How do you define the nursing profession?
It is a well known fact that the nursing profession is one of the most respected occupations in the world. Nurses make a difference in everyone’s life at one time or another. Everyone has had or will have interaction with a nurse and it usually is a positive experience that’s always remembered. Nursing is designed to add value to human life by promoting health, knowledge and understanding using psychology and physiology concepts, which alleviate pain and suffering. Nurses are educated to treat the whole person not just one particular health issue, which explains why caring and nursing are synonymous with wellness. The nursing profession consists of a variety of specialties, which offers nurses the opportunity to battle disease and illness on the front lines or teach and manage various clinical functions within the healthcare industry.
How can I get my nursing certification?
The standard method used to achieve nursing certification is classroom study. Students visit a specific location five days a week and take theory as well as clinical courses taught by a staff of nursing instructors. Tuition can be expensive and the additional classroom fees can be a burden, especially if a student is unable to receive financial aid. Classroom work can be distracting and the structure of the classes can be very restrictive. The classroom atmosphere may work for some people, but studying online has become a viable option for students who need flexibility and want to save money.
Online study is a great way to earn nursing certification especially for a student who works full time, or who has family responsibilities. The online courses blend in with the student’s routine and can be completed at the student’s pace in most cases. Online study eliminates classroom activity fees and other charges that can have an impact on the student’s ability to complete the course. Instructors are available to give the student one-on-one attention through chat rooms and forums, as well as through emails and telecommunications. Online nursing courses are taught by qualified nursing instructors who use the same material as classroom courses.
Can I complete my clinical studies online?
The classroom offers the student one location for theory as well as clinical study, although that may not always be the case. Online nursing clinical study is usually done through a local hospital that hosts visiting instructors at different times. Some hospitals use staff nurses to teach clinical work, which gives the student more flexibility. When the clinical work is more advanced, hospitals will assign mentors to students so they can discuss the work and ask questions in real time. Video demonstrations are also used, so some clinical work can be done at home. The instructor is always available through video calls, chat rooms and emails, so clinical questions can be addressed. Studying nursing online is a comprehensive and flexible way to earn nursing certification.
Are there nursing jobs available?
Statistics show that there are over 100,000 nursing jobs available in the healthcare industry today. That figure will be over 382,000 vacant jobs by 2015 and over 800,000 by 2020. Once nursing certification is achieved the student can continue to study in order to earn a BSN or a MSN, which will only increase the students earning power. An LPN can earn around $37,000 the first year of service not including overtime and an RN earns around $52,000. A nurse with a BSN can earn $55,000 depending on the hospital and a nurse with a MSN earns $63,000. A doctorate degree is worth $74,000 and that doesn’t include the excellent insurance, vacation and retirement benefits that are part of most employment packages.
