Registered Nurse Career Can Equal Freedom

Yes, NIZ thinks being a registered nurse in the United States right now does give a person freedom not found in other careers.

• The registered nurse is in high demand in the United States due to:
• A nurse shortage created by a shortage of qualified nursing instructors
• The millions of baby boomers that will need medical care
• Thousands of existing registered nurses nearing the retirement age

The freedom found in being a registered nurse due to the "Perfect Registered Nurse Shortage" is the opportunity to:

• Receive a  competitive pay which beats the average salary offered in other industries. The higher pay gives a single person the freedom to raise their children alone if necessary
• Earn a salary between average salary of $53K to almost $100K if you work overtime
• Have the freedom from worrying about your almost recession proof job being phased out or shipped overseas
• To choose to work in one or more specialties with the nursing field
• Be allowed more flexibility in work schedules due to the hospital management wanting to keep the nursing staff happy
• Travel around the United States and other countries while working as a Registered Nurse  

Nursing Degree Types

There are five main degree designations within the nursing profession in the United States.

To become a registered nurse, you will need to acquire least one of the first four nursing degrees listed below to do the following:

• Be allowed to sit for the NCLEX-RN test 
• Be allowed to apply for and take a state test to receive a license to practice as a registered nurse. 

Some states have reciprocal license agreements where you can work in multiple states as a licensed RN. Some states require you to take a test specifically designed for their licensing requirements. A person can also take the national licensing exam for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocation nurse (LVN).

The last degree listed below is the Doctorate in Nursing Degree program designed for advanced level training to allow nurses the opportunity to pursue research and practice aspects within the nursing discipline.

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

Typically a two (2) year college degree obtained at a community college or nursing school that can take up to 3 to 4 years to complete depending on the prerequisite courses required by where you are wanting to work

Diploma in Nursing

Typically a two (2) year college diploma obtained at hospital based nursing schools. While not as numerous as they once were, hospital based nursing schools are still operating in some areas of the United States.

Depending on the hospital school, a person may be required to take non-nursing prerequisite courses at local colleges prior to admission or in conjunction with nursing courses.

The time frame for completing this diploma may be 3 years depending on the school's course requirements.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Four (4) year academic degree that may take 5 years to complete.

While the first 2 years are used to complete similar course work required for an (ASN) degree or Diploma in Nursing, the degree is designed to take a registered nurse away from regular bedside duties to prepare her or him for a career in a nursing leadership position, as a researcher, or involved in nursing informatics.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

An entry level degree for nursing educators and managers. May be a prerequisite required to enter the Doctorate in Nursing program to become Advanced Practical Nurses (APNs).

Individuals can pursue a career in one or more advanced nursing specialties that include nurse practitioner, neonatal, geriatric, adult, family, pediatric, clinical nurse specialist, acute care, certified registered nurse anesthetist and certified nurse midwife.

Note: A Master of Nursing (MN) is a fast track program designed for an individual already possessing a Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree who wants to be a nurse. Courses taught include clinical reasoning, theoretical perspectives, and research.

Doctorate in Nursing

With the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) replacing the Doctor of Nursing (ND), individuals will have to pursue and obtain the DNP to become Advanced Practical Nurses (APNs).

The individual can pursue one or more advanced nursing specialties that include nurse practitioner, neonatal, geriatric, adult, family, pediatric, clinical nurse specialist, acute care, certified registered nurse anesthetist and certified nurse midwife.

Individuals can also pursue the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing, the research side of the Doctorate in Nursing.

As you can see above, the options to pursue in the nursing profession are varied, numerous and interesting.

You can also master many nursing specialties during your career which adds further stability to your job security while increasing the potential for a higher income.

Where Can I Work As A Registered Nurse?

The list of where you can work is as varied as the many specialties you can pursue.

Hospitals give a registered nurse the best opportunities for a flexible work schedule and overtime pay.

Maybe you're not wanting the stress generated by the dynamics of a hospital.

Don't worry, you can be a registered nurse for schools, drug companies, cruise ships, occupational health centers, home nurse, HMO's, doctor offices, mental health centers, lawyers as legal nurse consultants and corporations.