A nursing career offers the opportunity for a rewarding professional life on multiple levels. Providing critical care to patients serves as a chance for nurses to truly display their empathic nature. At the same time, the current nursing shortage fosters strong demand, creating many job openings with lucrative salaries.
Taking a proactive approach to their professional development helps nurses build or maintain a rewarding career. Let’s look at a few ideas on learning the new skills to successfully grow a professional life in healthcare. In addition to providing excellent care to patients, you also gain significant personal and financial rewards.
Deciding Between an LPN and RN
A first question to answer when beginning a nursing career involves deciding between an LPN or RN license. A high school diploma or GED provides the educational background for LPNs, along with a nursing-specific program. Some vocational schools let you earn both simultaneously, generally requiring around 12 to 18 months. After passing the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, expect an average annual salary around $56,000.
Becoming a registered nurse typically requires at least an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing plus passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. This effort generally takes around 3 to 4 years. You benefit with a higher yearly salary, averaging around $89,000.
Of course, earning an LPN first followed by the RN license offers another option. In this scenario, take advantage of any tuition reimbursement benefit offered by your employer for the additional education. You start earning right out of high school, while having a hospital or medical office pay for your degree. What’s not to like?
Building a Rewarding Nursing Career Over Time
Once you are established as a nurse, other opportunities exist for professional development to grow a lucrative career. A variety of certifications exist to add breadth to your skills. These include specializing in areas like nephrology, oncology, dialysis, and more. Once again, leverage any professional development support for continuing education provided by your employer.
Additionally, consider earning a Master of Nursing degree for additional career growth and earnings opportunities. This higher level of education qualifies you for more lucrative job roles, including Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Certified Nurse Midwife. Expect average annual salaries well into the six-figure range for these positions. In the end, a nursing career provides significant flexibility for you to build the professional life of your dreams.
If you want to take your nursing career to a higher level, contact the experts at CHN Health Care Group. As one of the top medical staffing agencies in Boston, we provide the advice and job opportunities to build a rewarding career. Connect with us at your earliest convenience.