This paper provides an introductory overview of career opportunities in nursing, drawing on the American Nurses Association's definition of the profession to frame its broad scope and importance. It examines the trend toward increasing specialization within nursing, highlights the projected national shortage of nurses, and discusses the job security and compensation advantages this shortage creates. The paper also compares specific nursing roles — including Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and nurse practitioners — and considers the variety of employment arrangements available to nurses. Finally, it addresses the educational demands and personal commitment required to succeed in the field.
There are a variety of careers available in the nursing world that can provide a fulfilling and monetarily rewarding life for the right individuals. Before embarking on any such career — or the educational path that will enable it — it is important to develop a clear understanding of what such a career entails, and of the demands placed on nurses working in today's medical community. The American Nurses Association defines nursing as "the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations" (ANA, 2010). This definition is far broader and far more critical than many people might assume, and understanding it is imperative before one decides to shoulder the responsibility of becoming a nurse.
As with other functions in the medical community, nursing is becoming increasingly specialized. While nurses work to alleviate suffering and promote health and well-being across families and larger communities, many also practice within highly specific disciplines (Gannett, 2010). Almost any imaginable branch of medicine or major treatment option has a corresponding field of nursing: from AIDS care to neonatal nursing, pediatric nursing, school nursing, and infection control nursing, among many others. This breadth of specialization allows dedicated nursing students and practitioners to develop greater efficacy in their work by pursuing their specific interests and talents (Gannett, 2010).
Increasing specialization is creating greater demand for nurses, while at the same time there is a significant shortage of graduates from nursing programs, making the job market for new nurses highly encouraging with ample room for growth and advancement (Johnson & Johnson, 2009). The shortage of nurses is projected to reach 800,000 by the year 2020 — a figure that could grow even larger as populations in much of the world live increasingly longer lives and require more medical care over extended periods (Johnson & Johnson, 2009). Coupled with the high degree of public respect consistently afforded to the nursing profession, as well as increasingly competitive compensation and benefits packages driven by the growing shortfall of available nurses, now is a particularly exciting and worthwhile time to begin a journey toward a nursing career (Johnson & Johnson, 2009).
"Comparing CRNA and nurse practitioner earnings"
"Flexible employment options for qualified nurses"
"Degrees, dedication, and nursing's broader impact"
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