So You Want to be a Nurse?

By Sharon Thomas DeLay

Actually, that’s smart thinking! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the healthcare industry is projected to continue growing at least through 2016, at 22 percent!

Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are the most popular career options for nursing, as well as the most in-demand. In addition to a continued need for nurses in hospitals, nurses will be in growing demand in eldercare and home health care situations as baby boomers – the largest segment of the population – continue to age and begin requiring more care and assistance.

With a median income of about $38,000 for LPNs and $60,000 for RNs, high demand, and accessible education (education can be completed in 1-2 years), pursuing nursing as an occupation may also make sense for many people.

If you decide to go to school for nursing, here is what you can expect:
Plan to attend full-time for 1 year for LPN and at least 2 years for RN education. Required RN education can currently be gained through completion of an approved associate degree program, although the industry is gradually moving toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for licensed
registered nurses.
Complete an admissions application and interview. Typically, there is also an entrance examination evaluating your basic math and language skills.
Complete or have completed several pre-requisites, including completion of a physical exam and certification in CPR, and be up to date on immunizations.
Provide proof of liability insurance (to cover clinical situations).
Once a student successfully completes a nursing program and passes the corresponding licensing examination called the NCLEX, she or he can expect to secure a job fairly quickly. Placement rates for RN graduate licensees typically average well above 80 percent and only slightly lower for PN graduate licensees. Education institutions track program placement rates, so check with the admissions representative for this information, as well as what services will be offered to help you find a nursing position following graduation
and licensing.

Sharon DeLay is a certified career coach with the goal of helping people find jobs they love and love the jobs  they have. Visit www.boldlygocoaching.com or e-mail Sharon@boldlygocoaching.com for more information or to subscribe to her twice weekly blog or twice monthly ezine. (c) 2009 BoldlyGO Professional Development Services