Saturday, March 17, 2012

Useful Tips For Selecting The Best Nursing Program

These days, nursing is one of the best fields you could enter. Why? One of the reasons is that so many other sectors are doing poorly. The global economy has still not recovered from the Great Recession of 2008, and there are signs that indicate that more difficult times may be ahead. But for students entering nursing school, there are hardly any signs of a recession.

The main reason for the incredible growth in the health care field is demographics. Put simply, world populations are aging. This is especially true in developed countries like the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most of Western Europe. In the U.S. alone, there are millions of Baby Boomers entering retirement, and they are expected to live longer than any previous generation. In fact, it is projected that many 'Boomers' will live well into their 90s.

The combination of the largest generation in U.S. history retiring at a time when medical technology has lengthened life expectancy far beyond what we could have imagined even a couple decades ago has created a need for health care professionals to tend to the medical needs of all these retirees. And a nursing program is the best way for most people to get a foot in the door of this lucrative field.

When it comes time to choose the right nursing school, there are a few questions to consider:

How soon do I want to be working?

One of the biggest considerations is your financial situation and how soon you need an income. If you need to be working right away, then becoming a CNA (certified nursing assistant) might be best. CNAs only have to train for a few weeks, then they are ready to enter the work force. And, the pay isn't too bad either-you can earn around $15 an hour. Not great, but significantly higher than minimum wage.

What level of income do I want?

While CNAs can be working rather quickly, their pay is lower than that of an LPN or RN. It may be sufficient for those who are the second income earner in the house and don't have a need to go for a higher pay scale, but for others, the LPN and eventually RN options pay much better. RN is obviously the best, but it takes longer to get through the schooling.

What level of responsibility can I handle?

With the higher pay of an RN comes greater responsibility, and often times longer hours working on salary. For those who are ambitious and want to eventually supervise LPNs, the RN option may be the best fit. But for those who don't want the responsibility and lack the time and/or inclination to go the extra couple years of school, an LPN program may be just fine.

2 comments:

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  2. If you want to make a better future in nursing career then you must select a good and reputed institute or school to get the good education.

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