Natalie Said:

What are some options for registered nursing careers outside the hospital forum?

We Answered:

Home care, hospice, nursing homes, school health, prison nursing, clinics, insurance (doing physicals), industry (things like being a drug rep), community case management, cruise ship nursing, hyperbaric centers, healthcare infomatics, working in homeless shelter clinics. There are lots & lots of options.

Alma Said:

Do you think 50 is too old to begin nursing school and become a registered nurse?

We Answered:

I'm 48 and in the middle of getting my masters degree. I've had quite a few careers already and held all sorts of jobs and have never regretted it. We'll probably live another 30-40 years, so we might as well do something we really enjoy, and that we feel good about, right? Personally, I can't imagine totally retiring, so I'd always like to have skills that are needed so I can continue to work part-time.

I don't think any education is wasted. Even if I haven't directly used one of my degrees, it's helped me indirectly in many ways (I have a BS in Psych; AA in Data Processing; and getting a Masters in Education).

Good luck and have fun!

Samuel Said:

i want to know more about the registered nursing career?

We Answered:

The role of the RN is to carry out doctor's orders, care for and treat the patient under their scope of practice. I still remember what a teacher said the first day of nursing school-"People go to hospitals because of nurses." Think about it, doctors have outpatient offices, you can get x-rays outside of the hospital, so for the most part nurses run the show, a bit.

As for different types of RNs (there are many more, go to the website below):
Perianesthesia Nurses
Operating Room Nurses
Transplant Nurses
Intensive Care Nurses
Med-Surg Nurses
Pediatrics Nurses
Dermatology Nurses
Labor & Delivery Nurses
ER/Trauma Nurses
Geriatric Nurses
Oncology Nurses
Transport Nurses
Home Health Nurses
Hospice Nurses
Long-term Care Nurses
Occupational Health Nurses
Cardiology Nurses
Radiology Nurses
Psychiatric Nurses
Rehab Nurses

To obtain a RN license, you must:
-Go to an accredited nursing school: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CCNE/reports/ac… and/or http://www.nlnac.org/Forms/directory_sea…
-Graduate
-Then you take your boards, pass, and get your license

It takes about 2-4 years with schooling. You have prerequisite classes you have to take with nursing school (usually Biology, Chemistry, A&P, psych, etc.- talk to a nursing school adviser), sometimes you have to do them BEFORE nursing school, some schools let you take them WITH your nursing classes. It's up to you (I did mine before, it's much easier!).

It doesn't matter which program you graduate from (diploma, associate, or bachelors degree) as long as it is accredited, all three take the same boards and have the same license. They'll all start off as floor nurses and for the most part get paid the same.

Good luck to you! :)

Alan Said:

registered nursing career question?

We Answered:

Yes, nurses who work straight nights will always make more money. It's usually several dollars more per hour, my hospital pays $5 above the base wage. Some hospitals also give other incentives like bonuses or extra PTO accrual.

Olga Said:

Registered Nurses only: What made you choose nursing as a career ?

We Answered:

1. Nurses are in demand now, and will be even more in demand by 2020. In fact, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has projected a shortfall of 800,000 nurses by 2020. Think of the job opportunities there will be.

2. Nursing pays! According to the US Department of Labor, an average registered nursing salary is over $52,000. Many nurses earn over $72,000.

3. There are lots of different opportunities in nursing. You can work in hospitals, schools, government agencies, home care facilities and more.

4. Flexible schedules. Nursing shifts can come in increments of 4, 8, 10 or even 12 hours, on weekends and weekdays. There are many opportunities.

5. Nurses make a difference in people’s lives. Caring for people and helping others lead healthy lives is satisfying and important.

6. Nurses interact with different people everyday, including patients, doctors, medical staff and administrators.

7. Nursing is exciting. You never know what’s going to happen, and have to stay one your toes, solve problems and make good decisions. Everyday is different.

8. There are lots of opportunities for advancement in nursing. You can get promoted and take on bigger roles over time.

9. Nurses can change specialties. If you’re interested in pediatrics or trauma, you can move into those areas when the opportunities arise.

10. Nurses can take it on the road! Nurses are in demand everywhere and with portable skills; you can go where you want.

Shawn Said:

If i am a registered nurse, what other careers in the medical field can i pursue.?

We Answered:

Depends on what you like and want to do.

1.) Wellness and health promotion counselling.
(I'd be bored out of my mind and feel like I'm teaching common sense to people who won't listen, but some people who go into nursing love this stuff).

2.) Open a private nursing home, home care service, or healthcare staffing business.
(Contact local government in your area for regulations)

3.) Teach CPR and First Aid.
(You will need to usually become certified as an instructor, no matter what your credentials).

4.) Work in a weight loss clinic.
(Lots of customers).

5.) Open a footcare business for clients with special footcare needs (I.e. diabetes).
(Most colleges offer certification in footcare for LPNs and RNs).

6.) Get involved in nursing research. Nursing research *typically* involves research such as how to improve patient care for those with AIDS, etc. Again, not my thing (I'd rather be trying to *cure* a disease or develop a new treatment), but again, those who prefer the nursing model of care seem to be happy with these sorts of jobs. Nurses can also be hired to work in research by co-ordinating patients, drawing blood, screening, etc.


It's all about what YOU like.


Good luck!