Nursing is a way of life. It’s a profession that has evolved incredibly in the past century. There are numerous reasons for wanting to become a nurse. Nurses make a difference in the lives of their patients, with diverse and interesting work, to even good pay in some areas.
Firstly, the starting salary of a nurse can range from around $28,000-$50,000 per year, but that depends on your location and job industry. Wage levels depends quite a bit on experience, how many years you’ve had in the job, and level of training. (“Registered Nurse RN Salary.” Nurse Salary Guide, nursesalaryguide.net/registered-nurse-rn-salary/) .However, if you’re looking for an even better pay, the best job a nurse could be is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Often, they make between $105K and $130K each year.
The pay is especially better with overtime in some places, as well. “Pay for extra shifts starts at $7/hr on top of ALL other differentials, and all hours worked over 40 are paid at time and a half. If there were critical needs within the hospital the bonus pay would go up to $10/hr extra. That means during a bonus shift I could make as much as: $600 – $700,” (RN, Jon Haws RNJon Haws. “How I Made Over $70,000 My First Year as a Nurse (How I Learned to Game the System).” NRSNG, 25 June 2018.)
However; to be qualified for those salaries, you need to have the right kind of education requirements. Registered nurses, for example, need at least four years of full-time study. When it comes to trying to become a nurse, you must obtain a nursing diploma or degree, with the most common one being associate or bachelor’s programs. When you complete your degree program, you will have to take the National Council Licensure Examination. All of this will take a minimum of two years. (“Registered Nursing Degrees | A Complete Overview.” All Nursing Schools, www.allnursingschools.com/registered-nursing/degrees/.)
Last of all, it all comes down to thinking skills and having the ability to manage lots of information overload. You require knowledge about things such as microbiology and pharmacology so you can fill in when other nurses are not able to. It’s important to know how to use technical equipment like smart IV pumps and monitoring devices, with proficient knowledge of Electronic Medical Records. You must be happy to work as a part of a team, with both good communication and observation skills. (June, 2009 29. “Skills Required for a Nursing Career.” Nursing Times, www.nursingtimes.net/skills-required-for-a-nursing-career/5003367.article.)
If you’re one for caring about the health of others and helping them improve their lives and disease outcomes, then nursing may be for you. The most successful nursing job you can get would be a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, you must have critical thinking skills and certain knowledge about technology, and must have the right kind of education. After those four years of education, the salary and skills you earn along the way will certainly make it all worthwhile. I, myself, enthusiastically look forward to becoming a nurse one day, and I hope I will love it.