Planning a Nursing Career
Nursing is one of the most versatile careers. A nurse can go to school in a number of different settings, she can work anywhere in the world, and she can specialize in almost anything. The options for a new nurse, or an experienced nurse wishing to change specialties, are limitless.
Nurses can go to school for two, three, or four years to start their career as an RN. A diploma, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree will all qualify the nurse to work in an entry-level position. Scholarships, loans, and grants are all available to those who want to attend nursing schools. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement to nurses to assist with paying loans or returning to school for an advanced degree. Nursing education has never been more affordable.
For a new nurse, options for a first job were limited. Hospitals wanted a new nurse to get experience doing basic nursing tasks such as basic physical assessments, medication administration, and caring for patients usually on a medical/surgical floor. Now, thanks to a nursing shortage, the new nurse has many more options. Emergency rooms, intensive care units, telemetry floors, and even operating rooms are willing to hire and train new graduates. Preceptors are assigned to new nurses in these settings, often for an extended period of time. The preceptors are seasoned nurses who are able to show the new nurse correct methods of treating patients in these specialized areas.
Nurses are able to change specialties throughout their nursing career. Again, thanks to an overall shortage of nurses and an abundance of patients, most hospitals are usually hiring in a number of areas throughout the hospital. If a nurse becomes dissatisfied working on a cardiac unit, for example, she might apply to work in an emergency room, occupational medicine, or a same day surgery center. A nurse is able to hone his or her nursing skills by working in a variety of settings.
Continuing education is available to nurses throughout their career. Most hospitals, especially larger medical centers, offer generous tuition reimbursement and other perks for their nurses to return to traditional college or go to classes to be trained in a specialty. This is beneficial to the nurse because she receives extra training at a low cost or sometimes for free. It also benefits the hospital; they can advertise that a high percentage of nurses have advanced training. Many means of training are available for registered nurses to pursue an advanced degree. Nurses can continue to work in a hospital setting and go to school full or part time. Distance learning or online classes are available at some institutions, allowing for easier completion of credits. Because of this, nurses have an easier time balancing work, school, and personal and family lives.
Nursing is undoubtedly a rewarding career, but it is one that is also adaptable to fit many different lifestyles. People of all different ages are nurses and frequently go back to school or change specialties. It is good for someone planning to start a nursing career to have a plan, but the plan can be open ended without a problem due to the many options in nursing.
Published: 2009-11-03
