WANT TO START A CAREER IN NURSING?
DEMAND IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH

If you ever wanted to start a career in nursing, now is the time to start. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, careers in healthcare are growing faster than many other employment sectors, and chief among them is nursing.

One of the best things about the nursing industry is that there are numerous career paths you can pursue, and you even have the option of starting in an entry-level role and then continuing your education to advance into higher, better-paying roles. Career Redo can get you started by connecting you with a mentor!

Article Contributed by Julia Merrill

Nurses provide much-needed services in healthcare, performing hands-on treatment in medical facilities ranging from emergency rooms in hospitals to clinics and acute care centers, assisted living facilities, and even home care and hospice.

Nurses help patients understand conditions, diagnosis, and medication management, assist them in effectively managing chronic illness, and may deliver life-saving care in operating rooms, surgery centers, and even war zones.

Nurses with advanced degrees and credentials often serve as primary care providers for patients, and like physicians, can practice in a wide range of specialties, like pediatrics, oncology, or cardiology.

The nursing profession has many levels, each with a corresponding degree of required training and education.

• If you’re ready to start a career in nursing, some career options, like nursing aides and nursing assistants, can be achieved via vocational training settings.
  
• Becoming a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse requires additional schooling, clinical practice, and board licensing.
  
• Registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees require a four-year degree and passage of nursing board exams.
  
• Nurse practitioners typically require a master’s degree, and doctor of nursing candidates require doctoral programs.
  
• Nurses who want to teach in the field traditionally need a nursing license, as well as a degree in education.

Skilled nurses are in demand at every level. Many nurses get their first jobs and start a career in nursing by making connections in various healthcare facilities when they complete their clinical training during their schooling. Clinicals allow nurses to work in a medical setting and get real-life, hands-on experience. Many training programs also offer job placement assistance, where they help graduates make connections to employment opportunities. Some healthcare facilities employ the help of recruiters to find talented caregivers, and medical facilities frequently post openings on their websites and on job boards. Professional nursing associations also post job opportunities.