Nursing Schools and Programs

Nurses treat the sick and injured, educate people about illness and health, and counsel patients' family members. Nursing specialties include the following:

• Populations like pediatrics or geriatrics
• Diseases like oncology, or HIV/AIDS
• Areas of physiology such as genetics or gynecology
• Home nursing, such as visiting or hospice
• Hospital care, such as surgical, critical, or emergency
• Education-focused nursing such as public health

Aspiring nurses must have a natural inclination toward helping people, plus ample amounts of compassion and emotional stability. Communication skills, ability to follow supervision, and a sense of personal responsibility are assets, as well.

Earning Your Nursing Degree

Several paths lead to a nursing degree:

• Licensed vocational or practical nurse (LVN or LPN) through a one-year program
• Registered nurse (RN)through a two-year associate's degree in nursing (ADN), a two- to three-year diploma from a hospital program, or a four-year bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN)
• Advanced practice nurse, such as a nurse practitioner, through a two-year master's degree of science in nursing (MSN) with a bachelor's degree.

Consider what skills you want and how far you plan to go in your nursing career. BSN and MSN degree programs offer courses in leadership, communication, and critical thinking. The coursework can lead to a career in teaching, administration, consulting, or research. If you're already a nurse, consider an accelerated nursing program such as the RN or LVN to BSN. If you have a degree in another field, consider an accelerated BSN. To get licensed, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN.

Job Outlook and Salary for Nurses

Nurses should be in high demand through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Visiting nurses and nurses who specialize in geriatrics and chronic illness such as diabetes will enjoy abundant job opportunities as more people live to old age and want care at home. The median annual salary is $39,820 for LVNs and $63,750 for RNs. Those with advanced degrees and/or superlative experience may earn more.