An RN degree will allow you to join one of the fastest growing professions in the country; the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects nursing to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016.
Registered nurses are some of the most important players in the medical field; indeed they make up the largest health care profession with 59 million jobs. Moreover, no matter the condition of the economy, qualified nurses are always in demand, which is why nursing is considered a recession-proof career. Your RN degree will always be a valuable addition to your resume, but it is especially advantageous now as many nurses are reaching retirement age and leaving the profession.
If you are already working in nursing as an LPN (licensed practical nurse) or CNA (certified nursing assistant), earning your RN degree will help you increase your job prospects, salary potential, and also your responsibility at work, meaning you can get much more involved in patient care and even specialize in a particular area you find interesting.
An online RN degree is one of the best ways to enter and advance in the nursing profession, so if you’re ready to get started, read on!
What types of online RN degree programs are available?
The three main types of online RN degree programs available are:
* Associate RN degree (ADN or ASN): Two- to three-year degree that prepares a candidate for the Registered Nurse (RN) exam. Note that each state has different licensing requirements upon completion of an accredited nursing school program.
* Bachelor’s RN degree (BSN): Four-year degree that also prepares a candidate for the RN exam. Note that the Bureau of Labor Statistics stresses that RNs with BSNs will have better job prospects than those without.
* Associate to BSN: Allows current ADN or ASN holders to earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree, applying already-earned associate level credits to make the earning of a BSN take less time.
* RN to BSN: Allows current registered nurses to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing.
Online master’s in nursing degrees are also available for those who would like to pursue a career as an advanced practical nurse (APN); specialities include clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife. Other nursing specializations are possible in areas like:
* Addictions
* Ambulatory
* Cardiovascular
* Critical Care
* Emergency
* Forensic Nursing
* Geriatrics
* Home Health Care
* Infusion
* Oncology
* Medical-Surgical
* Pediatrics
* Perioperative
* Psychiatric
* Radiology
* Research
You can search for online nursing schools at NursingDegree.net
What can I do with an RN degree?
Registered nurses work in various settings from private physicians’ offices to medical clinics to laboratories, but the majority (nearly 60%) work in hospitals. Travel nursing is also becoming increasingly popular; travel nurses are offered temporary assignments in different locations and usually provided help with relocation expenses and any licensing issues.
What do RNs do?
Nursing duties vary by position, but generally RNs take care of patients, record medical histories, administer medications and treatments, perform diagnostic tests, and explain procedures and other medical information to both patients and families; RNs in supervisory positions also handle lots of paperwork, evaluations, and doctors’ orders as well as perform counseling of employees and act as a go-between among the staff and upper management levels.
Am I qualified for an RN degree program?
Specific requirements vary by school, but in order to pursue an online RN degree, you may be required to provide proof that you have completed four years of high school English and three years each of high school math (especially Geometry and Algebra II) and science (especially Biology and Chemistry). A high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D.) is generally required as are standardized test scores (SAT/ACT).
Personal qualities helpful in a registered nurse include compassion, flexibility, and excellent communication and problem solving skills; you should also enjoy medical matters and, needless to say, not faint at the sight of blood.
What are online RN degree programs like?
In order to earn an online RN degree you will take courses such as:
* Anatomy and Physiology
* Behavioral Sciences
* Chemistry
* Microbiology
* Nursing
* Nutrition
* Psychology
You will also be required to acquire clinical experience either on campus or at a medical facility approved by the nursing school; some class time on campus may also be mandated by your school, so do read the requirements carefully.
Why choose an online RN degree program?
Online RN degree programs permit you to take courses toward your nursing degree without requiring that you quit your current job. Whether you’re already in the nursing profession or looking to change careers, this is perhaps the greatest benefit of online education as you can take classes and study on your own schedule, usually at your own pace, without losing your income.
And speaking of money, another plus is that online programs are most often far less expensive than traditional learning; not only will you save on tuition, but you can also save on books and transportation costs as well.
{ 0 comments }
