Health care is an important and rewarding career for young men and women to enter. Registered nurses are directly involved in patient care and are instrumental in creating an environment of healing. A smiling face makes all the difference in the world. The key to entering the field is through a college education.

The requirements for becoming a registered nurse include earning a college degree and passing the national certification test for licensure. Most employers prefer to hire RNs who possess an associates or a bachelors degree and management positions usually require a minimum of a master’s degree.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics RNs can expect to make from $40,000 to $85,000 a year. Larger doctor’s offices and hospitals tend to pay more than their smaller counterparts. Nurses comprise the largest occupational group in health services and the numbers of positions that are opening are continuing to grow. About 80% of RNs work in a full-time capacity. Many are raising families and prefer to work only part-time.

RNs work in hospitals, medical laboratories, physician’s offices, health clinics, home health services and the insurance industry. Nurses perform levels of diagnostic work, assist doctors and perform a variety of duties related to health care. As the aged within the general population continues to grow there is a growing demand for RNs who specialize in geriatrics. Nurses assist physicians by implementing treatment strategies, documenting charts, monitoring electronic medical equipment, and performing the on-hands aspects involved in patient care. They're on their feet and active throughout their shifts which may last as long as twelve or sixteen hours.

Surgical care is a favorite specialization. RNs perform a wide variety of functions that involve assisting doctors before, during and after surgery. Pediatric nursing focuses children and the care they need. These care-givers employed in mental health facilities provide critical and long-term care for people suffering mental illnesses, depression and other forms of emotional and mental incapacitation. RNs are involved in everything from assisting patients in the hospital admissions process to wheeling them out the door when they’re on their way home.

Other service positions are found local communities in government clinics, individualized care to patients in doctor’s offices and visiting hospice care patients. Being an RN is a special calling that isn’t for everyone. Getting a degree in health care opens the doors to a world of service and making a difference in the lives of other people.