Below is a look at the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about careers in nursing. The answers to these questions may help you determine if this is the right career path for you.
- Is a Career in Nursing Right for Me?
- How Much Do Nurses Earn?
- How Hard / Easy is it to Find a Nursing Job?
- How Long do Nursing Training Programs Take?
- What is the nursing examination NCLEX?
- What are Nurse Licensure compact states?
- Should I Join an Online Nurse Training Program?
- What Should I Look for in a Nursing Program?
- What are the best online nursing programs?
Is a Career in Nursing Right for Me?
A career in nursing is a very popular career option for those who enjoy helping people of all ages. You will be required to take a lot of science courses, especially biology during your training, so this should be a subject you enjoy. However, nursing can be a very demanding job that requires you to be on your feet most of the day, but it can also be very rewarding working with a multitude of patients. You will need a variety of skills, such as good problem-solving, communication, patience, ability to multitask, and good organizational skills, to work as a nurse. [Back]
How Much Do Nurses Earn?
Nurses may have very demanding jobs, but they are also paid very well for the expert medical skills. The amount of pay you can earn as a nurse will be directly related to the amount of training you have received. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) receives an annual salary of $41,450 in 2012, whereas the average RN (Register Nurse) earned an annual salary of $65,470. For those who go on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN), they can expect an average annual salary of around $96,460. [Back]
How Hard / Easy is it to Find a Nursing Job?
Careers in nursing are currently in high demand. This demand for nurses is expected to increase anywhere from 19% to 31% over the next six years, depending on the level of nursing you obtain. This demand will make it very easy to find a job in your career. You will also be able to easily advance in your nursing career by taking additional courses. Due to the high demand, some employers even offer tuition reimbursement programs and flexible scheduling to allow their nurses to further their education. [Back]
How Long do Nursing Training Programs Take?
The amount of training you need to become a nurse will depend on what your career goals are. For example, you can earn your LPN license in just one year and start working as a nurse. If you want to start out as an RN, you will need to first earn an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN), which will take two years to complete, or earn your Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN), which will take four years to complete. While earning your BSN will take longer than earning your ADN, you are likely to receive a higher paying job with your BSN. [Back]
What is the nursing examination NCLEX?
The NCLEX is a nursing examination that is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. You will need to take and pass this examination in your specific state in order to earn the license necessary to work as a nurse. The NCLEX-PN nursing examination is for those who want to earn the LPN license, and the NCLEX-RN is for those who want to obtain the RN license. You must have completed the educational requirements for your specific state prior to taking the NCLEX examination. You will only need to take and pass this examination one time to earn your license. Unless you live in a compact state, you will need to take an additional NCLEX nursing exam if you move to another state. [Back]
What are Nurse Licensure compact states?
Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked QuestionsThe Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is a program that started in 1999 that allows nurses to earn a multistate nursing license. Once you successfully complete your training and take the NCLEX exam, you will be able to work as a nurse in any of the compact states. Currently, there are 24 states that have become compact states, including Texas, Arizona, Virginia, and Wisconsin, and a few other states are pending. You can check with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for an updated list. If you live in any of these nurse licensure compact states, this can be a great opportunity for you. [Back]
Should I Join an Online Nurse Training Program?
Online nurse training programs are ideal for those students who need to continue working and going to school at the same time. They offer flexibility and allow you to complete your coursework at a time that is convenient for you. However, it is important to realize that although many of your classes will be taken online, you will still need to complete your clinical training at an actual lab or medical facility. Online nursing schools will typically work with a medical facility in your area or offer a nearby lab center for you to complete your hands-on training. [Back]
What Should I Look for in a Nursing Program?
The most important thing to look for when choosing a nursing program is to make sure it is an accredited course. You need to be certain that upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX program to obtain your license in your specific state. If you are considering an online nursing program, you want to ask the school you are considering how their clinical training works. This will help you determine how you will complete this portion of your training. Be sure these options are flexible enough to fit into your work schedule. [Back]
What are the best online nursing programs?
There are so many online nursing programs available that it may be difficult to determine which one is right for you. If you want to take an online nursing program to earn you LPN license, schools like St Joseph’s College, California University of Pennsylvania, South University, and Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences are great options. For those looking to earn their Associate of Science in Nursing Degree or their Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, Kaplan University, Capella University, University of Phoenix, and Chamberlain College of Nursing are all good choices. Many schools like Capella University, Walden University, and Grand Canyon University all offer great programs to help you earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree or your Master of Science in Nursing Degree if you already have your RN license.
Use the search feature below to find the best online nursing programs.