Considering RN School? Answers to Your Questions
Nursing is a challenging profession, but it also comes with rewards. You’ll have the opportunity to help people and make a positive difference in the world, and you’ll also make a higher salary than LPNs, LVNs and nursing assistants. Plus, because there’s always a high demand for nurses, graduating RN school helps ensure that you’ll never be out of work. But in case you’re still unsure about whether this profession is right for you, here are answers to some of the most common questions about RN school.
How long does RN school take?
The two most common types of nursing degrees are Associate’s degrees, and Bachelor’s of Science degrees. The Associate’s degree typically takes around two years, and the Bachelor’s takes around four. Your job prospects will be much greater with a Bachelor’s degree, but if you start with an Associate’s, you can later get a full bachelor’s through an abbreviated program.
What are the job prospects for RNs?
The majority of the workers in the healthcare industry are RNs, and this isn’t going to change any time soon. The recent recession has caused some cash-strapped hospitals to rely more on lower-paid LPNs/LVNs, but this trend only affects certain parts of the country, and it’s not likely to continue in the long run. In any case, there is still a huge demand for nursing, and with your RN certification, you’ll likely never have trouble finding a good job. And as you gain experience in the nursing profession, even more opportunities will up.
What can RNs do?
Each U.S. state has a governing body in charge of creating a Nurse Practice Act to outline the roles of nurses in that state. The specifics may vary, but the general themes are the same. Your RN school will prepare you to:
- administer medications and treatment,
- help with diagnostic tests and analysis,
- record patient histories and symptoms,
- provide advice and emotional support,
- educate patients and families,
- help with patient rehab,
- delegate responsibilities to LPNs/LVNs.
How much do RNs make?
The nationwide average RN salary is just under $60,000. This usually comes in the form of an hourly wage that can range anywhere from $25 to $35 per hour. Nurses in more expensive parts of the country tend to make a little more, as do nurses with many years of experience. If you develop specialized skills and build a strong resume, you may eventually be able to find nursing jobs with salaries in the $80,000s or even higher.
