Nursing Degrees Can Lead To Well Paying Careers

Even in a bad economy, it seems that there are never enough nurses to go around. Some hospitals may experience cutbacks, but people will always get sick and need the care only a well-trained nurse can provide. Nursing professionals provide all levels of care from routine activities like bathing patients to complex patient assessments.

A certified nursing assistant provides the most basic care in the nursing field. This position does not require a degree, but specialized training leading to state certification is required. CNAs bathe, feed and provide basic care to sick people in hospitals, long-term care facilities and in private homes. Some nursing degree programs require earning a CNA credential since working as a CNA provides patient care experience, and opportunities for aspiring nurses to determine if they will enjoy this line of work. Course work at this level includes English, basic care skills, psychology and basic gerontology.

Licensed practical nurses earn diplomas. In some settings, LPNs take patient histories, give medications, provide tube feedings, monitor patient progress and document information in patient records. LPNs earn their credentials from technical schools, junior colleges or hospital education programs. The training for this profession takes about one year in most states. Many LPNs or licensed vocational nurses continue their education to earn nursing degrees.

One of the most popular degrees in the field is the Associate Degree in Nursing. This two-year degree prepares a student to sit for a state registered nurse examination. Some nurses may attend a hospital training program for two or three years to earn diplomas. Like Associate Degree Nurses, those who earn diplomas are eligible to take a state examination leading to the registered nurse credential. These professionals perform duties like patient assessment, developing nursing care plans, giving injections and inserting intravenous needles. As RNs, those with associate degrees or diplomas often supervise LPNs/LVNs and CNAs. Those at this level can often earn Bachelor's degrees in nursing with one to two years additional class-work at a college or university. Registered nurse education programs include courses in areas such as English, psychology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition, chemistry, pharmacology and human development. In addition, students take clinical coursework in various nursing disciplines.

Nurses who earn bachelor's degrees are responsible for the same duties as those holding associate degrees or diplomas, but generally have more administrative responsibilities. A bachelor's degree is desirable for those holding positions as managers, assistant directors and directors. Bachelor's level nurses may have responsibility for hospital infection control and may oversee an emergency care center or urgent care clinic.

Masters and PhD degrees in nursing lead to positions such as University professors or nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners work under the direction of physicians. Nurses at this level can examine patients and write prescriptions for certain medications. This extends the work of physicians in busy clinics and hospital settings.

Degrees in this field are definitely worth considering for those individuals who enjoy working with people and helping them maintain good health. The salaries are very good for professional nurses. On average, a registered nurse can start at about $40,000 per year. Earning an advanced degree can lead to a salary of $70,000 or more within a few years.