In case you haven’t heard, nursing is one of the hottest careers right now and the opportunities to earn an impressive income as a nurse is simply unreal. This isn’t an exaggeration, for there are several solid reasons why (1) this is true and (2) you need to pay attention. Let’s clear away some potential confusion first.
First, realize that your earning potential is based on your education and experience. That’s generally the case in any job, however in nursing, it seems to be the rule more so than with any other career. To make the big bucks, you’ll need a high level degree, working experience, a working location whose cost of living is neither too high nor too low, and an in-demand skill. It’s an interesting formula that works for those who follow it.
Second, understand just what in the heck is going on in the health industry right now that’s putting nurses in the forefront. As you’re reading this, the entire nation is experiencing the worst nursing shortage in history. Again, that’s no exaggeration and it can easily be confirmed by perusing your local newspaper. The shortage is expected to increase the minute currently employed veteran nurses retire and employment specialists predict retirements will peak as soon as the recession ends. Starting to get the picture?
On one hand, we’re looking at one of the gravest health risks we’ve ever seen. On the other hand, we’re looking at one of the greatest opportunities for nursing students like you, especially since your graduation from an online nursing program couldn’t be more perfectly timed. In just 3 – 5 years, the health industry will experience the biggest hiring boom known, increasing your chances of finding a high-paying nursing job.
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) earns anywhere from $16 to $18 an hour. The Registered Nurse (RN) earns anywhere from $25 to $33 an hour, and the Advanced Practiced Nursing (AP) earns even more. Listen — that’s start pay. Many nurses further their education to earn much much more than that, and you can do the same. Just look at the possibilities:
· Acute Care Nurses earn $73,000 to $84,000
· Adult Nurses earn $76,000 to $82,000.
· Advanced Practice Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN) earn $60,000 to $125,000.
· Cardiovascular Nurses earn $75,000 to $84,000
· Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) earn $135,000 to $155,00.
· Certified Nurse Midwives earn $81,000 to $96,000.
· Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) earn $74,000 to $88,000.
· Forensic Nurses earn $26 to $100 per hour
· Legal Nurse Consultants earn $125 to $150 per hour
· Military Nurses earn $57,000 to $120,000
· Neonatal Nurses earn $61,000 to $71,000
· Nurse Practitioners (NP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) earn $75,000 to $89,000.
· Pediatric Nurses earn $54,000 to $65,000
· Psychiatric Nurses earn $55,000 to $67,000
· School Nurses earn $34,000 to $54,000
· Surgical Nurses earn $65,000 to $79,000
· Travel Nurses earn $30 to $40
As mentioned earlier, the nursing shortage is a critical moment in history that must be addressed. And it’s why hospitals offer attractive packages as employment incentives. Perhaps only this time in history could you ever enjoy things like a $2,000 to $20,000 recruitment bonus, relocation and housing assistance, daycare assistance, and/or tuition reimbursement. Yes, nurses are needed that badly now which makes your nursing skills golden.
Source: Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow (NHT), 2009
Source: PayScale.com, 2009
TheForensicNurse.com
The Medical-Legal Consulting Institute
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