Category Archives: Registered Nurse

Various Registered Nurse Salary Opportunities Available

For every virus outbreak or dangerous medical emergency, like that which we saw with the recent A(H1N1) outbreak, physicians and nurses are at the forefront of the battleground. They are exposed to a number of dangers and are putting their lives on the line in order to bravely save people. For these reasons alone we should all be very thankful to these healthcare professionals. As a show of appreciation for the sacrifices that registered nurses make, we feel they should be paid a generous salary. The registered nurse salary is in fact quite good when you take a look at it, and many people are now looking to pursue this career partly because of the salary prospects.

Registered nurses in the United States receive between $46,771 and $66,971 including bonuses and any profit sharing that is applicable. This is equal to earning $22.09 to $30.76 in hourly rate. Registered nurses often work extra hours, and for every overtime hour that id worked, they are usually paid between $30.72 and $45.75 an hour. The registered nurse salary will change as one gets more experienced on the job. Nurses who have been working for less than a year usually receive from $38,582 to $53,000 a year. Those that have stayed on the job for more than a year (and up to four years) can expect an increase in registered nurse salary of $40,591 to $59,080, while those that have 5 to 9 years of experience naturally receive higher salaries. These more seasoned, experienced and committed nurses can at times be earning as much as $47,507 to $65,338 a year. A decade to two decades of being a registered nurse will give you a yearly salary of between $50,000 and $70,890 also. For those that are lucky enough to be on the job for more than 20 years, a register nurse salary of $50,804 to $73,244 a year is common.

Most nurses start out as staff nurses where they earn from $48,353 to $70,122. From being staff nurses, they can train for one or more specialties in areas of patient care that they wish to focus on. Specific work responsibilities may vary for each nurse. This is because their duties and title are usually determined by their work setting or patient population served. Registered nurses who specialize in working in operating rooms and assisting surgeons are called perioperative nurses. They can also specialize in specific health conditions, as diabetes management nurses that assist patients with diabetes do. There are also those that specialize in a work setting or type of treatment. Patients with complex, serious and acute diseases or injuries that need extra monitoring and extensive medication procedures and therapies are handled by critical care nurses. These nurses usually work in critical or intensive care hospitals. The combination of specialties, like with that of pediatric oncology nurses (Pediatric oncology nurses work with kids and adolescents who have cancer), is also a viable option which is worth pursuing once you have settled in as a registered nurse.

These days, there are many types of registered nurses that can specialize in many fields of nursing care. Specializing in a particular field means you are better equipped to handle much more specific duties and responsibilities. With a specialized role you can also expect a higher registered nurse salary. A career in nursing is an exciting one with many options that can open up for you once you have become qualified. If you have the desire to further your education and diversify your knowledge then becoming a registered nurse could be just what you need!

Great Working Opportunities for Advance Practice Registered Nurses

One of the largest fields in the health care sector is that of the nurse practitioner or registered nurse. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have advanced practice as nurse. They are also referred to as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and they are able to take care of the patients more independently. They have completed a master’s or a doctoral degree aside from the completed educational requirements and license of a registered nurse. It is a very popular profession in the medical field these days as it has a very good growth potential and it offers a high nurse practitioner salary.

Nowadays as the scope of the nursing practice expands, the nurses are given the opportunity to work independently in providing primary care to patents in the form of a nurse practitioner. They are allowed to perform physical exams and order laboratory tests and procedures to the patients. They may diagnose, treat, manage disease, and prescribe medications even without consulting a physician. Nurse practitioners may also have specialties in pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health, neonatal, occupational health, and many others. The nurse practitioners salary may vary according to specialization.

Those who choose to become a nurse practitioner should complete a bachelor of science degree in nursing and become a registered nurse. They either complete additional education programs such as master’s degree which takes 2 to 3 years to complete or proceed to a doctorate degree to further enhance their career opportunities. After completing the master’s program, they graduates are now eligible to take a professional certification as nurse practitioner (NP). The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurse Credentialing Center are the two credentialing bodies that provides the certifications. Once the certification is obtained, it needs to be renewed every five years in order to maintain the certification.

As for the nurse practitioner salary, there is no fixed prices as to how much an NP can earn as it will vary from State to State, specialization, and the job description. In 2010, the salary survey by Advance,com show that nurse practitioners earn an average salary of about $90,770 nationwide. Just like with all the other careers in the health care sector, the job opportunities for the nurse practitioners are excellent within the 2008 thorough 2018 decade according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics projections. The field is expected to grow at a faster than average for all occupations during that time period. Career advancement opportunities are also great for nurse practitioners.

All these benefits obtained from the nurse practitioner profession makes it all the more attractive for those who are searching for a stable, highly-paid, and prestigious career in the health care sector. The job of a nurse practitioner may be a challenging one, but it can be very rewarding in the end. Working with the sick people who are in need of medical services provides a sense of purpose for the nurse practitioner. With the sense of fulfillment and the satisfaction of being able to help others along with the nurse practitioner salary, what more could anyone ask for.

Becoming a Registered Nurse

In case you are considering getting into the nursing profession, then it’s not too late to start out. Great jobs for registered nurses are on an all time high. Nursing is one of the top health care vocations in and out of the United States. The registered nurses in fact hold the largest health care occupation with about 2.6 million jobs. Being a registered nurse can be challenging but it is also one of the most rewarding careers with diverse opportunities. A nurse has the opportunity to work choose to work in different environments and with different specialties. Aside from the diversity in the work, the registered nurses also offer high wages. However, the exact salary of a registered nurse will depend on a variety of factors.

The nursing profession may somehow pose with a challenging task of taking care of the lives of the people but this is also rewarded well, something that’s enough for someone to find fulfillment in. Nurses are important members of the health care team. They are responsible for providing the patients with health teaching, giving medications and treatments, perform diagnostic and screening tests, chart medical documents, as well providing emergency care. They may also take part in planning treatments and assist or perform surgeries. They perform such duties that require formal education and a license.

Depending on what you want to become, you can start your nursing career with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), a diploma, or a Bachelor’s Degree (BSN). With a bachelor’s degree, you will have the best opportunities to move up to higher positions as well as increase your registered nurse salary. Upon completion of any of the three programs, passing the national licensing exam is a must as this will fulfill the requirements of the state prior the nursing practice. Many nurses also obtain certifications in specialized areas like in pediatrics, gerontology, and psychiatry.

The nurses earn a very competitive registered nurse salary because of the high employment demands and the extensive educational requirements. According to the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the salary of registered nurses in the United States is approximately $63,750. This is only an average rate, as registered nurses, you may earn more or less than these amounts based on the facility, experience, location, and other factors as well. The career outlook for the nursing profession continues to be in high demands. The BLS projects that the registered nursing profession will be the fastest growing profession between the years 2008 and 2018. The high demand for these professionals as well as the potentially high income it offers makes the nursing profession an excellent career choice to make. Although nursing jobs can be very demanding and stressful, the benefits and the rewards outweigh and override the negative aspects.

Getting Into the Highly Demanded Registered Nursing Profession

The largest occupation within the healthcare industry with an estimated 2.6 million jobs belongs to the registered nurses (RNs). The recession may have brought about little to no opportunities of salary increased and job security. With the unstable economy today, many occupations and professionals are affected. However, there’s a big but as the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the registered nurses continue to be in high demand and the registered nurse salary have also grown significantly. The BLS also features nurses as one of the fastest growing career through 2018 and it also has the highest number of new jobs of all other occupations.

True, the nursing profession offers many new career opportunities for the registered nurses. But then, the US also regulates the registered nurses, which is why the requirements for the RN profession can be quite extensive. The registered nurses work together with other health care professionals in facilitating patient care as well as educating them and the patient’s family. RNs conduct medical examinations as well as manage drugs and help patients and their families in managing their condition. The registered nurses may also choose to specify in various areas as Nurse Anesthetist, Geriatric Nursing, Advanced Practice Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, and many other special areas. With quality education, experience, and specialization, the candidate may increase their employability chances as well as increase their registered nurse salary.

Those who are applying for a nursing job should also consider writing a good registered nurse resume as this can be crucial in the application process. Whether the RN is a newly graduate nurse or is just looking for better opportunities, he/she must showcase their credentials in a concise and, organized, and professional manner. With the high demands for quality RNs these days, many employers would prefer hiring only the best. But of course this is only expected as the registered nurses deal with the lives of the people every day. The nursing profession can be mentally demanding and stressful job, but it can be very rewarding in terms of the registered nurse salary and the sense of fulfillment.

The salary of the Registered nurses will mostly depend on the qualifications, specialty and experience of the nurse. There is a wide range in their salaries but the average registered nurse salary in the US as of 2011 is approximately $65,075. The employment change of registered nurses from 2008 to 2018 is expected to grow by 22%. This growth rate is faster than average for all occupations. The growth will be driven by the advances in technology as well as the increasing emphasis on preventive nursing care. Along with this is the increasing number of the older population who are most likely to be in need of more nursing care. With the positive job outlook for registered nurses in the coming years, nursing is one of the ideal professions to pursue nowadays.

Career Guide to the Registered Nurse Profession

Jobs for registered nurses are on an all time high especially since this is one of the oldest professions, and also one of the most necessary in health care. The registered nurses are trained and qualified to establish healthcare plans in caring for the sick. It is one of the most in demand jobs of all time and it the job opportunities are expected to shoot up through 2018. The registered nurses constitute the largest occupations in healthcare with about 2.6 million jobs. They are also well paid with a high registered nurse salary.

The registered nurses work to promote good health as well as prevent illnesses. They formulate healthcare plans that include administering medications and treatments as well as carefully observing the patient’s medical condition. Their job involves patient and family teachings on how to cope with illnesses. Registered nurses may have varying registered nurse salary according to several factors such as the location, education level, specialization, and work experience.

To be able to work as a registered nurse, one must first earn a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) or a two-year associate degree in nursing. The BSN programs usually takes 4-5 years to complete and it is a combination of liberal arts courses including practical experience. There are two levels of nursing, the technical nursing that requires an associate degree and professional nursing that requires a bachelor’s degree. However, only those with bachelor’s degrees are eligible for RN licensing as the AACN recognizes the BSN as the minimum education for professional nursing. After completing the program from an accredited institution, the individual is now eligible to take the written national licensing examination administered by the state. The registered nurse salary is generally higher than that of nurses with associate degrees. Aside from being a registered nurse, RNs may also advance and specialize in particular fields such as in forensic nursing, nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner.

Nursing is the largest healthcare occupation and opportunities should be excellent for nurses, especially for those with advanced education and training. With an average of $65,651 registered nurse salary, they are very well paid for all their worth. The salary of registered nurses is calculated by the US Government BLS from different sources. The salaries may vary depending on the location and healthcare setting.

In Florida, the registered nurses are given an average salary of $48,000 as of June 2011. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the registered nurse salary in Florida is lower than the average RN salaries nationwide. However, this may be influenced by several factors. A large determining factor in the registered nurse salary in FL is their specialization and level of education, which is why it very important to complete the best nursing program from an accredited school in Florida. Being a registered nurse in FL is one of the most fulfilling and stable jobs in the healthcare industry.

The Future of Registered Nurses

Healthcare is changing more rapidly than any other industries and in the next several years. Especially now with the recent legislation of the U.S. healthcare coverage, all the other healthcare professionals will be affected, most particularly the nurses. Looking at it in the most basic sense, there has been a global shortage of nurses for many years now and it is even expected to continue in the coming years. There is a widespread lack of skilled healthcare professionals that provide a holistic bedside care to sick individuals and to the general population. As of this day, there over 17.6 million number of nurses and midwives today, as stated by the World Health Organization. Even with this number, the world is still experiencing nursing shortage, and it is expected to continue in the coming years. This distinct and autonomous healthcare profession will always be needed each and every day in different healthcare settings.

Registered nurses are exhausted by their day to day demanding work, overtimes, stress, and fatigue as they are obligated to look after their patients of different cases. With some frailer and sicker than the others, and others needing more complicated nursing interventions, more and more nurses are abandoning the bedside much faster than they are replaced. Especially since more nursing students opt to take higher nursing education, they are taught with more on the technical side of the profession rather on the bedside skills. This then leads them to work on administrative positions leaving the bedside with those who have just gained training of between one to four years either as a registered nurse or a registered LPNs and CNAs.

Going back to the basics of what a registered nurse is, the answer is still not quite as specific. Basically the path to becoming a registered nurse takes about two to four years of training and education in the form of an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN). After completing either of the two programs, they should have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN certification exam. Passing of the NCLEX-RN makes the individual a registered nurse. After becoming an RN, some of them may even proceed to a more advanced position as an advanced practice nurse or (APRN) as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse, Neonatology, Oncology, and many other specialized positions. All of these, no matter how different their titles are, are all registered nurses. These different nursing specializations are each compensated with a different registered nurse salary rate. This also means that specialization greatly affects the amount of salaries they earn. Once a person becomes a registered nurse, possibilities of career advancements are wide and the salary can be pretty incredible too. With these differences in their jobs and salaries, the registered nurses make up the largest job segments out of all the other healthcare jobs in the United States.

With all the advancing roles that most nurses choose to play, bedside nursing are slowly left behind as these administrative and specialized roles dwell more on the technical nursing rather than the traditional bedside skills. This is also one of the reasons for the continuing nursing shortage in the U.S., and in some parts of the world. While some people don’t realize it, bedside nursing means a lot more to the life and death of the patients. The world needs a lot more healthcare professionals on white uniforms and perky caps, which is why nursing is that one profession that will always be in demand.

Going for this profession in the medical field is surely one of the best choices you could ever make in your career. Not only will you be able to save and improve the lives of people, but you will also be able to give you and your family a secure financial future. Along with the superb salary rate, nurses also receive numerous benefits such as healthcare insurance, paid time off, paid sick and vacation leave, pension, and bonus. This increases their overall compensation by about 30% more. If you are here for the reason of helping humanity as well as give yourself the advantage of being in a lucrative career with many great opportunities, then choosing a career in the field of nursing may just be able to give you all that and more.

How Being an Earnest Registered Nurse Matters in Rendering Quality Care to Mankind

Registered nurses, along with the physicians, have been the epitome of the healthcare industry; anyone in a clinical setting would instantly recognize them because of their white uniforms and distinctive nurses’ caps. With the general rising in the demand for healthcare services, there has been also a very dramatic increase in the number of nurses worldwide as an answer to the needs of the people. It may be an unfortunate reality that along the increasing members in the nursing profession comes with the threats of forsaking quality over quantity. Nowadays, nurses are being challenged by their predecessors in the field to give the best nursing care they could provide for the patients as a proof of their loyalty upon their oath as the Nightingales of today.

Because of the projected increase in demand for nurses, employment for them is expected to grow faster than any other occupations until 2014. With the increase in technological advancement, it has been a good opportunity for some to venture into a profession that is rewarding despite the great demands on their lifestyles. Registered nurse salary may be around $53,000 per year, and with the employment viewpoint that looks promising, many aspirants would be attracted to work in such a field.

As registered nurses, they are expected to perform tasks such as conducting physical examinations and getting patient medical histories. They play major roles in assisting physicians in diagnosing and treating common disease conditions. They are the one transcribing the doctors’ orders and are responsible in carrying them out with great care. There are many work settings they could choose from, depending on their expertise or specializations. They are often found working in the hospitals and clinics, as well as in locations where access to doctors’ services are quite uncommon.

It is a common choice for those wanting to go to college nowadays to be a nurse, and they will be required to earn Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees or enroll to other nursing programs before taking up a license examination and practicing in the field. These programs include clinical experiences in different areas for better exposure of the students to the diversity the nursing profession deals with from time immemorial. It would generally take students four to five years to complete BSN programs and take up liberal arts courses including scientific and technical trainings, or they may also earn associate degrees in nursing programs at community colleges for two years. It would also be possible to earn diplomas from programs being offered by independent schools of nursing or university hospitals, which would usually take three years.

It is also possible for them to undergo further trainings for the advancement of their careers, which would greatly depend on the level of education, years of experience and place of employment. They are expected to be highly flexible in any given setting because of the wide and solid foundations they may have acquired, considering the wide scope they have responsibilities over with. Registered nurses that have BSN and master’s degrees may take advantage of their knowledge and skills and go forward to higher-level occupations, including positions in administration, clinical instruction and research.

Because of such great opportunities, people would normally get attracted to try their luck in this field. With caring as one of the core features of the nursing profession, it is very important, though, that the nurses of this generation may be able to give it not out of the demand the world pressures them with or of the attractive compensation they may get from it. The motivation to work as a nurse should be his or her desire to serve the people and give them the best care possible they could offer.

Are Registered Nurse Jobs Becoming Life Threatening?

Some people may not be very aware that being in a medical profession of any kind is indeed life threatening. The medical world is the place where you see a lot of mentally and emotionally unstable people (patients) who have the tendency to assault other individuals. Some people view the registered nurse salary as simply not significant enough to compensate for the high-risk environment some nurses today are being faced with.

The recent news reported that a registered nurse working in Contra Costa Health Services was assaulted by an inmate. Chief Executive Officer Anna Roth of Contra Costa Regional Medical Center gave more detailed information of how registered nurse Cynthia Barraca Palomata died. Roth said the Cynthia has been working for Contra Costa Regional Medical Center for a very long time. Cynthia Barraca Palomata was already 54 years old when the assault happened. Inmate Aaron Nygaard who is 34 was acting up and pretended to be having some seizure which is why Cynthia went into the inmate’s cell to check. Aaron Nygaard was faking the seizure so when Nurse Palomata got in Nygaard struck her with a lamp on the head. Palomata died of severe injuries and hemorrhage.

Registered Nurses Union in California is now calling for a tougher security measure in parking lots as well as in emergency rooms. The California Nurses Association-National Nurses United claims that Registered Nurses are more prone to assault than truck drivers. The Union of Nurses also has a back-up on their statement wherein a study shows that fifty percent of the population of registered nurses has already been exposed to violence during their duty. Despite the Union’s claim for security the hospitals’ management has no official statement in regards to the request. . The California Nurses Association-National Nurses United is proposing that hospitals, medical centers and rehabilitation facilities take the necessary steps in enhancing the workplace that will provide better security and safety to medical practitioners. The proposal also includes additional security personnel to be present inside the premises for better safety. Hospitals in California still have no reaction about the proposals since it will cost the management and stockholders too much but despite the silence of different hospital managements a possible approval of the proposal can be granted.

The California Nurses Association’s officers showed proof that the violence in their workplace has increased tremendously over the past years. Because of the increasing violence on medical workers CNA officials are working on state legislation that will impose higher security and safety for medical practitioners who are on duty in correctional facilities. Such law is now yet in black and white which is why CAN is trying their best to make it happen. Once the law for better security and safety measures for medical personnel assigned in jails has been approved all medical practitioners will surely be feeling the security again that has been lost due to the past cases of assault towards them.

Registered Nurses To Be Barely Seen In Hospitals

Registered nurses will be rarely seen in hospitals eventually since more and more hospitals are trying to reduce the admission of chronically ill patients. This being the case most registered nurses will be doing their rounds outside the hospital premises. Because of the new health care reform by the federal government hospitals in all states have no choice but to decrease and lower their admission rates otherwise paying a great penalty can be faced. Most patients who are chronically ill are kept under severe monitoring through registered nurses. This was done by different hospitals all over United States to make sure that the patients will no longer be back in the hospital for readmission.

Cheryl Shelton is a Registered Nurse in Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Her normal task in the hospital is to time-in and check patients who are of old age and chronically ill that will be discharged. She will talk to the patient and educate him or her of the things that must be done so that further readmission can be avoided. After that she will check on previously discharged patients by calling them and paying them a visit. This is Shelton’s daily routine as an RN. Most of the patients who are severely sick are under Medicare’s coverage which is government by the federal government. The admission rate of very ill patients has been over the borderline which is causing the taxpayers to spend billions of dollars every year just to cover such expenses. With the present deficit of funds the US government is facing they have no other choice but to cut cost and expenses in any way possible which includes healthcare coverage.

Despite Shelton’s full and maximized effort to check on chronically ill patients every single day she admits that there are some patients that will be impossible to prevent readmission. “There are patients out there that are really sick and prone to having their health at a very unstable phase which will eventually provoke readmission no matter how maintenance is being kept at the fullest” Cheryl claims.

Dr. John Lynch is the Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s chief medical officer and he also admits that their situation is like walking in a bridge about to fall down any minute. “The pressure in keeping the admission rate low is really impossible especially that we are surrounded by elderly people who are suffering from many chronic diseases” Dr. Lynch said. Despite the pressure Barnes-Jewish Hospital the chief medical officer of the said hospital has no plans of giving up. Dr. Lynch is determined that they can keep the readmission rate at a minimum and be able to survive the new obstacle they are facing.

The medical professionals in Hospitals may be much pressured but the patients feel the opposite. LaVonne Boyd, a 65-year old lady suffering from chronic lung diseases and also a diabetic says that the new federal reform on health care doesn’t really threaten her. In fact she has never felt so secured and taken care of for the past five years that she has been suffering from her illnesses. A registered nurse and a social worker are obliged to attend recently discharged patients in their homes for about a month or up to 45 days. This made Boyd feel much better despite the fact she is very ill and surely this is how other patients feel about the new health care act.

Augustana Department of Nursing Gets 100% Pass Rate on Recent NCLEX

Augustana College is proud to declare their one-hundred percent pass rate from the recent NCLEX that took place last May 2010. The Chairperson of the nursing department Margot Nelson claims that they really intend to achieve a 100% pass rate. The nursing faculty of Augustana College worked so hard to achieve an educational strategy that will help achieve an approach which will help gauge students. The nursing department has applied different strategies to maximize the knowledge that can be absorbed by the students. The highest standard is applied by the nursing department with hopes that setting it that way will help students push themselves to pass the test.

An NCLEX review with a standardized testing included in the curriculum helped greatly in achieving Augustana’s Nursing Department victory. The four-year course also includes interactive discussions and case studies that showcase the complexity of the nursing practice as well as the licensing exam.

Amber Baustian one of the students from Augustana College was very thankful with the people in the nursing faculty because if not for them she wouldn’t have aced the NCLEX exams.” I want to pass the exams and I don’t see myself retaking it which is why I pushed myself to do good in the test” Amber said. The now registered nurse also added that there are times wherein she felt that the whole nursing program is a waste of time during the part wherein she thinks that the things they are doing aren’t needed anymore. She was wrong to have that kind of idea because after passing the test she realized that everything about the nursing program helped her pass. She also said that the professors know exactly what would make the students pass. Amber is so thankful that she took her nursing degree in Augustana.” If not for Augustana I wouldn’t be a registered nurse” added Amber.

Augustana College has been known to make great medical professionals of their students. They have been working on great curriculum and programs to maintain the high quality of education that they have been known for. The school is famous for medical courses and high percentage of pass rate for different kinds of board and licensing exams. Augustana is determined to maintain and keep the great reputation they have been holding on to since 1941. The department heads of each course are well aware of the pressure in keeping up with the reputation that the College has been known for but they have no plans of giving up. So far the school administration and faculty is still on the look-out on how they can improve the quality of education they are providing their students. They also plan to keep the legacy alive for God knows how long.