Forget the blinding white uniforms and cardboard-starched caps of yesteryear. Today’s nurses are usually dressed in casual, comfortable attire. 

But no matter how they are dressed, registered nurses (RN) are in short supply — even during difficult times for the U.S. economy. There just aren’t enough nurses to fill the available job slots in private medical practices, outpatient health clinics, hospitals, nursing homes or private home health care.

However, the growing lack of well-trained nurses has pushed up the salaries and benefits for those who are graduating from approved nursing school programs, and who want to enter general nursing and its specialties.

In fact, the highest-paid registered nurses earn an average wage of $83,440, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the middle 50% of nurses earning somewhere between $47,710 and $69,850. These salaries depend upon where the jobs are located and what the job entails.

According to the BLS, the need for registered nurses will continue to grow rapidly — as much as 39% in the offices of private physicians and in home health care. The field of outpatient services, which continues to benefit from new advances in medical technology, is expected to require 34% more nurses between now and the year 2016.

For the nurse graduate, eager employers often offer hiring bonuses, flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, child care and other perks to entice nurses to apply for job openings.

In order to move toward a succesful career in nursing, the shortest path may be to enroll in a 2-year nursing program through the local junior college. This is a cost-effective strategy; since junior colleges cost less on average than 4-year colleges and universities. 

After earning an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), an online bachelor’s degree program may be pursued while working in the nursing field. Online schools offer the flexibility to maintain a full-time job; since study time is scheduled when it is convenient. It may be possible to cover the cost of an RN-BSN program through a tuition reimbursement program offered by the employer, allowing the RN to return to school for advanced training.

For those who are interested in a rewarding, well-paying health care career, nursing may be the smartest choice available. During preparation, college coursework and practical training may be both fascinating and challenging; but at the end of it all, the newly-graduated nurse should find financial success, professional respect and a stimulating career.

online schools, career, colleges and universities, job, junior college, nursing, nursing school, online bachelors degree, registered nurses, health care, RN

Popularity: 18% [?]

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Although discouraging reports abound regarding the condition of the job market, a particular section of one’s local newspaper can be quite illuminating in a job search: the classifieds, or want-ads.

Of course, the want-ads are an obvious place to look for a job. But the classifieds also reveal so much about what is happening in a particular town, city or state.

For example, in a fast-growing metropolitan city, jobs in business, sales and the health fields may be prominent. In a small farming town, the want-ads may reflect the need for those with training in agricultural sciences, veterinary sciences and bookkeeping. A coastal town may attract artists, environmental scientists, travel industry specialists, and parks & recreation personnel. And so it goes.

Those who are contemplating a new career often discover vital data in the want-ads that is both revealing and tailored to the needs of the various industries and businesses that are specific to that geographic area.

For example, generalized job reports may tell you that there is a nursing shortage. But the local want ads may indicate that the need is for hospital nurses that specialize in pediatrics, chemotherapy, administration, or forensic nursing. Or perhaps more LVN’s (licensed vocational nurses) are needed than RN’s (registered nurses). The need for nurses may even be so critical that special nursing programs have been developed to provide training via the combination of an online degree program and practical hospital experience, as has happened in a few cities.

For example, an ad in my local newspaper this week read: “RN/LVN, $40hr & $30/hr. Full time night shift available.” This information provided the hourly wage that the hiree could expect; though nothing was included about benefits. But in the San Francisco Bay area where housing has one of the highest costs in the nation, a career in nursing would appear to provide a satisfactory income.

But career seekers should gather their information from several sources:

• Check the want ads in the local newspaper over the course of a few weeks, or even months, to get an accurate feel for what is happening in the local job market.
• Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics website to learn the future demand for the newly chosen career.  
• Check with the Placement Office of the online school or traditional school that will be the source of training for the new career.

Using the want-ads to glean wisdom about a potential career is a smart move. And distance learning can offer great preparation and certification in the new field. 

online degree program, online school, distance learning, career, job, employment, job search, nursing

Popularity: 19% [?]

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Disturbing headlines about the economy and recession have left many career-minded individuals wondering what to do next to improve or maintain their standard of living.

Even those with “good” jobs are perusing online schools to seek coursework that will build and expand their skills without impacting their busy schedules.

But there are others who barely make ends meet and who need an economic boost to improve their household income. They are searching for a career that will prepare them to work in a new, lucrative job within a couple of years.  And of course, employment prospects must be extremely favorable.

Fortunately, there is such a career – registered nursing. And this profession offers almost instant employment for those who successfully complete their studies.  

There are a number of excellent reasons why registered nursing fits the bill so well:

1. Nursing jobs are plentiful.
2. Nursing jobs pay well.
3. Nursing coursework may be completed in as little as 2 years.
4. Nursing can be combined with criminal justice, business, or education.
5. Nursing coursework for the RN to bachelor’s degree in nursing is available online.
6. Nursing offers a number of promotion and advancement opportunities.
7. Nursing offers a variety of specialties within the career.
8. Nursing offers a variety of work schedules.
9. Nursing offers international employment opportunities.
10. Nursing is a highly-regarded profession and is a way to help and serve others.

online schools, economy, recession, career, nursing, online nursing degree, employment

Popularity: 23% [?]

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Nursing jobs offer an excellent salary and benefits; and because of this, many are drawn into the field. The consistent demand for nurses, along with a shortage of qualified candidates, has created widespread interest and drawn in a variety of people. 

However, success in the nursing field requires specific characteristics or qualities to be cultivated in those who are considering a career working closely with doctors, patients and the public. 

Following are ten of those qualities; though several others would easily make the list.

1. Aptitude for science & math
2. Aptitude for operating medical equipment & computers
3. Ability to remain calm under stress
4. Attention to detail 
5. Caring and empathetic manner
6. Excellent communication skills
7. Cultural awareness and respect
8. Analytical & problem-solving skills
9. Organizational skills
10. Desire to remain a lifelong learner 

Those who are armed with these qualities are already a step ahead when it comes to preparing for a job in nursing. But those who are not may be able to cultivate them in school and enter this fascinating career.

Training for nursing is available at traditional schools and online schools. Online schools generally offer bachelor’s and advanced degrees after initial training has been completed.

career, job, nursing, nursing qualities, online schools

Popularity: 28% [?]

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When most of us hear the name of Florence Nightingale, we think of the field of nursing — a high calling for those who are interested in caring for the sick. And it is to Ms. Nightingale that registered nurses owe a debt of gratitude for raising the status of a profession that was once a lowly job with few benefits. 

Today, there are many excellent reasons to choose to become a registered nurse.  Here are five of them:

1. Nursing has excellent job opportunities, no matter what is happening with the economy. By the year 2030, there are expected to be 800,000 vacancies for nurses.
2. Nursing has excellent starting salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual starting salary of between $47,710 and $69,850. 
3. Nursing offers an opportunity to truly help other people and save lives.
4. Nursing keeps the brain stimulated; there is always something new to learn.
5. Nurses can begin working within 1-2 years after the beginning of training, then can continue to work while finishing an online bachelor’s degree in nursing or an RN to BSN degree.

When it is time to choose a profession, nursing should be high on the list of possibilities.

nursing, online degree, RN to BSN, job, nurses, Florence Nightingale, career

Popularity: 28% [?]

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The world of forensic nursing is an interesting path for those who have the desire to work closely with detectives and law enforcement agencies. 

Forensic nurses may collect evidence at crime scenes, identify and document injuries caused by accidents and care for victims of crime, abuse and negligence. Trauma nurse, abuse counselor, death investigator, victim mediator and more are all a part of this fascinating area of nursing.

The Forensic Nursing Certificate, which is offered online by Kaplan University, opens the door for a career in a specialty that is linked heavily with the criminal justice system.  In order to be eligible to apply for this professional certificate, candidates must first possess their R.N. (registered nurse) credential. The required coursework for the certificate may be completed in as little as a year via distance learning.

Although it is a relatively new nursing specialty (officially approved by the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1995), forensic nurses perform their duties with the knowledge and attention to detail that provides assurance and compassion to victims and their families. Those who are drawn to this specialty assist the wheels of justice in turning more smoothly while potentially earning from $55 to $300 an hour.

Registered nurses should check with the ANA or the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) for additional information about this popular career. 

online school, nursing, distance learning, forensic nursing, law enforcement, professional certificate

Popularity: 27% [?]

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A high starting salary and excellent job prospects continue to flow toward those who become registered nurses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earned a median salary of $57,280 in May of 2006. But salary ranges were typically between $47,710 and $69,850.

So, what does it take to enter the world of nursing?

Three major roads lead to a career as a registered nurse — a diploma in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Once the chosen educational pathway has been completed, the graduate must past a rigorous national licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN, in order to earn the coveted nursing license.

Online schools offer RN to BSN online degree programs; and new educational programs are being formulated that combine online nursing programs with internships in order to provide the necessary practical nursing experience to students.

Coursework is rigorous and predominantly science-oriented, including anatomy & physiology, chemistry, microbiology, psychology, nursing, nutrition and more. For the bachelor’s degree, a number of general education requirements must be met.

One route to becoming an RN is to first become an LVN or LPN – a licensed vocational nurse or licensed practical nurse, which can take as little as a year. Then accepting an entry-level job in a medical facility may lead to employer-paid tuition for additional nursing studies. 

But no matter which RN pathway is selected, the end of the road holds the promise of a wonderful, well-paying job for those who are diligent in their studies and who have a heart for service toward others. 

online nursing degree, nursing, online schools, registered nurse, online degree program

Popularity: 37% [?]

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Nursing is not just for women anymore. It is the hottest career for males and females who are interested in stepping into the world of Grey’s Anatomy or ER. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, openings for registered nurses are expected to provide the second largest number of new jobs. It cannot get much better than that!

The shortage of qualified registered nurses has created a situation where hiring bonuses are routinely offered, along with excellent pay and benefits. For those interested in being a part of the medical field, an investment of a couple of years of study can reap a rewarding, professional career.

It helps to be caring and compassionate with an interest in helping people. And it does not hurt to have some aptitude for courses like anatomy, biology, physiology, chemistry and other sciences. But for those willing to put in the time, there is a relative pot of gold waiting to be claimed.

As far as education goes, nursing programs offered by junior colleges can usually be completed in two years of full-time study. Then graduates must pass a national licensing exam called the NCLEX-RN in order to receive a registered nursing license.

Later, an online or traditional RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program can be completed while working as a registered nurse. Employers may even pay a part or all of the tuition.

So here’s the choice for guys and gals: Either just be a Grey’s Anatomy wannabe, or turn off the television and do something about it.

Grey’s Anatomy, nursing, online degree, distance learning, online education, e-learning, registered nurse, RN

Popularity: 24% [?]

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