Peggy Said:

Which career path will offer the highest salary after completing my bachelor of nursing?

We Answered:

I worked in Critical Care for 20 years but my salary took a jump
when I went to work for an Internal Medicine group at night
filtering their phone calls and doing History and Physicals on
ER admissions at night. I make $83,000/yr and in Northern
Arkansas that is a pretty good salary.

Joann Said:

Nursing Career?

We Answered:

I'm a nursing student, and by definition of the things you have listed, yes, it is a good career. The salary for an R.N is roughly 50 grand a year (can range higher or lower by a few g, though).
The hours are extremely flexible, that's one of the big perks of nursing. However, you will be required to work some holidays because hospitals never close, of course.
Benefits like health care are excellent...especially working in a hospital. Since most hospitals are major corporations, you are pretty much guaranteed at least a decent benefits package.
As for fun, I'd have to say no for the most part. I mean, that's really a matter of opinion, but the work is physically gruelling, emotionally strenuous, demanding, sometimes tedious, etc. So I'm not sure most nurses would describe their work as fun from day-to-day. When you're dealing with sick/often dying people, that may not be the top descriptor.
Hard, that depends on your definition. You don't have to be *super* intelligent to become a nurse; you need decent math and science skills, but once you're on the job I wouldn't say the routine work is particularly difficult. Now, by other definitions, maybe. It can be physically demanding, emotionally, etc. so in that sense, yes, it's hard work.
Other considerations:
- There will always be jobs for nurses available
- The schooling is relatively quick for a well-paying job
- You can get an R.N degree through most technical colleges, and there is room for advancement (you can always continue education to obtain a higher-level medical degree)
- You are less likely to become bored, because you can switch specialties (such as pediatrics, oncology, hospice, psych., etc.) when you become tired of one.
- It's super flexible and you have a lot of control over your own schedule for the most part. Some nurses work one week on/one week off, for example.
In my opinion, yes, it is a good and sensible career choice.

Miguel Said:

What are the career options for this person and what would their salary be?

We Answered:

A BSN doesn't earn more than any other RN (a 2 year degree), but what it does give you is the option to go on to your Masters. So, around 40K/year.
A MSN usually means you're a "Nurse Practitioner," and they make closer to 80K/year. (double) So, that is definitely a degree worth getting.
In my opinion a Ph.D. in Nursing does not increase your salary enough to pay for the cost of University.
Another possibility would be after your BSN to get a Master's in Administration, then be an Administrator at a Nursing home, or in a Hospital. This will increase your salary above other RNs.

Helen Said:

Is an LPN licensure a good start to a nursing career?

We Answered:

I think LPN is a great place to start your nursing career. First it takes about 1 year and so you can get off to work sooner. LPN does not have to lift heavy patients like CNA yet not taking all the responsibilities like RN. Once you become LPN you can see and feel if nursing is a career of choice for you. If so, you can advance to RN by taking associate degrees to become RN in 2 years. You can take classes completely online. After RN is the BSN to sky-rocket your nursing career. I would definitely start as LPN.

Nancy Said:

nursing career?

We Answered:

Hi Daisy..............I have a friend in Utah....she just wrapped up her education about a month ago.......and she's starting in a nursing home for 22.oo per hour..........but I live in Washington state......and there's a big demand for nurses.....they are about 26.oo here. All my life it's never been about dollars, you have to love what you are doing, and the dollars will come later. The nurse I was referring to in Utah is in a nursing home.......has to bury all her patients..........and that's tough if you get to close. We all need them at times......the neat ,clean ,willing to take a moment to talk or tease.......are the most enjoyed, I believe. But you still have to be aware of everything around you. Do not judge what you see........be kind to all..........some here work four day weeks and some 5 hr. are varied. If you have a good sense of humor and can give it back as well as receive it...........you will probably love it. All the best to you........my last nurse read the charts wrong in my room and she was under the covers checking out my lower unit:) when she realized that it was the guy next to me that she was supposed to be checking............so needless to say, I and my roomate didn't let up on her about her oversexed desires:)lol And she was a good sport and rolled right along with it.....She always had time to talk and be nice.......but also not get too close.........God Bless......and all the best. Don't try and be the Doctor just do what he or she asks.....be patient, kind , and understanding.....the best way that you know how. Nice hair, clean clothes, nice smell and a great mind always makes a nurse special to me........imo only.

Ruben Said:

is it worth to switch architect career to nursing?

We Answered:

I agree with the others that you should job shadow someone before you make this a permanent decision. Ask yourself these questions, can you handle being bossed around? do you like caring for people? can you handle pee, poop, vomit, blood and all other bodily fluids? why are you considering nursing? if the economy wasn't bad would you still become a nurse? what areas of nursing do you want to work in? These are all important questions that even after you go into the field some you won't be able to answer. Another thing you can do is become a CNA if you can handle being a nursing assistant then you will be able to handle nursing.

Some websites you can check out are: http://allnurses.com/ This is a great community website to chat and ask questions from professionals in the field.

http://nursinglink.monster.com/ This is another community site but not as encompassing as the first but has good info.

http://www.careeronestop.org/ This site is the best to get info on salary, job duties and demand.

I hope this helps!