Find Schools offering Associate in Nursing (RN) Degree Programs
- Nurses have a very positive job outlook through the next decade.
- This profession leaves lots of room for continued education and further career advancement.
- Nurses often work with a team to take care of patients.
What does a Nurse do?
A nurse`s job is to work with the doctor`s and other specialists in health care industry to make sure patients are taken care of and give what they need to be comfortable. Giving prescribed medicine, monitoring medical devices and keeping track of a patient's vital signs are some of the main duties a nurse will take on. Most nurses will work a 40 hour week or more. Flexible schedules allow nurses to work longer hours, but fewer days a week. However, nursing is extremely hard work, with irregular and long hours. Most nurses are employed by private and public hospitals and many become specialized to one or two departments. There are several areas of nursing to consider in the field. First are the paraprofessional levels such as a certified nursing assistant or a licensed practical nurse. Less schooling is involved to get into these occupations, and they can serve as a sort of testing point to decide if nursing is the right career. The next level of certification and licensing is becoming a registered nurse, which usually requires a four-year bachelors degree.
What is the job outlook for a Nurse?
Nursing is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations due to the growing need for health care. Once certified (RN, LPN, CPN), most nurses will have no trouble finding a job and will often times receive a signing bonus.
How much money will a Nurse make?
The average yearly salary for a nurse depends on the level of education and certification they have. A nurse practitioner, a registered nurse, and a licensed practical nurse all have individual salary schedules. A nurse practitioner has an average yearly salary of $74,000, with a range from $69,000 to $80,000. A registered nurse has an average yearly salary of $55,000, with a range from $50,000 to $70,000. A licensed practical nurse has an average yearly salary of $36,000, with a range from $34,000 to $39,000. Health and retirement benefits vary by workplace.
How does someone become a Nurse?
Receiving an associates degree in nursing requires usually two- to three-years in a hospital-based nursing program. These programs are affiliated with community or junior colleges and a successful student will earn an associates degree along with a diploma in nursing.
What are the leading schools offering programs in Associate in Nursing (RN)?