Are you deciding on a career? Would you like to serve humanity, be paid well, have flexibility in scheduling, and opportunities to travel? If these perquisites seem interesting to you, then you should consider becoming a nurse. Nurses are well needed in America, and along with other careers such as fire fighting and policing, is one of the most noble job choices.

Fast facts about nursing

- Nursing is the largest health care profession

- There are currently more than two-million jobs for registered nurses in the U.S.

- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for registered nurses will grow faster than the average of all occupations through 2008.

- Nursing students comprise more than half of all health care students.

- Nurses are the largest single component of hospital staff.

- Wages for registered nurses are above average, especially for nurses with additional education and training.

- Starting salary for a registered nurse varies between $30,000 and $45,000 per year, depending on geographic location, type of nursing, and level of education.

- Schools of nursing are noticing a decline in enrollment.

- The total population of registered nurses is growing at the slowest rate in over twenty years.

- As a result of fewer new nurses, the average age of registered nurses is increasing.

Why nurses are in demand

- Increased number of elderly patients

- More acutely ill patients

- An aging nursing workforce

- Increased retirement rate of nurses

- A decline in student nurse enrollment

The perks of nursing

- Healthcare costs are rising. Physicians are spending less time with patients. The role of a nurse is evolving into educators and providers of direct care.

- The shortage of nurses is projected to grow to over 800,000 in the next 15 to 20 years. The shortage is causing a dramatic increase in nurses? salaries. Hospitals and other facilities are offering signing bonuses, cars, childcare, and housing assistance.

- Nurses truly make a difference in the lives of people. This presence of altruism is a factor missing from many jobs.

- It is never too late. Many people look for second jobs and second careers. Many nursing schools are offering accelerated 12-18 month programs.

- Nursing is not just for women. Many men are becoming nurses.

- Salaries are rising for nurses, and as an added incentive, many facilities offer time flexibility.

- Nurses have the option of working in a variety of facilities. Nurses are needed in hospitals, schools, physician's offices, hospices, etc. Nurses are also needed to work with lawyers, insurance companies, sales reps, and clinical researchers.

- Nurses have the ability to travel extensively. Some agencies have systems where nurses are placed in other geographic locations for short and long-term periods.

Conclusion

There are many reasons to attend nursing school, or if graduated, go back to nursing school for additional education. It is a noble profession that offers intrinsic as well as extrinsic rewards. Are you happy in your current position? Do you want to make a difference? The door is open.