Nursing Shortage Equals Great Opportunities ... Now!
Nursing Shortage Equals Great Opportunities...Now!
Healthcare industry forecasters have predicted a worldwide nursing shortage of 98,000 nurses in the next 10 years. This shortage of qualified and skilled nurses is due to an aging workforce, fewer nurses entering the profession, and a rise in demand for healthcare services. The skills shortages will be most pronounced in rural areas, where qualified healthcare professionals are limited. There are many opportunities for those looking to enter this growing profession - if you have what it takes!
This article discusses the current nursing shortage and how you can take advantage by becoming certified as a nurse.
Nursing Shortage Leads to Increased Demand for Skilled Nurses
Nursing shortage has lead to a 64% increase in the salary of nurses in the last decade. More and more hospitals, physicians, and clinics are relying on qualified nurses for patient care. For example, a registered nurse RN is on staff at Redmond Regional Medical Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week which means that nurses can take vacations or sick days without leaving patients unattended.
As healthcare providers fight to maintain skilled staff and recruit new employees, they invest in advanced technology like bedside medical monitors and ventilators as well as satellite tv systems with DVD players (a luxury previously seen only in private hospitals). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for physicians, dentists, and healthcare workers are expected to grow between 16% and 19% during the next 10 years.
Nursing Professional Organizations to Consider
The national nursing professional association is the American Nurses Association (ANA) which has been in existence for over 120 years. The ANA promotes high standards of nursing practice and supports state organizations in fighting for legislation that will benefit nurses.
In addition, there are state organizations which provide opportunities for networking with other nurses or special interest groups such as nurses who specialize in areas such as oncology or psychiatry. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (ANA) and the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAAN) are two such organizations.
Nursing Certifications for Entry into a Nursing Job
There are numerous nursing certification programs available for those interested in entering the nursing profession. These certifications open the door to a specific field, such as pediatric nursing, adult anesthesia, critical care or even home health care. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), AACC Specialties Board, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) all offer requirements for state certification.
Nursing students interested in taking the NCLEX-RN exam can check with their state board of nursing to determine what requirements are necessary for them to sit for this exam. To go along with that, some states require a certain grade point average on a nursing school's transcript before issuing an RN license. Applicants must also be able to show proof of relevant experience. This could include having hospital experience or providing care at home when needed.
Entering the Nursing Profession: Real Life Experience Required
To enter into the nursing profession, you must first be prepared for the demands of this field. This means long hours. It is not unusual for a nurse to work 12-hour shifts or more, 7 days a week. There will be many times when you must work overtime and holidays or weekends. You may also experience frequent nights, weekends and call-outs. You must be able to commit to these requirements.
Another important factor in the nursing profession is your ability to work as part of a team with other nurses, doctors and hospital staff members - which means you must be able to get along well with others. You need strong communication skills in order for the team of healthcare providers (including yourself) to make sound decisions about patient care and treatment plans. You must also be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of each patient, including their families.
Becoming a nurse means that you will have the ability to influence patients' health and well-being. You will be an important link in an individual's recovery and can provide emotional as well as physical care in stressful situations. Although it is a challenging career, many people find that being a nurse is very rewarding both personally and professionally.
If you are interested in becoming a nurse, there are different ways you can start the process of entering into this rewarding profession:
Get Your Degree - Most nurses begin by taking pre-requisite courses while they are still in high school or when they begin to attend community college or technical school. These courses provide a solid foundation for your nursing career and give you a jump start on the education you will receive in a bachelors or masters program.
- Most nurses begin by taking pre-requisite courses while they are still in high school or when they begin to attend community college or technical school. These courses provide a solid foundation for your nursing career and give you a jump start on the education you will receive in a bachelors or masters program. Start Your Career - If you are interested in going directly into an entry level job, such as an LPN (licensed practical nurse), consider applying at a local hospital or medical clinic. This can give you hands-on nursing experience as well as the opportunity to build strong relationships with medical staff members.
- If you are interested in going directly into an entry level job, such as an LPN (licensed practical nurse), consider applying at a local hospital or medical clinic. This can give you hands-on nursing experience as well as the opportunity to build strong relationships with medical staff members. Prepare for a Future in Nursing - The longer you prepare for your career, the better. Taking time to learn about different aspects of the field can also help you decide which area of nursing is best for your personality and interests.
Becoming a nurse is a rewarding and satisfying career path, but it does require putting in the time and making sacrifices to succeed. Before you take this on as your career, think about what you will be able to provide for yourself if you decide to make a career change down the road. Take your time with this important decision, and make sure that the choice is truly what you want.
What does it pay? In approximately 2012, nurses made an average of $50000 per year (median salary for CNAs). Nurses with a baccalaureate degree earned between $380000-$430000 annually (mean), while nurses with advanced degrees earned between $556000-$633000 annually (mean). Individual salaries will vary based on geographic location, years of experience and factors such as the type of facility the nurse works for.
See also: How much do nurses make per hour?
How much does a nurse make a year? That depends on many factors including location, education level, and years of experience. To be able to determine how much you could potentially make a year, you would have to enter your information into an online salary calculator like this one from Salary.com.
Conclusion
Nursing is a great career choice for those who enjoy helping others. It offers a wide variety of job opportunities. This article discusses the basics of a career in nursing, but there is much more information to be found on this topic. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, take the time to learn about educational requirements and how to become an entry level nurse from licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs). There are many resources and guides that can help you throughout this process. You can find them here at Online Nursing Programs today!
See also: How much do therapists make?
References: http://www.bls.