As a UK nurse who has moved into a managerial career in the NHS, I was intrigued to receive a request for a guest post by Richard Hemby. Ok so he is keen to advertise the work he does for an online resourse for US college qualifications. The sentiments and much of the information given here by Richard are also true in the UK and for that reason I am publishing a guest post written by him here:

The demand for many types of professional skills is diminishing.  Companies all across the country are being forced to downsize, due to economic constraints.  Many of those faced with unemployment are considering a career change.  Nursing is a good field to transition into, as there is presently a shortage of between 100,000 and 150,000 nurses nationwide.  In as few as 15 years, that number could climb to 800,000 if current trends continue.

While there are thousands of opportunities available, it is important for individuals to carefully consider the wide variety of options when it comes to nursing jobs.  It is important to know the type of nursing job you would like to eventually work into and begin to chart a course to that job. Perhaps that job will be taken at the specific hospital you would like to work in.  You could take a similar job at another hospital and wait until your job is available, or take an alternative job at the same hospital and maneuver your way to the job you want.

Aside from the large number of available opportunities, there are many other reasons many people may choose to transition to a job in nursing.  Nursing is one of the most respected occupations in America.  Patients spend far more time interacting with nurses than they do doctors.  Nurses are the face of the healthcare industry, to most Americans.  While it can be a stressful and demanding job, it can also be one of immense personal satisfaction.  Nurses make a real difference in the lives of their patients every day.

Nursing is also becoming one of the best-paying occupations in America.  LPNs can earn between $35,000 and $40,000 a year, not including overtime (and many LPNs tend to work a lot of overtime).  Registered nurses will make even more.  The median income for registered nurses, in 2004, was over $52,000.  In some areas, where demand is greatest, registered nurses have been known to make between $40,000 and $60,000, fresh out of nursing school.  As demand increases, hospitals and nursing homes will be forced to offer ever more money and benefits to nurses in order to attract and retain quality employees.

To become a nurse, one will need to attend some type of nursing school.  Nursing schools vary and it is important to know the type of job you want when considering a nursing school.  To become an LPN, only a year or two of study at a community college or technical school is required.  To become a registered nurse, you will need to attend two or three years of community college or technical school in order to receive an Associates Degree in Nursing.  A four-year, Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing is also available at most traditional four-year colleges and some community colleges.

This is a guest post from Richard Hemby, a writer for Online College Guru, an online resouce for online degrees, colleges, and careers. For more information on online nursing degrees and nursing careers visit OCG’s comprehensive nursing section.

---

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• Why to choose Nursing jobs as career?
• What Is Vocational Nursing? Posted By: Tis Amit
• Nursing positions not as plentiful