The Art and Science of Nursing Jobs
Overview of Nursing Jobs
Doctors, for so many people, are the biggest heroes in the healthcare setting. They are the ones diagnosing the patient's’ problems and figuring out ways on how to get rid of it so that the patient can go back to being healthy.
Because nurses are the health care workers who spend the most time with patients, they are tasked to make a plan of care during the patient’s stay in the hospital. The information will be based on findings of doctors and other professionals (laboratory technicians, radiologists, etc.) Health care is a collaborative team effort.
However, it’s the nurses who practically know everything about the patients and even their families, friends and those within their circle.
Nursing Jobs Opportunities
In the nursing field there are nearly three million all in the country. The employment rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, will grow by 19% from 2012 to 2022.
The need for nurses will continue to increase for several reasons. First, everyone requires health care. A huge percentage of newborn babies have been carried by a nurse as soon as they were born. Children who need vaccination have been administered medication by nurses. The elderly require constant help from nurses, especially with their daily activities.
The Hospital is not the only health care setting which requires nurses. This increases the chances of applicants to acquire a job in this field:
- Out-patient facilities
- Medical clinics (physician’s offices)
- Home health services
- Government offices (even in the military)
- Company offices
- Residential care
- Correctional facilities
- Community health facilities
- Colleges and Universities (as teachers)
Nursing Jobs Positions and Salary Information
The median salary of nurses in the country is approximately about $31.00 per hour or $65,400 annually. But there are several factors which can increase a nurse’s pay.
The level of education achieved, for instance, is one identifying factor for one’s salary. This will be the basis for a nurse’s position and corresponding responsibilities in the health care facility. Certifications and licenses which one has also have an effect on the pay.
| Staff Nurse | $31.00 per hour |
| Charge Nurse | $30.00 per hour |
| RN | $28.00 per hour |
| Pediatric Nurses | $27.00 per hour |
| Licensed vocational Nurses | $21.00 per hour |
| LPN | $17.00 per hour |
| CNA | $12.00 per hour |
Complicated nursing jobs, especially tasks which involve management and delegation, will naturally be equivalent to more earnings. The following are the highest paid nursing jobs today annually:
| Neonatal Nurse practitioner | $97,000 |
| Nurse manager | $82,000 |
| Clinical nurse manager | $80,000 |
| Nurse case manager | $61,000 |
The place in which the nurse practices also has a huge impact on the pay. More often than not, tertiary hospitals in metropolitan areas offer higher salaries than those clinics located in far-flung communities. Below is the top five list:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- New York
- Seattle
- Philadelphia
Tips for Applying for Nursing Jobs
There are three paths of education when one is thinking of becoming a nurse:
- BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- ADN or Associate’s Degree in Nursing
- Diploma from an authorized nursing program
An example of this test is the NCLEX-RN or National Council Licensure Examinations for Registered Nurses. To be able to practice in different states, this test must be taken and passed.
Benefits of Working at Nursing Jobs
Some might think that nurses get paid well, as evidenced by the salary listing mentioned above. This is possibly why the health care facilities ensure that these professionals whatever their position is will get additional bonuses.
Overtime pay is a must have for nurses. This can go as high as $57.00 per hour. Bonuses reach $1,000 annually.
Contrary to what most people believe, nurses actually get tips. But at $10.00, this is not as huge as other workers who often get tips.
Since they are health workers, it’s just fair that they also get health benefits. According to the latest stats, nearly 80% have medical. 65% have dental. 54% have vision benefits.
Some nurses also get hazard pay due to the dangers they could encounter at work. Those working in psychiatric wards, for instance, are at risk.
Additional Information about Nursing Jobs
Being a nurse is one of the most rewarding jobs. However, it is immensely tiring. Most hospitals require their nurses to work for eight hours. With a ratio of about five patients to one nurse in public hospitals, rarely does the nurse get to sit down and prop their feet up for a minute’s relaxation.
Since nurses are needed by patients 24 hours a day, they work in shifts. The scheduling depends on the health care facility but, most of the time, it looks like this:
- Morning Shift - 7 AM to 3 PM
- Afternoon to Night Shift – 3 PM to 11 PM
- Night to Morning Shift – 11 PM to 7 AM
Seasonal Nursing Jobs
The need for nursing care really depends on the volume of patients. Hospitals and health care facilities like it will surely require nurses 24/7 and hire people who can fill permanent positions. But private nurses for the elderly is an example of a seasonal nursing job.
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