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Many people consider the right job one that provides both a sense of fulfillment and the opportunity to achieve financial security and stability as one's career advances. Given that criteria, the field of nursing should make for an attractive career path. The outlook for registered nurses, often referred to as "RNs," is very strong. In its recent "Occupational Outlook Handbook," the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, issued a highly favorable employment outlook for registered nurses. Estimating the projected percent change in employment between 2018 and 2028, the BLS estimated that employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 12 percent during that 10-year period. That's more than double the average growth estimate for all occupations. The outlook is equally strong in Canada. According to the Canadian Occupation Projections System, which is provided by Employment and Social Development Canada, new job openings for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses are expected to total 157,100 between 2017 and 2026. The ESDC anticipates a nursing shortage during that same period, estimating that only 143,900 new job seekers will be available to fill those positions. But that gap between job openings and qualified candidates means that nurses should not experience much difficulty in regard to finding work. While the outlook in terms of availability of work is strong for current nurses and those who aspire to one day follow this career path, that outlook should not alone compel people to pursue a career in nursing. Few fields can be as demanding as nursing, which means not everyone is necessarily cut out to be a nurse. The demands are perhaps best exemplified by examining the hours registered nurses may expect to work, especially at the beginning of their careers when they have no seniority. The BLS notes that hospitals and nursing care facilities require round-the-clock employees every day of the year. That means nurses can expect to work long hours on nights, weekends and holidays. That requires considerable sacrifice on the part of nurses, and those aspiring to enter this line of work should consider if they're willing to make those sacrifices before enrolling in a nursing program. Estimates suggest the employment outlook for qualified nurses will be very strong over the next several years, which should compel more and more talented people to pursue this fulfilling career path. The field of nursing is complex. Much like physicians specialize in particular areas of medicine, nurses often narrow their focus to certain disciplines within the profession. Education is vital for anyone aspiring to become a nurse. The American Nurses Association notes that there are various requirements for licensure within the field of nursing. Such requirements typically begin in the classroom. When considering a career in nursing, aspiring nurses should recognize that there are various degrees they can pursue, and that each of these degrees can pave the way to a rewarding career. Associate's degree The online nursing resource Nurse. org notes that nurses who have earned their associate's degree in nursing, or ADN, are the professionals most people first consider when thinking of nurses. ADNs speak directly with patients about their symptoms and conditions and monitor and record vital signs. An ADN also is qualified to administer medication and can offer advice on self- care after surgery and how to confront illness or injury. ADNs work in a wide range of health care settings, helping to provide services for everyone from infants to the elderly. The American Nurses Association notes that the ADN is a two-year degree offered by community colleges and hospital-based schools of nursing. Bachelor's degree The ANA notes that a bachelor's of science in nursing (BS/BSN) is a four-year degree offered at colleges and universities that prepares graduates to engage in the full scope of professional nursing practice across all health care settings. En route to earning a BSN, students will concentrate on an assortment of disciplines that will benefit them throughout their careers. Psychology, human growth and development, biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, nutrition, and anatomy and physiology are typically the focus of the first two years of study. As students advance toward earning their BSN, they also will learn about adult acute and chronic disease, maternal/child health, pediatrics, psychiatric/mental health nursing, and community health nursing. Nursing students pursuing a BSN will also study nursing theory, physical and behavioral sciences, and humanities. Health care economics and policy also may be studied as schools hope to educate aspiring nurses about the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence how health care is delivered. Advanced degrees Aspiring nurses also may want to pursue advanced degrees. Master's degree programs prepare students to become advanced practice nurses, nurse administrators and nurse educators. Aspiring nurses interested in research may want to pursue a doctor of philosophy, or Ph.D., while those interested in clinical practice or leadership roles may pursue a doctorate of nursing practice, or DNP. Education is vital for modern nurses. The educational path aspiring nurses take can determine where their careers ultimately take them. How certain degrees in nursing can help aspiring nurses The outlook for nurses is VERY STRONG 8 | yOU aT yOUR BEsT | NWaDG.COM/yOUaTyOURBEsT May - #THaNkaNURsE | sUNDay, aPRIL 26, 2020

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