There are many levels of nursing degrees. Each requires
a specific educational program, and each provides a different set
of nursing
jobs opportunities. With the growing popularity of distance
learning, several online
nursing degree programs, even online
masters-in-nursing programs, have been developed - the quality
of these programs can vary, so its usually advisable to stick with
well-established programs.
LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse
or LVN - Licensed Vocational Nurse
Training for LPNs lasts about 1
year, and includes both a classroom segment and a patient-care
segment. LPNs are licensed by each state, so requirements vary
by location. The LPN provides general care for patients, including
taking vital signs, changing wound dressings, basic phlebotomy,
and daily intake-outtake monitoring.
According to the US Dept.of Labor
Statistics most new LPN jobs will from nursing care facilities.
However, it is also appears that hospital jobs for LPNs will be
decreasing. On balance, demand for LPNs is expected to decrease
in the coming years.
The median salary for LPNs in 2002
was $31,440, with the top 10% making $44,040 or more, and the
bottom 10% making less than $22,860.
RN - Registered Nurse
There are three different nursing
degrees that lead to an RN. To become an RN, nurses need to graduate
from a 4-year Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (BSN), an Associates
of Nursing (ADN), or a Nursing Diploma program offered by hospitals.
In addition, there is a national licensing exam (the National Council
Licensure Examination - NCLEX-RN exam).
Because the RN nursing degree has
a national licensing component, it is easier to get licensed in
multiple states. As a result, RNs are heavily recruited for travel
nursing positions.
According to the Dept. of Labor
Statistics, RNs will be in heavy demand for the foreseeable future.
More new RN nursing
jobs are expected to open up than any other type of job. Given
the recent tightening of restrictions on foreign nurses entering
the US, demand for RNs will grow even stronger.
The median nursing salary for an
RN is $48,090 (as of 2002, US DLS), with the top 10% making more
than $69,670 a year. Because of the broad range of jobs that an
RN can take, salaries widely by job description.
Nursing
degree programs are available at a variety of schools, but
you should confirm if they have the program in which you are interested
- some have only BSN to masters, others can get you to a BSN.
References
- U.S.
Department of Labor Statistics - LPN and LVN career information
- U.S.
Department of Labor Statistics - RN career information
- Nursing
Jobs - information on the variety and outlook for Nursing
jobs in the U.S.
- Travel
Nursing - information on traveling nurse programs and nursing
recruiters across the country
|
