Experience The Joys Of Becoming A Registered Nurse - Nationwide Positions, Great Pay And Benefits

According to the latest report released by the American Hospital Association, U.S. hospitals are experiencing a severe shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) to fill vacant positions nationwide.



The field of nursing has emerged from its lowly beginnings. Nurses were traditionally paid a low wage and regulated to the menial task associated with caring for the sick. They emptied bed pans, changed beds and filled water containers. In the present day hospital environment, these tasks are relegated to nursing assistants. Starting as a nursing assistant or nursing aide is the first step to determine if a nursing career is feasible. Becoming a nursing assistant requires only basic course work. The pay for nursing assistants positions is relatively low. Because of the low pay and the type of work involved, many nursing assistants start the educational process to become a Registered Nurse.



The progression to become a Registered nurse starts with the nurse assistant. The licensed vocational nurse is the next step requiring more education and exam. The final step is registered nurse .



The LVN ( Licensed Vocational Nurse) are in high demand. The salary is higher than that of a nursing assistant. And the task performed provide direct patient care. The LVN will work directly under the supervision of a Doctor or a Registered Nurse. Employment opportunities for the LVN are excellent.



The education required to complete an LVN program is least three semesters of classroom and clinical hours. The program is intensive and can be completed with a combination of distance learning courses as well as on-site courses for the lab and clinical requirements. The LVN curriculum can be different depending on the location of the training. At the completion of the required courses from a university of community college program the LVN must successfully pass a state mandated exam before she can work as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.



Because of the acute shortage of qualified Registered Nurses, hospitals are offering in house training programs to allow employees who want to become Nurses. These employees are allowed to attend classes on company time. Some companies offering the training on site. Companies offer tuition reimbursement and flexible work schedules in return for a commitment of a certain number of years of employment in exchange for the opportunity.



To become a Registered Nurse requires the completion a 4 year course of study. The registered nurses that are in most demand have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree as opposed to the Associate Degree Nursing program that requires the completion of a two year degree program. The salary for an RN has escalated within the last few years because of the shortage of Registered Nurses.



Several colleges and universities offer the basic curriculum for obtaining a degree in Nursing. However, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLAC) accredits certain colleges that meet their stringent requirements. These nursing programs prepare the student to be able to sit for the boards prior to getting prior to getting the license to practice nursing. Being selective in the choice of the educational institution for your education at the beginning of your training will save money and time.