Nursing Career Paths To Consider Pursuing

The aging population brings with it the need for even more nurses than ever. Nursing careers are favored by individuals looking to pursue a great part time or full time position. There are many more patients in need of care and there is a greater need for individuals to pursue nursing careers to fill the need. Nurses may not have to work the brutal length of hours that many doctors do, but their work is demanding and tiring nonetheless. Nurses deal with stressful hospital situations as well as being on their feet all day working with ill and dying patients. Nurses also need to interact with other hospital staff as well as the friends and family of patients. Those who are nurses though, find that being a nurse is satisfying work. 

Nursing careers are as unique as the individuals who pursue them. There are myriad nursing jobs for individuals interested in pursuing a career putting their talents to work helping patients. Nursing careers are: registered nursing/ (RN), licensed practical nursing or licensed vocational nurses (LPN/LVN), and nursing assistant. RNs supervise LPNs and nursing assistants. LPN and LVN nurses only are allowed to offer patient care under the supervision of a doctor, nurse practitioner or RN.

As with other careers, nursing careers offer other categories such as: full or part time schedules, contract nursing, office or permanent care nursing, private duty, hospital nursing, industrial or health nursing, travel and psych nursing. Nursing assistants aren’t nurses but they will still wear scrubs to work and will be involved in many daily nursing activities. Nursing assistant duties include: helping nurses carry out tasks, offering hygienic care, providing psychosocial care and other such duties.

As with other professions, full time RNs work at least 40 hours a week in any of the chosen career paths. They wear scrubs while at work and can choose to find employment in any of a number of medical venues in both the public and private sector. The hours of part time nurses vary widely and they also can work as nursing contractors. Pay, benefits and hours vary based on the facility in which you work as well as your longevity in the career, training and licensing and hours worked. There are even some individuals who will retire from full time nursing and take up a position as a part time or contract nurse while some others will become part time nurses to supplement their other jobs. 

Contract RN jobs are favored by many, but those looking for stable positions prefer a full time nursing position. Those who enjoy variety in both their schedule and location will typically opt for contract or traveling nursing jobs. Nursing provides competitive pay and in some cases competitive benefits.