of facility There are many other types of nursing careers available, including:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
These nurses provide basic patient care under the supervision of an RN. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare settings. The difference between these is that LPN works in all 50 states, while an LVN only works in California and Texas.
With the average salary for an LPN being $43,000 per year, it might not be as much as an RN, but it is a great way to get started in the nursing profession.
Pediatric Nurse
A pediatric nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They may also work in schools or other community settings as well.
Pediatric nurses provide preventive care, diagnose and treat illnesses, and help manage chronic health conditions. They also provide emotional support to children and families.
To become a pediatric nurse, you must first obtain a registered nursing license. Then, you can complete a pediatric nursing program. Alternatively, you can pursue a master's or doctoral degree in nursing with a specialization in pediatrics, if that's something you're interested in.
Emergency Room Nurse and Nurse Anesthetist
An emergency room nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of patients who have sustained injuries or are suffering from acute illnesses. Emergency room nurses work in hospital emergency departments and must be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure
Emergency room nurses must be able to handle a wide variety of medical conditions, some of which may be life-threatening. They must also be able to provide emotional support to patients and their families.
On the other hand, nurse anesthetists work in operating rooms, dentists' offices, and other medical settings where patients require anesthesia. This nurse must be able to assess a patient's health and history before administering anesthesia. They must also be able to monitor patients during surgery and provide post-operative care.
Development and Specialization Options
As a nurse, you can pursue a variety of different paths in terms of specialization and career development. For example, you could choose to specialize in a certain area of nursing, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, or critical care. Alternatively, you could choose to become a certified nurse-midwife or nurse practitioner.
You could also choose to pursue a management or leadership role within the nursing field. For example, you could become a nurse manager or director of a nursing unit. Or, you could choose to teach nursing at the collegiate level.
As for the salaries, they vary depending on the nurse's level of experience, education, and specialization. For example, the median annual salary for a registered nurse is $60,000. However, nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners earn a much higher salary, with median annual salaries of $110,000 and $90,000, respectively.
There are many different nursing careers to choose from, and each one comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. With the increasing demand for nurses in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, now is a great time to pursue a nursing career.
Make sure to be prepared for the challenges that come with each nursing career, and be sure to specialize in an area of nursing that you're passionate about. With the right preparation, you can have a successful and rewarding career in this profession.