What occupation in the healthcare sector employs the most people? According to the U.S. government, registered nurses constitute the largest healthcare occupation, with 2.5 million jobs.* Perhaps training to become a registered nurse (RN) is the right career path for you.
Registered nurses are called “registered” because in all states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination—the NCLEX-RN—in order to obtain a nursing license. All states require RNs to periodically renew their licenses, which may require continuing education.
What level of education do you need to qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam? There are three major educational paths to qualification. Students may earn a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN) in about four years; an associate degree in nursing (ADN) in about two to three years; or a diploma, which also takes about three years. Generally, graduates of any of the three types of educational programs can take the NCLEX-RN and qualify for entry-level RN positions.
What program should you choose? At EducationForCareers.com, you can find the career school, college, or university RN program that’s right for you. Your choice may depend upon the career path you want to take. Registered nurses typically focus on one of four different areas of patient care.
1. A specific work environment. Perioperative nurses, for example, assist surgeons and work in operating rooms. Other specialties include ambulatory care, critical care, transport nurses, home health care, occupational health, and rehabilitation nurses.
2. Specific health conditions. For example, diabetes management nurses assist patients to manage diabetes. Addictions, genetics, oncology care, and HIV/AIDS nurses are also in this category.
3. Organs or body system types. Dermatology nurses work with patients who have skin disorders. Other specialties include cardiovascular nurses, gastroenterology, gynecology, nephrology, and orthopedic nurses.
4. Well-defined populations. Geriatric nurses, for example, work with the elderly. Other population groups include children and adolescents (pediatric) and newborns (neonatology).
Some types of registered nurses do not work directly with patients. Nurse educators help create educational programs and curricula used in nursing schools. Legal nurse consultants assist attorneys in medical cases, and may organize medical records, interview patients and witnesses, collect evidence, and brief lawyers about medical issues. Nurse administrators work within healthcare organizations, and supervise nursing staff, determine work schedules and staff budgets, and oversee medical supply inventories.
How do you advance in a nursing career? Typically, by getting additional training.
• Many RNs with an ADN or diploma work professionally, and then enter a bachelor’s degree program to qualify for additional opportunities in nursing practice. They can often find an entry-level position in a healthcare organization such as a hospital, and then take advantage of tuition reimbursement benefits to help pay for their education.
• Many RNs work toward a BSN by completing an RN-to-BSN program.
• Accelerated master’s degree in nursing (MSN) programs are available by combining one year of an accelerated BSN program with two years of graduate study.
• Accelerated BSN programs are available for individuals who have a bachelor’s or higher degree in an unrelated field, and who seek to transition into nursing. Accelerated BSN programs provide the fastest route to a BSN for individuals who already hold a degree, and last 12 to 18 months.
However you choose to enter the field of nursing, with the right training you could join the two and one-half million registered nurses who help people live happier and healthier lives.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Registered Nurses, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm (visited April 17, 2008).
