Current market demand for qualified nursing professionals is exceeding availablility. Job market demand for Registered Nurses, licensed nurse practitioners, and other nursing job specialists is only expected to grow with the growing number of baby boomers set to retire in enormous numbers within the next 10 years. Even now, Registered Nurses make up the largest job market within the healtcare industry. There is a wide range of career opportunities available to nurses now and in the future.

Why the Nursing Profession?

Choosing a career in the Nursing field is not only a great way to make a successful living, but it also offers a rewarding opportunity knowing that you are helping others by improving their way of life. A job as a Nurse is a challenging career path that can truly provide one with a great feeling of self accomplishment. Jobs in Nursing wants to help you achieve that goal by providing you with the best Nursing Job opportunities that best fit your requirements and job related goals.

The Nursing Professionals Role

Nursing is a profession focused on assisting and helping individuals, families and communities in attaining, maintaining, and recovering optimal health and the ability to function mirthfully in society. Various definitions of nursing define it as part science and part art that focuses on promoting quality of life as defined by persons and families, throughout their life experiences from birth to care at the end of ones life. The nursing job professoin is guided by research and is governed by a moral code of ethics. The authority for the practice of nursing is based upon a social contract that delineates professional rights and responsibilities as well as mechanisms for public accountability. In almost all countries, the nursing jobs practice is defined and governed by law, and entrance to the nursing profession is regulated by national, state, or territorial boards of nursing.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) & Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN)

Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses generally work under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses (RN) and physicians. LPN's and LVN's primary functions within the Nursing field include providing basic bedside care, taking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, apply dressings, treat bedsores, and give alcohol rubs and massages. LPNs monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. To help keep patients comfortable, LPNs assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. In States where the law allows, they may administer prescribed medicines or start intravenous fluids. Some LPNs help to deliver, care for, and feed infants. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurses make up the largest group of people employed in the health care profession. About 66% are employed by hospitals. In order to become an RN one must complete a bachelors degree or associate degree and graduate from an accredited nursing school program. Due to the large number of people ( baby boomers ) expected to be retiring over the next 10 to 15 years, the nursing job profession is expected to create the second largest number of new jobs out of all occupations. Nursing job opportunities in most specialities are expected to be outstanding. In fact, many employers are experiencing difficulties attracting and retaining RN's and this is expected to get even more difficult in the future. Registered Nurses are required to complete an approved educational program before taking and passing the NCLEX, the licensing exam required to obtain RN status.

Nurse Practitioners (NP)

Nurse practitioners are an advanced group of nursing professionals that are licensed to provide health care services more similar to a doctor or primary care physician. They can diagnose, treat, and cure patients that experience a greater range of health care problems. In addition to clinical care, the nurse practitioner focuses on preventative health care along with educating their patients on making healthier lifesyle choices. Nursing jobs in this specialized area are expected to grow expotentially since nurse practitioners can provide many of basic health care services of a doctor at a lower cost. The demand for nurse practitioners will continue to increase in the future due to the rising cost of health care and societies increasing demand for their specialized services.