As of May 2006, the average hourly wage of a nurse within the United States was $28.70, while the average annual income was $59,710. Today, in 2010, the average annual nursing salary has already risen to between approximately $62,450-$65,130, with an average hourly rate of roughly $31.31. The states with the highest ranking annual salaries include California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts and New York. These states pay annual salaries ranging between $73,160- $83,040 and hourly wages between $35.17- $39.92. Wages such as these make nursing a viable and very much sought after career field in today’s work force, and the wages are only getting higher as demand for trained nurses increases. With nurses in such high demand and earning such enticing salaries, many men and women and considering formal schooling in these fields, however, many are not only unaware of the skills required to become employed in the nursing field, but also uncertain of how to tell if they themselves fit the profile for a nursing position.

Nursing is a demanding field both physically as well as emotionally. Nurses are required to deal with a wide range of situations from the mundane and ordinary tasks of everyday medical offices, to the frightening and shocking events witnessed by those in emergency rooms. They therefore must possess a wide range of skills, of those pertaining to both educational as well as personality or character trait qualities. They must be prepared not only to handle life or death situations, but also synonymously be able to help others through the crisis. Nurses must therefore have well honed people skills, be able to experience and fully express empathy, and compassion, comfort a patient, and be able to deal with crisis situations while remaining calm. Nurses must also be patient, willing to continuously learn and well adapt to teaching others skills and methods of handling patients, or dealing with situations. A study in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” by Linda H. Aiken, PhD, RN, also sites that 40% of nurses experience burnout during their careers. Likewise it can also be noted that nurses must be well aware of the stresses of their positions, and well educated in how to deal and cope with these stresses.

Aside from personality or character traits, candidates for nursing also must possess a certain nursing prerequisites to be eligible for enrollment in nursing programs. While prerequisites for nursing programs may differ from school to school, those looking to be accepted into nursing programs in the United States must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. Average to above average marks in science and mathematical skills are also often required for acceptance to most programs. Those looking to be accepted into baccalaureate programs often require more courses than associated degree programs as well. While enrolled in post secondary programs for nursing, individuals will also cover subjects of study such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medication administration, ethics, and nursing theory. Depending on the level or degree of specialization within the nursing field, one may also have to pursue several years of prior post secondary preparation courses in order qualify for the intended field.

In terms of the textbooks required, the nursing student is responsible for the purchase of these and it is stating the obvious that she is going to have to read and study them too. Nursing process is a big deal and the student needs to understand how this evolved, the history behind it, and theoretically, how to put nursing process to practical use.

Every class, from nursing process to chemistry and anatomy will have their own textbook requirements, and they are an integral part of the teaching method. Each text book deals with a specific part of the accredited curriculum, at various levels and new text books will more than likely be required for each year of the course of study. First year text books will not necessarily be helpful in second year nursing and so on.

The study of nursing is complex; don’t let anyone tell you it is easy, they are not telling the truth. It is for this reason that many nursing candidates start as a Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nurse and work/study their way up through the ranks to RN, BSN, and even MSN. Nursing is a hands-on, practical career, despite all the theoretic knowledge required.

The kinds of injuries and ailments they are required to deal with on a daily basis are in the thousands and this is the information that text books contain. They need to be able to discuss all of these conditions in a knowledgeable manner with eh physician in charge and know the exact nursing process to take to treat a patient. Remember in the clinical situation it is the nurse who spends the majority of the time with the patient, not the doctor.

Another very good resource for nursing textbooks is a nursing library, and believe it or not, nursing libraries are available online. These libraries are easy to use and have massive resources and material available. It is simple to find everything the nursing student could possibly require, from research to patient care and these libraries can save a lot of time and heartbreak. They are specific to nursing reference material and these site offer simple abstracts as well as very helpful tutorials.

• Useful nursing libraries include, but are not exclusive to:
• Virginia Henderson International Nursing Library
• National Network of Libraries of Medicine
• Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
• Lippincott’s Nursing Centre

Nursing school is an investment of time, energy, and money. Your nursing textbooks are resources that can serve you well long after you get your nursing degree.

Going into a nursing program to pursue nursing as a career is very beneficial. You can expect to not only obtain a valuable career but also have the money to pay for your education. There is currently a tremendous shortage of nurses all across the country and unfortunately it is only expected to get worse.

To encourage people to pursue the field of nursing there are numerous federal, state and private funds available in the form of grants and scholarships to help people fund a nursing education. What’s great is that grants and scholarships do not have to be repaid so it’s basically free money to become a nurse!

There are many grants and scholarships available to cover the cost of an education for a nursing school program from the federal government. No matter if you are seeking a two year associates degree or you have chosen to complete a four year degree there is money available.

In an effort to create more qualified nurses to deal with the vast nursing shortage the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created a variety of grants and scholarships that are specifically for nursing students. Many of these scholarships and grants supplement the Federal Pell and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. One of the main federal scholarship and grant programs for nursing students includes the Nursing Scholarship Program which provides funds for college with no repayment under the stipulation that the student agrees to work as a full time nurse in an underserved area. This particular program also provides assistance with living expenses. On a federal level there is a vast amount of money available to assist with paying for nursing school.

Likewise, state governments are also assisting by providing their own supplemental aid for the nursing school programs. With the combination of both federal and state aid many nursing students can afford school. Most of the state grants and scholarships do come with a promise made by the receiver of an award to work in the state for a certain period of time. If you are willing to do this than lots of state money could be available to pay for not only tuition and fees but living expenses and nursing supplies for school as well.

For those needing additional money for school there are private and professional organizations that offer scholarships. Some of these scholarships may be targeted towards particular groups such as certain ethnic or racial groups, men or women returning to school to become a nurse or for those students of a particular age. In addition, many graduate nursing students can obtain applications for scholarships from professional nursing organizations that will offer money to a student who is willing to complete a graduate degree for a particular specialty such as cancer or acute care.

Finding the scholarships and grants to pay for a nursing school program is feasible and the amount of funds available to assist you is abundant.

Considering how time-consuming a nursing school program is, the issue of supporting yourself financially can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, not being able to find ways to self-support through nursing school can deter some people from beginning and completing a nursing program. Supporting oneself through nursing school is not only possible it is also very doable!

One of the first suggestions for financial support while in nursing school is to seek out various forms of financial aid. Financial aid comes in the form of grants, scholarships, work study and loans. Some financial aid is private and others are provided through the federal government. Apply for financial aid even if you don’t think you’ll qualify. If you should qualify for financial aid accept every single dime! Any monies in excess of your tuition and fees for nursing school can be used to self-support. Many people take out loans either subsidized or unsubsidized Stafford loans or private loans while in nursing school to pay for rent, food, healthcare costs and other living expenses. In some cases there are grants and scholarships specifically for assisting nursing students with living expenses. There are a variety of financial aid options that should be explored to assist in supporting yourself through nursing school.

Another option in obtaining support through nursing school is to work as a certified nursing assistant or CNA. Working as a CNA is a wonderful way to financially self-support through nursing school while also gaining necessary nursing skills. Many vocational schools and community colleges offer CNA training classes for relatively affordable prices. The training classes usually take between two and three months to complete and then a certification test must be taken and passed. There are even some hospitals, medical centers and nursing homes that offer CNA training courses for free with the stipulation that you work for their company for a certain period of time. Certified nursing assistants work a variety of flexible shifts and also make decent pay. Flexibility in scheduling and the ability to earn money while learning critical nursing skills makes working as a CNA while attending nursing school a good option for self-support.

Finally, choose a reasonable path to obtain your nursing degree that will allow you to survive. If you need to work full time because of personal obligations such as family going to school part time for nursing is more feasible. If you want to go to school full time for nursing but can’t work for full time it will be necessary to work part time and reduce your expenses by getting a roommate or budgeting. Ultimately, supporting yourself through nursing school is possible by taking advantage of various resources.

These nursing school loans may be the safest and smartest loan that a student can use to finance their education. You should consider this source for any nursing school loans because the interest rate is fixed instead of being set at a variable rate. This means no unpleasant surprise when repayment time occurs. You can choose to go to a bank and take out a loan and if you have good credit the interest rate will make this another good option for your education.

Some private lending companies also offer nursing school loans and other financial aid programs for students in nursing school. These can be costly when it comes to repaying them. Often the interest rates can be quite high. There are usually stiff penalties for late payments also. These offerings are not comparable to a Stafford loan because there are many hidden fees in private student loans that many nursing students are not aware of. In addition, a private student nursing loan normally has a shorter repayment period than a federally backed loan. Always be certain that you understand the interest rate and repayment schedule before signing up for any student loan.

Nursing school loans can help cover thousands of dollars in tuition, books and nursing equipment. A good type of financial aid is offered by many hospitals. They provide you with nursing school loans and let you work off the payment of the loan by coming on staff when you graduate. If you agree to remain as their employee for a year or two they will write off the entire loan amount. This allows you to be guaranteed a job, earn great hourly rates and get a free ride for your education.

One option that anyone, from high school seniors to people changing careers can do to reduce the cost of a nursing education is by attending a public college or university rather than a private one. Other options include online nursing degrees.

Financial aid is also available.  American Association of Colleges of Nursing , who’s function is to advance higher education in nursing, is an excellent resource for scholarships and financial aid for nursing students.

Some of the scholarships and grants are funded by schools and companies and there are some that are endowed by large trusts and estates. Occasionally an individual will also fund nursing school scholarships on a limited basis. There are also specific nursing scholarships for minorities and other groups. You can find many of these nursing scholarships online but also your community colleges and state universities can help you explore many ways of paying for nursing school.

Grants offered by the federal government are another excellent way of paying for nursing school. These grants do not have to be paid back and are based on income and need. You will have to have your paperwork filled out early so check the grant sites out as soon as possible. Your forms must be in the system early in the year if you are applying for a fall enrollment. You can still apply at any time of the year, but the funds go quickly. January is a great time to put your application in and you can also do this online.

Work-study programs options are another way of helping a student who is looking for ways of paying for nursing school. These are available on campus to those students and let you work 10-20 hours a week and use these funds to help offset educational expenses.

Hospitals will help any of their employees by paying for nursing school education. This money can then be repaid at a low interest rate or worked off by becoming an employee upon graduation from the course. You usually work for one year to repay each year that the hospital provided funds for your education.

Paying for nursing school may not be easy, but there are enough options available, between financial aid, scholarships, grants, community college and online nursing programs, and work-study programs, that anyone who is committed to becoming a nurse should be able to achieve their dream.

Government employers range from national health care systems like the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) and the Indian Health Service, to the armed forces, to federal agencies like the CDC (Centers of Disease Control), the NIH (National Institutes of Health), and National Library of Medicine.

There is a huge demand for applicants to fill government nursing jobs in all 50 states. The jobs are available now, and with each position there is also the opportunity to receive high starting pay and exceptional benefits – outstanding educational, leadership development and career advancement benefits that are not always available in the private sector. Many of these positions remain unfilled even after months and sometimes years of recruiting. During the nursing shortage it is up to the available staff to try and stretch themselves to take up the slack.

With the high amount of registered nursing jobs available it is a market of opportunity for those nurses with experience. An experienced nurse will be rewarded by a higher starting pay and extra bonuses. New nurses should not feel overlooked; they are being heavily recruited as well. Having a large number of positions to select from makes it more likely that you will be able to find the type of job that will make you happy. There are nursing positions available in all areas of the health profession and you have only to look for the kind of working environment that you prefer.

Government nursing jobs generally offer very competitive salaries. Whether you’re first entering a nursing school program, currently pursuing an online nursing degree, or are already a licensed nurse or practitioner, Uncle Sam might have just the right opportunity for you. Benefits, pay scale, educational and leadership opportunities with federal and state government health care employers are among the best in the field!

Best Nursing Schools 2009

The health care industry is expanding enormously, and finding the best nursing schools 2009 is the objective of many who are looking to enter the field for the first time, or pursue an advanced degree in nursing. As technology continues to grow, nurses will be expected to provide care to patients over great distances via the Internet as well as by telephone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, by 2012, the employment rate of Registered Nurses will exceed the growth rate of all other occupations. Therefore, if you are looking to apply to the best nursing schools 2009, you may want to begin your search by determining which schools are pushing technology.

There are several questions that you may want to ask yourself or examine in order to determine which programs are ranking as the best nursing schools of 2009. Firstly, do you want to attend school locally or are you able to travel or perhaps relocate? In the U.S., there are at least 739 nursing schools. Out those, 728 offer full-time programs and 478 also offer part-time programs. In its June 2009 edition, U.S. News and World Report lists top nursing programs across the country. However, this data was gathered in 2007, and is based on ratings by nursing educators, who essentially nominated up to 10 schools for each area of excellence.

There are many professional nursing sites and periodicals where you can get detailed information about programs as well as the most recent awards in your field of interest. One such site is The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), which in November gave out Awards for Excellence in Gerontological Nursing Education. The categories included:

1. Baccalaureate-Level Curricular Innovation at Harding University College of Nursing (Arkansas) and University of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professions.
2. Advanced Practice-Level Curricular Innovation at Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing.
3. Geriatric Nursing Faculty Champion at the Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, University of Rochester School of Nursing.
4. Outstanding School of Nursing Communications at Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University.

For more information on this and other Best Nursing Schools 2009 go to http://www.aacn.nche.edu/index.htm.

You can take advantage of the available information that is offered as you consider what type of degree or certification you want, the types of jobs nurses fill, as well as information on various nursing school programs.

You can find nursing school resources at your library as well as online. There are articles and magazines that deal with everything from nursing school requirements and applications to finding the nursing job of your dreams. Most of the nursing school resources are offered to you completely free of any charge or obligation. The information is meant only to assist you in discovering what is available to you if you choose to pursue a degree in nursing.

You will be able to find out exactly what the requirements are to be accepted by a nursing program. You can also discover how to get transcripts and test scores sent to the schools in which you have an interest. The entire nursing school application will be described in detail and you will also find contact information for all nursing schools. If you have questions about how to apply you will be able to contact educators who can offer assistance.

There are nursing program resources that can assist you in obtaining a BSN or MSN degree. You can find out what is required for RN, LPN and even CNA educational programs.  If you are a CNA or an LPN now, you can use these resources to learn how to move forward and get an ADN degree online. This information can make your entry into nursing much easier and faster.

A simple search on Google will point you to lists of schools and their websites, articles written by nurses, administrators, educators, and other health care professionals, and websites & databases on nearly every type of nursing job, online nursing degree, entrance requirements, even information about salaries and job requirements.

Becoming a nurse is a lucrative and noble goal; take the time to research your options by browsing all the nursing school resources right at your fingertips!

Getting a nursing degree can cost a lot of money – more than $50,000 – $100,000 at some schools. Then there’s all the time invested. This begs the question, “Should I Be A Nurse”?

Lori Havens, a long-time RN, wrote a book with just that title.

Nursing school program drop-out rates are pretty high.  Some nursing students have personal or family situations that don’t allow them to continue.  Others simply can’t cut it academically.  And even with no ‘outside’ problems, nursing school is not easy!

But most of the students who drop out of nursing school do so because they stepped into a program that they should never have started in the first place…not because they were incapable, but because they were incompatible.

Some of the topics covered in “Should I Be A Nurse” include:

• “Roadmap to Becoming an R.N” – different ways to become a nurse
• Getting into nursing school…why it’s so tough and what you can do about it
• The future of nursing…is the job security really there?
• The difference between an R.N. and an L.P.N., and which one is best for you
• “Am I too old?” -  entering the profession later in life.

The book is extremely well-written, something I wish I had read when I was considering nursing programs. Ms. Havens has also included some very valuable “extra bonuses”, including some very good career guide books, a resume-writing report, and a “members website” with more information about topics in the book.

At $19.95, I think it’s a no-brainer – especially since it carries a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you want to read more about it, or order it online (you get an instant digital PDF download which you can dive into immediately), you can click here:

“Should I Be A Nurse” by Lori Havens