Nursing: A Stable, Respected, and In-Demand Career Choice
Nursing is one of the noblest professions you can choose – and it can also be one of the most fulfilling. It is a profession of service to others, in which dedication, expertise, and passion are the prerequisites for success. Providing care to those in need enables you to make an enormous difference in people’s lives at a time that they need it the most. There are various types of training and education for nurses, and completing a nursing degree will allow you to select a specialty that suits you best. It will also provide you with career advancement opportunities and higher earning potential because of the specialized knowledge you acquire in a degree program. Nursing is an in-demand career all across the United States, so completing a nursing degree gives you the requisite training to succeed in a professional field of broad opportunities and a secure future.
Accelerated Nursing Programs: What Do They Offer?
Accelerated nursing degree programs are offered for individuals who have obtained a baccalaureate degree, in another field, and wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). In general, these programs are to be attended on a full time basis for sixteen months to two years. Such programs often have certain prerequisites in addition to the previous baccalaureate degree.
If you have not completed a baccalaureate program in another field, most accelerated nursing programs will not be suitable for you. It would thus be best either to finish your current degree, if you are pursuing one, and then possibly pursue an accelerated program – or consider an efficient and streamlined degree devoted to the practice of nursing, such as an Associates of Nursing or a Bachelors in nursing.
Job Outlook for Registered Nurses
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010 registered nurses earned an average of $64,690 per year or $31.10 per hour. Furthermore, employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 26 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur primarily because of technological advancements; an increased emphasis on preventative care; and the large, aging baby-boomer population who will demand more healthcare services as they live longer and more active lives.
A nursing degree, whether at the Associates level or the Bachelors level, prepares you to become a licensed registered nurse and to obtain an entry-level position in which you will be responsible for patient care in various settings. Due to the constant need for highly trained professionals in the healthcare sector in all 50 states, there are numerous job opportunities in the nursing field. Many of these can lead to management and leadership positions should you decide to pursue that road.
Training and Duties of Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must also become licensed by passing a national licensing examination.
Registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities, as well as in correctional facilities, schools, summer camps, and with the military. While the exact duties of registered nurses differ, their general responsibilities include providing and coordinating patient care, educating patients and the public about various health conditions, and providing advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.
Tips for Success in Nursing School
Most students realize immediately that a nursing school course load is intense. At Florida National University, we know our program is challenging – which means it helps students rise to the occasion and give their best in order to succeed. Here are a few general tips to consider when looking towards a nursing degree.
Rise to the Occasion through Motivation
The power to rise to the occasion is achieved when students keep their eyes on the end result. To do so, it is important to consistently reconnect to the original passion that initially brought you into the program. Joining the nursing profession is a great move for so many reasons: to help others, to contribute to one’s community, to interact daily with a range of people and make their days brighter, to improve your future by embarking on a career path with great earning potential and countless job openings.
Successful nurses and top educators alike say that keeping in mind one’s motivations is what can make every bit of work and effort worth it. In addition, if you do encounter tough moments throughout your studies, keep in mind that learning is a process. There are always opportunities to further utilize what you have learned – and concentrating on your day-by-day achievements helps to make clear that you are indeed progressing.
Respect your Personal Life and Find a Balance
As you progress in nursing school, you will realize that finding a balance between your studies and your home life is also essential. With all of the aspects of your personal and professional life – such as holding down a job, dealing with family issues, and the like – it is important to keep your center as you maintain the demands of your educational workload, along with your other responsibilities. Many students choose to study through our online programs, through which they can obtain their degree according to their own timeline.
Be Willing to Do What it Takes in the Short Term for Long Term Success
Achieving a nursing degree is a major accomplishment. And such accomplishments often mean that certain sacrifices must be made. Perhaps this means cutting down on some of the activities in your social life. However, by keeping your professional, financial, and/or educational goal in mind and knowing that the degree takes only a limited amount of time, this does not have to hold you back. Keeping your reasons for becoming a nurse at the forefront of your mind will help you get through the sacrifices and occasional hardships that may come up.
Nursing Education at Florida National University
The Florida National University (FNU) nursing education programs include an Associates of Science, Bachelor of Science – Entry Level, and Bachelor of Science – RN to BSN, which are designed to provide you with the appropriate knowledge and skills for receiving your nursing license. FNU’s in-depth nursing curricula offers you the tools necessary to deepen your expertise as you approach graduation and the moment when you enter the field as a full-fledged professional.
Nursing is a rewarding and challenging field with great earning potential and secure career opportunities. If you are considering becoming a nurse, contact our FNU advisors today to plot your route to success – an exciting and lucrative career awaits you!
