In the mid 1800’s, Florence Nightingale paved the way for modern nursing, advancing the craft to be symbolic with compassion, integrity and professionalism. Today, registered nurses constitute the largest sector of healthcare workers, with the US employing over 3 million nurses. Yet, despite the fact that nursing is projected to be a leader in job growth, over 515,000 nursing related jobs will remain unfilled in 2015.
Nursing Demand
As the baby boomers reach retirement age, more insured patients are utilizing the healthcare forum thus exhausting current resources. Additional staffing will be a key component to alleviate the strain that the healthcare industry is encountering.
For anyone considering a career in medicine, nursing can provide both personal and professional rewards, but how do you know if it’s the right path for you?
Qualifications of a Professional Nurse
First and foremost, nurses must possess empathy and a desire to help others. Dedication to making an impact on the lives of others can propel you through even the craziest of days, and provide you with a level of satisfaction not found in other careers.
While critical thinking, attention to detail and time management skills are pre-requisites of the efficient nurse; flexibility, patience and interpersonal communication play an equally impressive role in the fast paced, high tech yet social world of nursing.
If you possess these attributes, and enjoy subjects such as, Biology, Anatomy and Microbiology, then perhaps you have located your niche in the healthcare arena.
Diversity in Nursing
Nursing offers a diverse range of interests and work environments. A large percentage of nurses continue to pursue employment at hospitals, however if you remain flexible, the potential nursing positions are countless.
While the traditional settings of clinic, doctors office, education and occupational nursing remain in demand, the work place has moved on to include home health, sales, public healthcare, flight nurse, telemedicine and forensics.
As the roles of nursing continue to expand, educational opportunities follow. The title of Registered Nurse can be achieved by obtaining an Associates degree at a local community college, and extend to include Bachelor, Master and Doctorate programs at major universities.
The American Academy of Nursing reports nurses obtaining a Bachelors degree can expect to net $66,973, and Nurse Practitioners to earn $91,310 on average annually.
Explore Your Options in Nursing
A career in nursing is one full of options. The advantages extend beyond assorted work places, specialties and educational opportunities, and include choices that can enhance your lifestyle, family and travel decisions.
Additional benefits incorporate personal fulfillment and satisfaction that you are among the elite few who choose to impact the lives of others with each interaction; ultimately leaving your unique mark on the world around us.
