Nursing has become a highly sought out and in-demand profession. Author of The 150 Best Recession-proof Jobs, Laurence Shakit calls nursing “gold”, noting that despite socioeconomic status, people will continue to get sick and corporations can’t outsource nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that between 2008 and 2025 the projected job growth for nurses is 581,500.
Nursing Shortages
The Bureau of Labor Statistic states that the 2012 growth in the healthcare profession is even larger than it was in 2011 – with 1 out of every five jobs being in the healthcare field. With the growth in nursing employment up 22%, is it surprising that the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has issued warnings about nursing shortages? The AACN has found that by 2025 the shortfall will be 260,000 nurses.
A contributing factor to the shortage is the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which gives healthcare access to 32 million additional Americans. The ACCN reports that the 5.1% increase of new students into nursing college programs is not enough to meet the increased demand for nurses.
Additionally, the ACCN reported in their publication, 2011-2012 Enrollment and Graduations in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing, that 75,587 qualified prospective students were turned away from nursing colleges because of “insufficient number of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space, clinical preceptors, and budget constraints.”
While the current shortage in nurses is difficult for the field and patients, it also presents a certain level of job security for nurses. With the average RN making a respectable $64,690, nursing is a strong option for those looking for a secure and rewarding career.
Types of Nursing Degrees
Within the nursing field there are a variety of different degrees, which require different levels of education and training. They vary greatly, especially with the addition of specialties. However, there are 4 basic levels.
- CNA – Certified Nurse Aide – This requires a certificate, less than a year of schooling, and has limited contact with the patients. This position has the least level of responsibility.
- LPN – Licensed Practice Nurse – Requires at least one year of education and classes on nursing and patient care.
- RN – Registered Nurse – can be earned through a diploma school, which teaches while students are actively working in a hospital – though this is less common. There are roughly 100 diploma schools in the US. More common is a 2-year program of study, followed by passing the NCLEX-RN.
- BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – is a four-year program, which includes general education requirements. BSN graduates also have to take the NCLEX-RN.
Florida National University – Nursing Program
As a prestigious South Florida nursing university, FNU offers many different degree options, both on campus and through distance learning. FNU is proud of the achievements of their programs, and of the students who continue on to be successful in the nursing profession.
If you are interested in more information regarding the Florida National University Nursing College Program please call 305-821-3333 ext. 3 or visit http://www.fnu.edu/about-fnu/contact-us/.
References
Shatkin, L. (2009). 150 best recession-proof jobs. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Publishing.
Retrieved from www.money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2009/01/07/7-jobs-for-security-in-a-recession
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2012). Occupational outlook
handbook, 2012-13 edition, Registered nurses. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2012). Occupational outlook
handbook, 2012-12 edition, Liscensed practicle and licensed vocational nurses. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm
Neuman, Greg Scott. (2010). Rapid Growth of Nursing Jobs Creates Excellent
Opportunities. [Web Log Post]. Retrieved from http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/articles/nursing-jobs-excellent-opportunities_10569.aspx#.UIoMlULfC18
