Education and Training

In order to become a nurse, it is necessary to first earn a nursing degree. There are a number of programs throughout the United States that offer nursing degree programs. In some states, it is also necessary to obtain certification before you can begin working as a nurse. Coursework necessary to earn a nursing degree includes microbiology, physiology, chemistry, anatomy, psychology, nutrition, and behavioral science.

Employment Opportunities

After earning a nursing degree, you can begin a career in a number of different nursing areas. These include:

• Ambulatory care nurses
• Critical care nurses
• Emergency nurses
• Home health care nurses
• Preoperative nurses

Ambulatory care nurses are responsible for treating patients with a number of different injuries or illnesses. This may take place in a physician’s office or in a clinic. Some also offer telehealth, which is providing advice and care through the Internet or videoconferencing.

Critical care nurses work in intensive care unites and provide patients with respiratory, cardiovascular, and pulmonary care. Emergency nurses, on the other hand, provide emergency care to patients that have suffered from strokes, accidents, or heart attacks.

Home health care nurses are responsible for providing patients with care in their homes. Generally, these patients are suffering from injuries related to accidents, surgery, or childbirth. Preperative nurses, on the other hand, assist the surgeon during surgery by handling the instruments, helping to control the bleeding, and suturing the incisions.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for individuals with a nursing degree are expected to grow much more quickly than the average occupation. This is largely from the need to replace those that leave the occupation and retire. The Bureau reports that the median annual salary for registered nurses in May 2004 was $52,330. Those employed by employment services earned the most with a median annual income of $63,170. Those working in nursing care facilities earned the least, with a median annual salary of $48,220.

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