Registered Nurses

The field of registered nursing has one of the best prospects for job growth and salary expectations in the job market today.  The demand for registered nurses far exceeds the supply and the salaries of these qualified professionals reflect that demand.

At the same time it is generally difficult to be accepted into a registered nursing program at schools.  The waiting period can be as long as 18 months to 24 months just for acceptance.  One year, two year and four years programs leading to the RN diploma or degree are all quite common, but employers tend to want the more formal Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates. Many students take the one or two year formal education courses then work while completing the BSN program on the side. 

Large teaching hospitals provide one-year on-the-job courses leading to the RN diploma.  Two-year programs leading to the Associate of Science degree in nursing are commonly provided by community colleges.  Master of Science in Nursing is becoming a degree more common for administrative positions and for teaching careers.

Certification is required for registered nurses.  It’s a national examination provided in many locations several times each year by the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).

Job opportunities are available in hospitals, medical facilities, nursing facilities, community health programs and other venues.  Salaries differ, mostly dependent upon locale with California salary average at $32.00 hourly in 2004. 

Further Registered Nursing career information can be found at:

National League for nursing http://www.nln.org.