Any current nurse considering the step to becoming a C.R.N.A. must be a licensed registered nurse with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree. Gaining these qualifications takes about four to six years depending upon which educational route you take.

After gaining these qualifications it is imperative to get as much acute and intensive care experience as possible. If you are a nurse you can request a change to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) to gain this experience. Having the familiarity of working with people who are in critical condition is detrimental to working as an advanced practice nurse performing anesthesia. It provides a firm foundation that ensures that critical nursing skills are learned and thoroughly used.

While gaining acute or intensive care experience you should apply to an accredited Masters in Nursing program. There are many of these programs throughout the country but if you are considering anesthesia work then should narrow your search to schools that provide a specialization in anesthesia. When applying for to a graduate nursing school program it is important to do your best on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This is a test similar to the SAT but only for individuals seeking admission to graduate schools. When considering that being a C.R.N.A. requires a thorough knowledge of science and math and accuracy it is vital that you excel on these specific subjects to be considered a credible applicant to any nursing graduate school to become a C.R.N.A.

After being accepted into a graduate program for nursing anesthesia it usually takes about two to three years to complete the program. While completing the program it is highly recommended to continue working as a nurse in a hospital if only part time in a critical care unit. This experience will make you more attractive once your advanced degree is finished.  Upon completion of the C.R.N.A. program you must take a national certification test given by the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Once this test is completed and passed a nurse with the proper graduate degree and certification can then begin working as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

One of the main responsibilities and goals of a public health nurse is the focus on prevention. In clinical settings such as hospitals the goal is to treat a condition and cure the condition if possible. Public health nurses do treat ailments, but their main objective is to prevent diseases and complications from occurring. Many work in organizations such as Planned Parenthood to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections through community outreach programs directed towards schools and high-risk populations. Public health nurses also participate on councils and assist in research projects to offer data and suggestions on improving access to healthcare for specific populations and communities with the goal of increasing awareness and improving the health and lifestyles of individuals in order to prevent the onset of disease and conditions.

The majority of public health nurses work for the local government, although many can be found working in clinics, schools, community centers and other establishments. Unlike nurses who work in hospitals, public health nurses typically work pretty conventional hours. In addition, many enjoy the flexibility to travel and the pace of a public health nursing job is typically different from the pace of a hospital. Salaries for public health nurses tend to be a bit lower than nurses in a clinical setting. However, those nurses who choose public health nursing find that there are other benefits such as government job perks or a conventional schedule that make up for the difference in clinical nursing salary. Furthermore, most public health nurses do possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least a year or two of clinical nursing experience. Having these requirements provides a base upon which a public health nurse can utilize skills already applied in a clinical setting from previous employment and experience.

In all, choosing a career as community health nurse will provide an opportunity to utilize clinical skills to not only treat but prevent disease on a broad level.

In order to become a nurse practitioner or NP, the student has completed a minimum of a Masters Degree in advanced Nursing education and is trained to diagnose and manage common illnesses such as those in the elderly or pediatrics. They are able to manage chronic illnesses and provide a very wide range of health care services. Some of the care they provide is the same at that which is provided by a doctor, they work closely with physicians and can provide regular care to a patient.

It is necessary to have a RN qualification to become a NP, and this can be done through online courses, hospital based programs, community and other colleges and universities.

Patients in the care of the nurse practitioner are from all age groups and the core philosophy of this nurse is based in individual care. They can care for patients illnesses as well as the effects this illness has on the family of the patient. Below are the “Key Performance Areas” or KPA’s:

Key Performance Areas (KPA’s)

Preventative health care as well as education for wellness are priority as this means fewer doctors visits, prescriptions and expensive treatment is required. This nurse encourages patients to get involved in their own care and helps them to understand what to expect. They are often actively involved in patient advocacy. This is a state regulated profession, and because of this key performance areas are varied. These include but are not limited to:

• Collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel and providing patient referrals.
• Education and counseling of patients and their immediate families or care giver.
• Diagnosis and treatment of injuries, infections, and acute illness
• Diagnosis and treatment of chronic illness as well as management of these conditions. This included heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and others.
• Physical examination and collection of medical history
• Ordering, administering and interpretation of the results of diagnostic studies, including but not limited to blood tests, X-Rays, and EKG’s
• The prescription of medication
• Referrals for rehabilitation treatment and physical therapy
• Family planning and pre natal care
• Well baby and child care including immunization and screening
• Annual physical examinations and health maintenance for adults

Careers

They practice in all states, and in all types of institutions, including private practice. Careers for the Nurse practitioner are available in all fields including community health, HMO’s, health departments, home care, hospitals, clinics, hospice, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, nursing schools, physicians offices, occupation health and industry, travel, schools, VA, and other Government departments, free and walk-in clinics. In most instances a nurse practitioner specializes in one area of health care, and there are as many NP specialties as there are medical.

Conclusion

Because of the far reaching possibilities of the Nurse Practitioner profession, a high quality, individual and very cost effective health care scenario is the end result of the provision of their services. Insurance providers cover the cost of this type of care in most instances as it is less expensive than always consulting with a physician. And you know how health insurance companies are about cost!

The three government entities with the highest demand for nurses are the Department of the Army, Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently the average nurse’s salary for a government position is just over $63,000 ranking 20th in the highest average government salaries. You either have to have a family member in government service or know someone in government service to understand just how good a job with the federal government can be.

If you enlist in the armed forces and test into the health field you can train as a nurse and retire in twenty years with a full pension with benefits from the government with no restrictions on what you can earn and still get your pension. You can then apply for a civilian nursing job and with twenty years of experience will start near the top of the pay scale no matter where you might go. If you decide to get your bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a registered nurse while in the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program you will enter whichever branch ROTC you were in as a lieutenant and after twenty year will retire with a much higher pension due to starting at a higher grade to begin with.

You will also have the opportunity to take positions overseas at foreign bases during which your housing is paid for completely and you are exempt from income taxes while in a foreign country. If you can rent out your house while overseas to cover your mortgage you can bank a great deal of money for retirement while having virtually no living expenses. American nursing experience is very sought after in our bases overseas.

Due to the fact that there is a large shortage of registered nurses in the government sector there are a number of incentives for nurses to get government nursing jobs that regular hospital and medical facilities either can not or will not match to recruit nursing talent. Government agencies offer scholarships, loans and even some types of loan repayment for recently graduated registered nurses to come to a government position. Signing bonuses are a new addition to the incentives various government agencies are using to attract nursing talent. If you can get the armed forces to pay for your treatment and then provide you a stable position for the next twenty or thirty years why wouldn’t you become a nurse?

In the nursing profession a registered nurse is at the top of the pyramid. There are certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. Registered nurses are often in charge of assigning tasks in a hospital or medical situation. Being a registered nurse can be a rewarding and challenging career. Registered nurses can work midnight shifts, head up emergency room trauma teams, and be on call for 24 hours or more at a time. This responsibility comes with a commensurate pay scale. Many well trained registered nurses can pull down salaries approaching six figures with overtime and specialty training.

If you have a care taker nature and enjoy helping other people improve their quality of life a career as a registered nurse would be an excellent choice. Finding the right registered nursing program would be the next logical step for you. There are several different career paths to get to the registered nurse level.

If you wanted to get started in your career more quickly then the associate’s degree in registered nursing is the program to choose. This program takes between two and three years to complete and it will allow you to secure a job that will often allow you to continue taking classes towards your bachelors degree in registered nursing with the added benefit of tuition reimbursement.

Starting in a regular college and continuing to graduation with a nursing degree will take about four years as long as you are able to get all of the advanced classes and nursing prerequisites in the order you need them by your senior year. And a nursing diploma is acquired after attending a nursing school for three to five years. Once you have achieved any of these degrees you must take the national nursing exam called the NCLEX-RN. Requirements for licensing in each state are slightly different and you may be required to take the local NCLEX-RN to practice in that state. Before moving to another state inquire with the state board of nursing as to what kind of certification you need before starting work in your new state.

The average salary of a registered nurse in the United States is a little over $57,000 and the middle fifty percent of salaries range from $47,710 to $69,850. Even nurses fresh out of college or nursing school will start at over $40,000. This is a great starting salary given today’s economic environment with so many other people out of work and taking lesser jobs with lower pay just to pay the bills. Because there is a shortage of registered nurses and many are expected to retire over the next few years, many health institutions are offering signing bonuses and other perks to attract new nurses.

I have yet to hear of mass layoffs of nurses any where as they are the first line of care in many medical settings. There are some hospitals that even offer full time benefits and salary to nurses who are willing to work three 12 hour work shifts a week (three on and four off). There are even online nursing classes you can take to convert your associates to a bachelor’s degree.

Accelerated nursing degree programs have become so popular because many working nurses want to continue moving up the ladder. An accelerated degree is the key to moving your career ahead without sacrificing your income, something many working nurses are not in a position to do.

There are many accredited master’s level nursing programs available throughout the United States. Depending on your chosen specialty completion of such a program will take between two and three years. To apply for a master’s level program you must first have received your Bachelors degree, or BSN. In addition, as with many other masters’ programs, you’ll need to take the LSAT or other master’s level quantitative test will be required.

Master’s level education in all areas generally requires choosing a specialization and with nursing this is also applicable. There are a huge number and range of specializations which include nursing practitioner, midwifery, certified registered nursing anesthetist and public health nursing just to name a few. In addition, there has been a rise in graduate level programs catering to nursing education.

With the demand for nurses rising the demand for qualified applicants to teach nursing students rises also. In addition, many BSNs who pursue a master’s degree are able to do so while continuing to work. Some work part time and devote full time to study to a master’s program. Others do the opposite. Many nurses also find that hospitals are willing to assist with the cost of an advanced degree by offering tuition reimbursement. Ultimately, there is definitely a need and an incentive for nurses to pursue an advanced nursing degree.

As the demand for health care increases, nurses with advanced degrees will have the advantage of obtaining coveted head nurse and private practice positions. Likewise, master’s level programs help to supply many medical facilities with quality high-trained nurses who area capable of administering services at a significantly lower cost as opposed to a doctor. More important is that regardless of the education level a nurse is still a nurse. They are the backbone of many medical facilities. A doctor may diagnose and treat but it is ultimately the nurse that will monitor and help maintain the care of a patient. Having an advanced degree will allow nurses to continue to provide patient care at a higher and more specialized level.

With costs for education continually on the rise, nursing programs at community colleges have become increasingly popular. Not only are tuition costs much lower, but you could have the benefit of attending a campus near where you live and/or work, saving further on costs, as well as travel time.

There are also Bachelors of Science of Nursing (B.S.N.) programs which are the four year degree programs found at many colleges and universities. There is demand for both R.N. and B.S.N. nurses, but there is also a huge demand for advanced practice nurses. The best ways to become an advanced practice nurse is by completing a master’s level nursing program.

If you already have your RN certification, you might want to consider one of the RN-to-BSN programs available, since this can reduce the time and requirements necessary. Depending on your situation, you may also find that your employer is willing to foot the bill for an RN-to-BSN program is you agree to continue employment there.

There are many accredited master’s level nursing programs available throughout the United States. Depending on your chosen specialty completion of such a program will take between two and three years. To apply for a master’s level nursing program you must have a BSN. In addition, as with many other masters’ programs a LSAT or other master’s level quantitative test will be required.

Master’s level education in all areas generally requires choosing a specialization and with nursing this is also applicable. There are a number of nursing specializations which include nursing practitioner, midwifery, certified registered nursing anesthetist and public health nursing just to name a few. In addition, there has been a rise in graduate level programs catering to nursing education.

With the demand for nurses rising the demand for qualified applicants to teach nursing students rises also. In addition, many BSNs who pursue a master’s degree in nursing are able to do so while continuing to work. Some work part time and devote full time to study to a master’s program. Others do the opposite. Many nurses also find that hospitals are willing to assist with the cost of an advanced nursing degree by offering tuition reimbursement. Ultimately, there is definitely a need and an incentive for nurses to pursue an advanced nursing degree.

As the demand for healthcare increases nurses with advanced degrees will have the advantage of obtaining coveted head nurse and private practice positions. Likewise, master’s level nursing programs help to supply many medical facilities with quality high-trained nurses who area capable of administering services at a significantly lower cost as opposed to a doctor. More important is that regardless of the education level a nurse is still a nurse. Nurses are the backbone of many medical facilities. A doctor may diagnose and treat but it is ultimately the nurse that will monitor and help maintain the care of a patient. Having an advanced degree will allow nurses to continue to provide patient care at a higher and more specialized level.

With more than 2 million jobs, nursing is the largest of all the health care jobs and occupations. Nursing is one of the 10 occupations projected to have the largest numbers of new jobs. With an ongoing chronic, world-wide shortage of qualified applicants, job opportunities are extremely good. As a nurse, your earnings are above average, particularly for advanced practice nurses, who have additional education or training.

There are many, many specialties, degrees, certifications that you can pursue. Below are some of degrees you can pursue through a nursing school program, either campus-based, or online.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Takes 2-3 years. Offered at many community colleges. Prepares you to provide RN care in numerous settings.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Takes 4 years. Also referred to as Baccalaureate degree. Offered at many California State Universities and some private colleges. Prepares you to provide RN care in numerous settings and to move to administrative and leadership positions.

Masters Entry Level Program in Nursing
Designed for adults who have a baccalaureate degree in another field and wish to become RNs. Takes 1-2 years depending on how many nursing course prerequisites you have already completed. Graduate receives a masters degree.

Once you have completed those steps your on your way to a rewarding career in Nursing.

If you are interested in a health care career, but aren’t able or ready to pursue a 2- or 4- year degree, you might want to consider an accelerated degree program.

Another consideration is to pursue a CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant certification. The requirements are much lower, and CNA training classes are much easier and quicker to complete. This can also be a great stepping-stone to becoming a licensed nurse, and can give you invaluable “hands-on” exposure to virtually every environment and facility that you would find as a nurse.

Once you have completed your degree your steps will differ depending on which state you live in. Most of the time, you will need to send an application to the Board of Registered Nursing within your state. To receive the application simply go to your favorite search engine and search for your state’s Nursing Application. In addition to an application, you will need to have your Nursing School send your transcripts to the State Board. The last step will be to take and pass the National Council Licensing Examination.

Depending on which different type of nursing degree you choose, you may not be able to find a campus based nursing school program in close proximity to your home, if this is the case you should consider online nursing schools as they provide an alternative to campus based education. You can find online courses and degree programs for nearly any area or specialty.

There are even RN to BSN programs available through online programs. These are perhaps the most convenient way for any nurse to complete their transition from RN to BSN. The programs offer courses that can be scheduled when you have free time and you do not have to struggle to fit your life around nursing courses any longer.

If you are an RN and you have been interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree online RN to BSN programs may be the perfect solution. You will be able to continue working your regular job and can take courses as needed or when you are able to fit them in to your own schedule. The online nursing community offers quality instruction and you can even find tutors if you need to.

The courses for the RN to BSN program offer you the opportunity to study and learn at the pace most comfortable for you. There is no need to rush to finish courses and miss half of the material in the process. You can complete the courses and the work as you learn it. Having online courses is one of the least stressful ways of getting a nursing education. Online courses are every bit as challenging as on-site courses, but you have time to learn the material at a comfortable pace and rhythm. The key in selecting the right nursing program is to choose which route is right for your lifestyle. Whichever route you choose to get your bachelor’s degree should be the one that you feel most comfortable with.

This course flexibility allows you to get the education you want without the scheduling hassles.  You can enroll in Registered Nursing Programs online now and be on your way to a great future career in the health care industry.

Online Registered Nursing Programs are offered by your local universities as well as many other colleges. You can enroll in these classes and apply for financial aid just as you would on campus. You never have to worry about last minute class cancellations or having to go to class when you’re not feeling well.  There is no need to fight traffic and arrange for child care when you are attending Registered Nursing Programs that are offered online. You plan when and where to study and take tests when you are ready. You even have some flexibility when you need to turn in assignments. These classes let you work around what your personal needs are for the week.

Online Registered Nursing Programs allow you to schedule your classes without interfering with hours of employment or time with spouses and children.  Many of these online nursing programs will also provide you with the opportunities for training and clinical experience with local medical facilities. There you will work with instructors and staff.

Check out one of the many Registered Nursing Programs available online soon.  You will be providing stability and advancement in your working life. In 2 years you can be a valued and useful member of a health care team and qualify for additional promotions and salary increases.