Nursing as a Career Choice
Consider these facts:
- Nursing is one of ten occupations projected to have the largest number of new jobs in the future.
- Nursing is the largest health care occupation with more than 2 million jobs.
- The rising demand for RNs will outstrip the supply of RNs by 2010.
- By 2015, 114,000 jobs for full-time RNs are expected to go unfilled nationwide (Division of Nursing of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
The changing job market for RNs is being spurred by:
- The mounting health care needs of increasing numbers of elderly.
- Hospitalized patients who are older, more acutely ill, and in need of more skilled RNs per patient.
- Technological advances requiring more skilled nursing care.
- An aging RN workforce. High levels of retirements are projected in the next 10-15 years.
What Nurses Do:
- Assist clients in navigating the health care system.
- Act as patient advocates and health educators for patients, families and communities.
- Offer skilled care to help patients recuperate.
- Work to promote health, prevent disease and help patients cope with their illness.
Work Settings:
- Hospitals- employ the largest number of nurses
- Physician offices and clinics
- Long term care facilities
- Public Health
- Occupational health or industrial sites
- Educational Institutions
Advanced practice degrees (nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists) increase the opportunities for nurse practice.
Want to Learn More About Nursing as a Career?
Visit these sites for more information.
American Nurses
Association
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Nursing
at Monster.com
Sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook (2002-2003), Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
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