Considering nursing as a career?  

Nurses care for individuals who are healthy and ill, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, and who have physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, social, and spiritual needs.

Nursing is a profession that combines physical science, social science, nursing theory, and technology in the care of others.

Prepare to be a Nurse!

High School Preparation

Students who are thinking about Nursing as a career should plan a college preparatory curriculum:

• English - 4 years (verbal and written communication skills essential)
• Math - 2 to 4 years (algebra necessary for success in chemistry and medication administration: geometry)
• Science - 2 to 4 years (chemistry essential: biology important: physics recommended: computer science)
• Social Studies - 3 to 4 years (psychology important: sociology: history: government: economics are all recommended)
• Foreign language - 2 years (highly recommended: some variation among individual Nursing Schools)

Career Paths

Individual nursing practice is determined by the career path selected and is dependent upon education, experience, work setting and geographical location.

Clinician

Clinical Nurse - Provides scientific, psychological, and technological knowledge in the care of patients and families in many health care settings. ($30,000-$50,000/yr base)

Advanced Practice Nurse

Provides primary care and specialized advanced nursing services to patients and families. Includes: Clinical Specialist; Nurse Practitioner; Nurse Anesthetist; Nurse Midwife ($40,000-$65,000/yr+)

Nurse Educator 

Utilizes educational methodologies to present current information in patient care settings, universities, and communities. ($30,000-$75,000/yr+)

Nurse Administrator 

Coordinates the use of human, financial, and technological resources to provide patient care. ($40,000-$90,000/yr+)

Nurse Researcher 

Utilizes statistical methodologies to discover or establish facts, principles or relationships. ($40,000-$75,000/yr+)

Career Diversity

Nurses may follow their personal and professional interests by working with any group of people, in any setting, at any time. There is no profession which offers as many opportunities for diversified roles as does nursing.

Clinician Advanced Practice Nurse Clinical Specialist Nurse Practitioner Nurse Anesthetist Nurse Midwife

Educator Clinical Instructor College/University Professor Staff Development Specialist Patient Education Specialist Manager/Administrator Researcher

Hospital Settings

Critical Care
Emergency
Maternal/Child Care
Medical: Cardiology, Diabetes, Gastroenterology, Gerontology, Nephrology, Neurology, Oncology, Pulmonary, Rehabilitation, Renal, Rheumatology, Urology
Operating Room/Recovery Room
Pediatrics
Psychiatric/Mental Health
Surgical: Burn, Cardiovascular, Ear/Nose/Throat, Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, Plastic Reconstructive, Transplant

Non-hospital Settings

Public/Community Health
Mental Health Agencies
Home Health Care
Physician's Office
Health Maintenance Organizations 
Managed Care Companies
Insurance
Occupational Health
Research Centers
Extended Care Facilities
Clinics
Outpatient Surgery Centers
Hospices
Community Schools, Day Care Centers
Military Branches
Independent Practice
Schools of Nursing
Senior Centers, Shelters, Churches

In addition, some nurses have combined two careers (i.e. Nurse Attorney). Others have served as consultants to business, schools, and health care institutions. Some are combining the field of nursing and computer technology (Informatics Specialist).