7 answers
Samuel
Student
Newark, New Jersey
4
Questions
7 answers
Hailey Hamilton
Nurse
13
Answers
Canton, Georgia
Updated
Hailey’s Answer
While it is a tough career, nursing is so rewarding. I have experienced burnout in my 15 year career, but always end up deciding to stay with it. There are so many options in the nursing field, if you decide one specialty isn’t for you. Some nurses are not hands on at all and only deal with the paperwork side.
Emily Azhari
CNA/Nursing Student
1
Answer
Novi, Michigan
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi Samuel! I decided to pursue nursing because of how the profession is growing. While other careers may promote competition over limited spots, nursing felt different. It has been very collaborative and inclusive, and there are so many career opportunities as a Registered Nurse (bedside, law, public health, education, etc!). While the schooling can be rigorous at times with clinical immersions and coursework, I have found it to be extremely rewarding. For 22 years, nursing is still the most trusted profession in the United States (see article), and it is one of the oldest professions in the world. Best of luck in your future endeavors!
The Most Trusted Profession: https://news.gallup.com/poll/608903/ethics-ratings-nearly-professions-down.aspx
Direct Entry Programs: https://www.collegetransitions.com/dataverse/direct-admit-nursing-programs
Emily recommends the following next steps:
Alice Strunk
LPN
5
Answers
Oneida, Tennessee
Updated
Alice’s Answer
A career in nursing is the most versatile, rewarding, and stable choice to select. You will always have employment and advancement opportunities . Careers are available in hospitals, long -term care facilities, Home Health ( pediatrics/ geriatrics), developmentally disabled, non-beside careers, case management, and doctor offices/ clinics .
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
James
Cyndi T
RN
1
Answer
Warren, Michigan
Updated
Cyndi’s Answer
It's a tough job. You must be willing and able to give your all, all the time.
I love helping people.
The pay and respect is getting better but still lacking and not by patients but the ruthless hospital corporation!
If you truly love helping others its a good fit.
I love helping people.
The pay and respect is getting better but still lacking and not by patients but the ruthless hospital corporation!
If you truly love helping others its a good fit.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4445
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Samuel.
Career in Nursing
Nursing is a highly rewarding and fulfilling career path that offers individuals the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of others. It is a profession that requires compassion, critical thinking skills, resilience, and a strong desire to help those in need. Pursuing a career in nursing can lead to diverse job opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and community health organizations.
Educational Requirements
To become a nurse, individuals typically need to complete a formal education program and obtain licensure. There are several educational pathways to becoming a nurse, including:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This program usually takes about 2-3 years to complete and provides the basic knowledge and skills needed to become a registered nurse (RN).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A BSN degree typically takes around 4 years to complete and offers a more comprehensive education in nursing theory and practice.
Accelerated Nursing Programs: These programs are designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and wish to transition into nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): For those looking to advance their careers and pursue leadership roles in nursing, an MSN degree is often required.
Licensure and Certification
After completing their education, aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed RNs. Additionally, nurses can pursue specialized certifications in areas such as pediatric care, critical care, oncology, or gerontology to demonstrate their expertise in specific fields of nursing.
Job Outlook and Salary
The demand for qualified nurses continues to grow due to factors such as an aging population, advances in healthcare technology, and an increasing emphasis on preventive care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
In terms of salary, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $75,330 as of May 2020, with the highest 10% earning more than $116,230 per year.
Advancement Opportunities
Nursing offers numerous opportunities for career advancement and specialization. Nurses can pursue advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner (NP), nurse anesthetist (CRNA), nurse midwife (CNM), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Additionally, nurses can move into leadership positions as nurse managers, directors of nursing, or chief nursing officers within healthcare organizations.
Overall, a career in nursing can be both personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding for individuals who have a passion for helping others and making a positive impact on healthcare outcomes.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Nurses Association (ANA): The ANA is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation’s 4 million registered nurses. They provide valuable resources on nursing education, practice standards, advocacy efforts, and career development.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a reliable source for occupational data and statistics related to various professions, including nursing. They offer insights into job outlooks, salary information, educational requirements, and industry trends within the field of nursing.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The NCSBN plays a crucial role in developing licensing examinations for nurses across the United States. They provide information on licensure requirements, regulatory updates, and best practices for nursing professionals.
God Bless You,
James C.
Career in Nursing
Nursing is a highly rewarding and fulfilling career path that offers individuals the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of others. It is a profession that requires compassion, critical thinking skills, resilience, and a strong desire to help those in need. Pursuing a career in nursing can lead to diverse job opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and community health organizations.
Educational Requirements
To become a nurse, individuals typically need to complete a formal education program and obtain licensure. There are several educational pathways to becoming a nurse, including:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This program usually takes about 2-3 years to complete and provides the basic knowledge and skills needed to become a registered nurse (RN).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A BSN degree typically takes around 4 years to complete and offers a more comprehensive education in nursing theory and practice.
Accelerated Nursing Programs: These programs are designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and wish to transition into nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): For those looking to advance their careers and pursue leadership roles in nursing, an MSN degree is often required.
Licensure and Certification
After completing their education, aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed RNs. Additionally, nurses can pursue specialized certifications in areas such as pediatric care, critical care, oncology, or gerontology to demonstrate their expertise in specific fields of nursing.
Job Outlook and Salary
The demand for qualified nurses continues to grow due to factors such as an aging population, advances in healthcare technology, and an increasing emphasis on preventive care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
In terms of salary, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $75,330 as of May 2020, with the highest 10% earning more than $116,230 per year.
Advancement Opportunities
Nursing offers numerous opportunities for career advancement and specialization. Nurses can pursue advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner (NP), nurse anesthetist (CRNA), nurse midwife (CNM), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Additionally, nurses can move into leadership positions as nurse managers, directors of nursing, or chief nursing officers within healthcare organizations.
Overall, a career in nursing can be both personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding for individuals who have a passion for helping others and making a positive impact on healthcare outcomes.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Nurses Association (ANA): The ANA is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation’s 4 million registered nurses. They provide valuable resources on nursing education, practice standards, advocacy efforts, and career development.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a reliable source for occupational data and statistics related to various professions, including nursing. They offer insights into job outlooks, salary information, educational requirements, and industry trends within the field of nursing.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The NCSBN plays a crucial role in developing licensing examinations for nurses across the United States. They provide information on licensure requirements, regulatory updates, and best practices for nursing professionals.
God Bless You,
James C.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
615
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Samuel, I want you to know that both my uncle and aunt served as combat nurses in the army, and my aunt now works as a nurse at the esteemed Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. They've shared with me that choosing a career in nursing is an incredibly fulfilling journey. It's a path that calls for devotion, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
To embark on this noble profession, you need to first acquire the necessary education and training. This typically involves earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a recognized institution. However, there are also other routes like associate degree programs or diploma programs offered by hospitals.
Once you've met the educational prerequisites, the next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). This comprehensive exam assesses your knowledge and skills to ensure you're capable of providing safe and effective care to patients.
Once you're licensed, the world of nursing opens up to a multitude of specialties and settings. You can choose to work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, community health centers, schools, or even delve into research, education, or administration. The field of nursing offers a variety of specializations like pediatrics, oncology, critical care, psychiatric-mental health, and many more.
The daily duties of a nurse can vary greatly based on their chosen specialty and work setting. Common tasks, however, include evaluating patient conditions, administering medications, working with other healthcare professionals to create and execute care plans, providing emotional support to patients and their families, and advocating for the best possible outcomes for those in their care.
Nursing isn't just a career; it's a vocation—a commitment to aiding others during some of their most vulnerable moments. It requires resilience, compassion, and the ability to excel in fast-paced and often demanding environments. But the impact that nurses make on the lives of their patients is beyond measure, making it an incredibly rewarding career choice for those who feel the call to serve.
Continuous professional development is also crucial in a nursing career. Nurses are expected to keep up with the latest developments in healthcare, evidence-based practices, and technology through ongoing education and training. This dedication to lifelong learning ensures that nurses can deliver the highest quality of care and adapt to the ever-changing needs of the healthcare industry.
So, Samuel, remember that a career in nursing involves acquiring the necessary education, licensure, and continuous professional development to provide compassionate and skilled care to patients in various healthcare settings and specialties. It's a profession characterized by dedication, service, and a profound impact on the lives of others.
To embark on this noble profession, you need to first acquire the necessary education and training. This typically involves earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a recognized institution. However, there are also other routes like associate degree programs or diploma programs offered by hospitals.
Once you've met the educational prerequisites, the next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). This comprehensive exam assesses your knowledge and skills to ensure you're capable of providing safe and effective care to patients.
Once you're licensed, the world of nursing opens up to a multitude of specialties and settings. You can choose to work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, community health centers, schools, or even delve into research, education, or administration. The field of nursing offers a variety of specializations like pediatrics, oncology, critical care, psychiatric-mental health, and many more.
The daily duties of a nurse can vary greatly based on their chosen specialty and work setting. Common tasks, however, include evaluating patient conditions, administering medications, working with other healthcare professionals to create and execute care plans, providing emotional support to patients and their families, and advocating for the best possible outcomes for those in their care.
Nursing isn't just a career; it's a vocation—a commitment to aiding others during some of their most vulnerable moments. It requires resilience, compassion, and the ability to excel in fast-paced and often demanding environments. But the impact that nurses make on the lives of their patients is beyond measure, making it an incredibly rewarding career choice for those who feel the call to serve.
Continuous professional development is also crucial in a nursing career. Nurses are expected to keep up with the latest developments in healthcare, evidence-based practices, and technology through ongoing education and training. This dedication to lifelong learning ensures that nurses can deliver the highest quality of care and adapt to the ever-changing needs of the healthcare industry.
So, Samuel, remember that a career in nursing involves acquiring the necessary education, licensure, and continuous professional development to provide compassionate and skilled care to patients in various healthcare settings and specialties. It's a profession characterized by dedication, service, and a profound impact on the lives of others.
Martin Schoen
APRN
182
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Hey Sam, what's on your mind? Choosing a career in nursing is a wonderful decision! It opens up a world of opportunities, both in direct patient care and behind the scenes. Plus, the pay is quite attractive. All you need is a love for people and the determination to succeed in nursing school.
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