While
job prospects in many areas are diminishing, healthcare is
growing. With the nursing shortage predicted to get worse,
jobs for nurses are abundant throughout the world. Unfortunately,
along with the shortage of practicing nurses comes a "Catch
22" shortage of nursing educators. Therefore, nursing
programs are difficult to get into, and many have waiting
lists. The wait is worth it. Wages will continue to increase,
and experienced nurses will be in high demand for years to
come.
Nursing
Assistant
You may want to begin your career as a nursing assistant or
aide. This requires a short course of study, and is usually
available from your local adult education department. In some
instances, it may give you an advantage in getting into a
nursing program as well.
It
also provides you with a source of employment while you pursue
your nursing career, as well as direct insight into the world
of nursing. There are other programs such as becoming a Surgical
Tech which don't require you to become a nurse first, but
can lead into a path towards nursing. Often these programs
are available through technical schools or adult education
programs.
LPN/LVN
Moving on up the career ladder, you may choose to become and
LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse). This is
generally a one year course of study typically from a vocational
school or junior college. The LPN/LVN works under the direct
supervision of a physician or an RN. It is not uncommon for
people to choose to become an LPN/LVN as a means to support
themselves as they pursue their RN (Registered Nurse). Some
RN schools offer course credit to LPNs or allow you to challenge
some courses through exams. This practice is not as common
as it once was, however, with the shortage of nurses becoming
crisis levels in some areas, we may see more of this again.
Registered
Nurse
For RNs there are more choices to be made in regards to levels
of education. In the past, hospitals offered three year diploma
courses where students lived and worked in the hospital and
earned a nursing diploma, and then sat for their boards to
become RNs. As nursing roles expanded far beyond the realm
of hospital nursing, these programs closed. Today, very few
remain, and most of those are affiliated with 2 year (Associate
Degree) programs.
ADN
vs. BSN
The two most popular courses of study today are the ADN (Associate
Degree Nurse) and the BSN (Bachelor of Science Nurse). The
ADN course is typically a two year degree program, and the
BSN a four year program. The ADN program is often focused
more on practical applications of nursing where as the BSN
program expands into the theoretical realms of patient care.
Most institutions pay on a scale based on education as well
as experience. In recent years there has been a big push to
mandate the BSN be a minimum requirement to be a professional
nurse. Sound arguments both for and against this have been
well presented, and thus it is still being debated. The nursing
shortage is playing a big role in the practicality of this.
However, for professional advancement, the BSN is usually
required. Again, an ADN program provides a career ladder choice
to nurses. Many programs for RN-to-BSN are gaining popularity.
After graduation from any of these courses of study, nurses
all sit for their boards to become Registered Nurses. This
exam is known as the NCLEX-RN.
Make
Sure It's Accredited
An important point in choosing any nursing program is making
sure it is accredited by the National
League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). This
ensures that you will be able to sit for your boards. Not
all schools are accredited, and can delay your licensing process.
Advance
Degree Programs
There are also many advanced degree options including Nurse
Practitioner programs, as well as Masters and Doctoral degree
programs with various areas of specialization and practice.
Most management positions require advanced degrees.
A great resource for nursing programs is Peterson's Guide
to Nursing Programs available at local libraries, high school
and college career centers, and for purchase from most large
bookstores.
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