Associate’s Degree In Nursing

Nursing is a demanding field, but it can be very rewarding. The work environment can vary from hospital to community care, and the specific duties may vary depending on the setting in which you work. Nurses have a high level of responsibility for their patients’ well-being and often coordinate care with other members of the healthcare team—physicians, therapists and social workers.

Career Options

If a career as a registered nurse is your goal, you can look toward the following positions:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP) – An NP has advanced clinical training in one or more specialties of nursing. A primary focus is to assess patient symptoms and develop care plans for treatment and recovery.
• Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – CRNAs specialize in anesthesia delivery, including general and regional anesthesia; they’re also trained to evaluate patients prior to surgery. They work under supervision of a physician anesthesiologist in operating rooms, labor and delivery rooms, or surgical suites.
• Registered Nurse (RN) – RNs are responsible for providing direct patient care in hospitals or other healthcare settings under the direction of doctors; they assist with surgery or procedures as needed by working alongside other medical professionals such as physicians, surgeons and physician assistants.”

Salary Information

• Registered Nurse: $68,000
• Licensed Practical Nurse: $38,000
• Nursing Assistant: $28,000
• Nursing Aide/Assistant: $25,500

Job Outlook

You should be aware that nursing is a growing industry. As the U.S.’s population ages, the demand for nurses will increase.

In addition to this, despite what you might think about nursing being a recession-proof career, it’s actually been shown to be one of the fastest growing industries in America. So you can expect this growth trend to continue for years to come.

Licensure, Credentials and Certification

Licensure

Licensure is a requirement in most states and may be required before you can practice as a registered nurse. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides information on state boards, including contact details, links to state board websites, and certification requirements. To find out more about licensure requirements in your area visit: https://www.ncsbn.org/find-a-licensee/.

Certification

Certification is optional but can help advance your nursing career by improving credentials and providing additional opportunities for advancement at work or on the job market. There are two major credentialing programs: Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), which is usually attained through community education programs; and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), often gained through vocational training at a technical school or community college; followed by employment in an LPN role with hospital or clinic staffs who provide supervision until new nurses have gained sufficient experience for full licensure as RNs.

Education Requirements

In order to practice in the United States as a registered nurse, you’ll need to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. However, there are other programs that can prepare you for the field of nursing and offer less education than a BSN.

The associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) is one such program that provides basic knowledge of nursing while an RN diploma or certificate prepares students to enter the workforce as an LPN or LVN after two years of training.

Earning an associate’s degree in nursing can prepare you to work in this field.

Earning an associate’s degree in nursing can prepare you to work in this field, which includes many different areas of practice. You may find yourself working with patients on a long-term basis or caring for them as they recover from illness or surgery. There are also opportunities for nurses who want to pursue more specialized roles such as research or teaching.

The best way to choose how you will use your associate’s degree is by examining specific job descriptions and requirements, so if one area seems like the perfect fit for you, start there!

Nursing is an important field to consider. An associate’s degree in nursing can be the first step towards a rewarding career in healthcare.