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A nursing degree provides opportunities to practice in various healthcare settings across the US. Nursing degrees help set up professionals for success. Those who are strong leaders and possess team management skills can advance their personal careers into leadership roles at hospitals and other medical institutions. Learn more about how a college degree in nursing can help build a career.

 

Nursing Degrees

Various degrees exist depending on the type and certification desired by the potential student. Schools like Felbry provide online and in person opportunities to engage with classroom opportunities to advance learning in many areas of nursing. Consider the following degrees:

  • Certificate and diploma programs in nursing are a great way to prepare for entry-level jobs in nursing. Some of these programs may take a few months to complete while others may require a year of training. Some typical courses may include medical terminology, basics of healthcare, introduction to geriatric care, and pediatric nursing.
  • Associate degree in nursing to become a Registered Nurse (RN) which can take two years. RN-to-BSN programs are a popular way for registered nurses to earn a BA while advancing career opportunities. Practical requirements may be required along with courses in pharmacology, mental health nursing, surgical nursing, or advanced maternal and infant nursing.
  • Bachelor’s degrees in nursing are recommended for registered nurses. A nursing major at the BA level must complete general education credits in science and liberal arts. Internships and clinicals will be required. Working nurses already licensed as RNs may advance careers through pursuit of a BA at an online program. BSN students without an RN license need clinical experience prior to treating patients. Some classes include nursing ethics and the law and being a critical thinker in healthcare settings.
  • Master’s degrees in nursing prepare nurses for very specialized careers with courses like advanced nursing concepts and theories, public healthcare policy, and advanced concepts in public health.

 

What to Do

Following the achievement of a nursing degree, most graduates seek to obtain employment in hospitals, care facilities, private practices, or other healthcare settings. State laws determine specific tasks associated with registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

  • Registered Nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, private offices and home healthcare companies. The duties vary by state and position but include medical treatments and medications, education of patients and families along with diagnosis of injuries and illness and emotional support.
  • Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses work in a variety of healthcare facilities. Completion of post-secondary training is required. Typical tasks include monitoring patients, assisting patients with bathing and dressing, changing bandages, recording patient information, and giving emotional support.
  • Certified Nursing Assistants provide support to nurses and doctors who provide basic care to patients in healthcare settings. Work commonly associated with it may include nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities and home healthcare services. A CNA may help patients with basic tasks, measure vital signs and serve meals.

 

Felbry College provides a variety of programs for individuals who want to become nurses. Call us to find out how to get started on the right program for you. We will help guide you through the process and make the best choice to suit your goals.

 

People study nursing for many different reasons and often have differing goals for the resulting career. One of the big drivers for nursing students is that the field has plenty of job opportunities and comes with a great degree of respect and satisfaction. Nursing is about caring for others and there’s nothing more noble in our world. A nursing career can be quite lucrative too, if you find your niche and specialize your skills for high pay job sectors. Let’s run down a list of other reasons that nursing is a great career choice.

 

Nursing Jobs are In Demand

One of the fastest growing occupations in the United States is nursing, with a greater need for caregivers and qualified nurses to care for our aging elders and patients combating chronic disease. Opportunities for nurses will continue to expand in the next several years. The aging population within the United States will drive demand ever higher, along with some of the following reasons:

  • Retiree vacancies will continue to see openings grow in the coming years. Predictions demonstrate hundreds of thousands of nurses will be needed in the next few years.
  • Population growth is fueling demand with increased longevity and the need for healthcare services. Advanced practice nurses will be needed for preventative and primary care with a huge need to fill openings for elderly populations.
  • Rural healthcare programs and grants will become available to those seeking employment in high need areas. Typically remote, isolated and understaffed regions of the United States, rural regions will see an uptick in need with a desire to fill positions.

 

Job Security

The overall career field of nursing provides economic stability and job security, both highly attractive to nursing graduates. Options for work will increase while the opportunity to specialize and expand your career continue to unfold. It might mean taking a less than desirable job in a location that is not the primary choice at first, but jobs will become available with more experience, allowing nurses to continue their education and seek out new jobs tailored to their unique skill set.

 

Nursing is a Diverse Field

A wide-ranging career field, nursing is one that never has a dull moment on the job. A person working with other individuals who have any variety of ailments and concerns will never be bored. New patients come in daily which require new decisions, present new problems to solve, and keep everyone on their toes. Some fields in nursing are as varied as they come including:

  • Travel nurses who relocate to cities with the highest need or go abroad to help manage health clinics, treat patients, or educate local staff in other countries.
  • Flight nurses provide pre-hospital, emergency, and critical care to individuals needing medical evacuation via air transport or tend to individual victims of a natural disaster.
  • Research nurses work with some of the front leading researchers in medicine and science around the world. Typically these nurses are among the first to know about medical developments and advances.
  • Emergency room nurses enjoy the work of a fast-paced environment treating patients who need immediate attention, have been in an accident, or are in a high risk situation.

 

Nurses Make a Difference

Commitment and dedication is needed to be a nurse. Nurses experience a rewarding career but not without hard work, grit, and determination. The work put in is equal to the reward. Skills will be learned that can be adapted to life and work situations. Nurses help patients and families during high times of need. Listening, thinking, organizing, and leading are all skills needed to be a high level nurse. An individual not only makes a decent living but also feels good about the rewarding nature of the work over the lifespan of one’s career.

 

Felbry College supports students in finding the career path of their dreams. If you desire a rewarding profession with room for professional and personal growth, call us. Let us help you find the right educational path.

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