A Nursing Career
A Versatile Choice
The continual expansion of the medical profession will result in over 3.6 million new jobs by the year 2014. The bulk of those jobs in the medical profession -- in excess of 60 percent -- will be devoted to positions for people with a nursing major. Along with the increased positions for registered nurses will be increased demand for other medical personnel such as nursing assistants, medical assistants, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and allied health technicians such as phlebotomists, respiratory therapy technicians, and X-ray technologists.
Where the Jobs Will Be
Available positions for nurses -- over 40 percent -- will not be limited to hospitals, but will be in doctors offices, insurance companies, preventative health programs, nursing online and home health to name a few. Nursing is a very versatile career that will open many doors and exciting opportunities. Nursing opportunities are not only for young workers either, as over 20 percent of the persons entering nursing careers are older adults starting their second career.
The Attraction of Nursing
What attracts these older American workers to nursing? For some it is the appeal of being able to do something with purpose, to make a difference with humankind. For others, there is the appeal of better than average salaries. Still many others enjoy the attraction of travel opportunity or flexible scheduling. Another factor making nursing a desirable choice for many is the ease with which nursing training and nurse education may be obtained.
Unique Fields of Nursing
One of the fields in nursing that is experiencing the largest growth potential is pediatric home health nursing. Programs that specialize in early intervention for special needs children under the age of three exist in almost every state in the United States. These types of programs allow the nurse to make a difference while giving one on one attention to both the child and the parents. At the other end of the continuum is elder home health care, which can mean the difference between seniors being able to live out their years in their own home versus moving to a residential care facility. This area of home health offers opportunity for nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses as well as registered nurses.
Another option that is not well publicized is the option of working in blood donation centers. Nurses are needed to complete patient histories and perform blood collections. But there is much more than just starting IVs. Plasma aphresis is a highly specialized medical procedure that can be used as either a therapeutic treatment for various medical disorders or as a means of separating various blood components during the blood donation procedure. This essential area of nursing is invaluable in the saving and improving the quality of lives for millions every day.
Highly Specialized Nursing Career
Critical Care Nursing transport is another high tech area of medicine that is expected to enjoy continued growth. While the position does required advanced training and many certifications, these requirements are necessary to safely transport critically ill patients between health care facilities. Some employers may even require a BSN nursing degree. The nurse in critical care transport is responsible for maintaining the continuity of care for the patient whether it is in the back of an ambulance or in a helicopter or airplane, a challenging, highly technical, and fun position.
Other fabulous positions can be found in on site nursing in factories, colleges, as a traveling nurse, or at camps, and amusement parks. The possibilities in the nursing profession are endless, if you find that you are up to meeting the challenges that possibilities provide.
Resources:
"Registered Nurses." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 21 Oct. 2009 <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.
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