Nursing Services

<h2 id="section---IsNursingForMe">Is Nursing for Me?</h2> <p>If you consider yourself a natural caretaker and are able to remain level-headed, even in high stress situations, you may be suited for a <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Nursing_Career_Profiles.html">career in nursing</a>. You can tailor your nursing career based upon your interests. For example, if you like working with babies and small children, you may be interested in becoming a <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/directory/category/Health_Professions_and_Medical_Services/Nursing_Services/Pediatric_Nurse.html">pediatric nurse</a> or <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Neonatal_Nursing_How_to_Become_a_Neonatal_Nurse_in_5_Steps.html">neonatal nurse</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2013, there were over two million individuals employed as <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Registered_Nurse_RN_Career_Definition_Employment_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html">registered nurses (RNs)</a>, and they earned an average annual salary of $68,910. Nationwide, the BLS has projected a 19%, or faster-than-average, growth in jobs for RNs from 2012-2022. During the same 10-year period, a 25%, or much-faster-than-average, increase in jobs was expected for <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Licensed_Practical_Nurse_Become_an_LPN_in_5_Steps.html">licensed practical nurses (LPNs)</a> and licensed vocational nurses. As of May 2013, the mean annual salary for an LPN was $42,910 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIBecomeANurse">How Can I Become a Nurse?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduatePrograms">Undergraduate Programs</h3> <p>There are a variety of different positions in the field of nursing, and each requires its own specific level of education. All nursing education programs include a combination of classroom and hands-on training, but the specific requirements vary depending on the type of nurse you'd like to be. If you're hoping to become a <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Does_a_Certified_Nursing_Assistant_Do.html">certified nursing assistant (CNA)</a> or LPN, you'll most likely need to earn a certificate or diploma in nursing. RNs usually earn an <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Nursing_Associates_Degree.html">associate degree in nursing</a>. </p> <p>Although a bachelor's degree is not necessary to become an RN, many RNs pursue a <a class="external" href="https://study.com/articles/Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing_Online_Degree.html">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, either before or after they become nurses. Current RNs can complete an <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/RN_to_BSN_Degree_Online.html">accelerated RN-BSN program</a>, which could lead to advanced career opportunities. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduatePrograms">Graduate Programs</h3> <p>If you're an RN who's interested in becoming an <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Education_for_Advanced_Practice_Nurses_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">advanced practice nurse</a> or <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Nurse_Practitioner_Career_Summary_Employment_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html">nurse practitioner</a>, you'll need a <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Master_of_Science_in_Nursing_Your_Questions_Answered.html">Master of Science in Nursing</a>. Earning a master's degree can allow you to specialize in a specific area of medicine. Further specialization or research work may require a <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/PhD_in_Nursing_Education_Your_Questions_Answered.html">Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing</a>.</p>