Nursing Career and Background
With about 2.5 million jobs in 26, registered nurses comprise the largest health care occupation. While employment rates in other fields are shrinking, registered nurses are projected to generate about 587, new jobs over the next ten years, a 23 percent jump in employment.
Though new nursing positions are steadily opening, filling the positions has become a struggle. The 27 Nurse Employer Survey: Methods and Statewide Results Nursing conducted by the Florida Center for Nursing questioned nearly 7 employers and found that vacancy rates for registered nurses are above 9 percent at hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, nursing homes, and public health departments, resulting in more than 5, vacant positions. Shortages are widespread and hospitals are offering signing bonuses, competitive salaries, subsidized training, and family-friendly work schedules to attract qualified nurses.
The shortage of qualified nurses is widely attributed to a lack of faculty available at nursing colleges, forcing schools to turn away large numbers of qualified students. The field of nursing is growing rapidly, but as it does the shortage of nurses intensifies. Measures by Congress to increase funding for nursing faculty and non traditional programs like Oakland University's School of Nursing's accelerated Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program are making great strides to produce qualified nurses.
With an average salary for registered nurses ranging around $6, and with the highest salaries passing 83,, a career in nursing is an appealing prospect for many people considering a health care profession. However, to begin a career as a registered nurse one or more of three degrees must be earned: a nursing diploma, an Associate's Degree in Nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Of the three, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is most desirable but takes one to two years longer than an associate's degree or a diploma.
Nursing degrees, including master's degrees, are now being offered online by accredited online colleges such as the University of Phoenix and Walden University. Online programs open the field of nursing to students new to healthcare and allow registered nurses the opportunity to advance their degrees without leaving well paying positions to attend on-campus courses.
Nursing is clearly an attractive career for those seeking a well paid and highly respected position. Caring people who are sympathetic to the needs of others and are able to remain calm in the face of medical emergencies are perfect for filling the many positions available in nursing.