5.10: Summary
Career Connection
The healthcare sector and its related professions are anticipated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to contribute significantly to new job creation until 2032. It is estimated that approximately 1.8 million job opportunities will arise annually due to the increasing demand for healthcare services driven by an aging population, as well as the need to replace workers exiting the field. Many of these roles in the medical field require less than one year of education.
Seeking a career as a nurse offers a rewarding path in healthcare, providing opportunities to directly impact patients' lives while working in a dynamic and evolving field. Nursing is not just a job but a profession that requires dedication, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Aspiring nurses have various educational pathways to choose from, each offering distinct advantages and opportunities for specialization.
At the entry level, many students pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), typically a two-year program offered at community colleges or vocational schools. ADN programs provide foundational knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level nursing practice, preparing students to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses (RNs). This route is popular for those seeking a quicker entry into the workforce or who plan to pursue further education while working.
For those looking to advance their career and potentially specialize in specific areas of nursing practice, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often recommended. BSN programs, typically completed in four years at universities or colleges, offer a more comprehensive education in nursing theory, research, leadership, and community health. BSN graduates are increasingly preferred by healthcare employers for their broader understanding of nursing practice and their ability to provide evidence-based care.
Beyond the ADN and BSN, nurses can pursue graduate-level education such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). An MSN allows nurses to specialize in advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or clinical nurse specialist. These roles require additional education and clinical training, often leading to increased autonomy and responsibility in patient care.
A DNP, on the other hand, focuses on leadership, advanced clinical practice, and healthcare system management. It prepares nurses for roles in executive leadership, healthcare policy, or as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) seeking the highest level of clinical expertise and leadership.
Choosing the right educational pathway in nursing depends on individual career goals, desired level of responsibility, and commitment to ongoing professional development. Regardless of the degree pursued, nursing offers a diverse and fulfilling career with opportunities for growth, specialization, and making a meaningful difference in patients' lives.
Rethinking
Revisit the questions you answered at the beginning of the chapter. After reviewing this chapter, were you as ready to plan as you thought you were? Are you more prepared now? Rate your readiness again, ranking questions on a scale of 1–4, 1 meaning “least like me” and 4 meaning “most like me.”
- I have reflected on and can identify my personal values.
- I have set both short- and long-term academic goals.
- I am familiar with the requirements I must complete and options I must select to obtain a college degree.
- I am familiar with the resources, tools, and individuals who can assist me in developing an effective plan for success.
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Where do you go from here?
Planning and decision-making are continuous processes, but if you’re reading this text you presumably have a specific educational end goal in mind—you want to graduate with a degree! After you’ve decided on a degree and major path, you’re already well-prepared to begin your academic planning. Use the resources discussed in this chapter and available at your college or university to draft your plan, and then review it with others who can provide feedback. If you’re undecided about your degree and major, you will still have some work ahead of you before you can craft a more detailed academic plan. Here are some steps you can take to help you find a major that’s right for you:
- Consider your interests and skills. Your academic advisor and/or your college’s career services office can connect you with an academic and career path through discussion about your interests and skills. These offices and individuals often provide interest and skills tests that offer a starting point for your discussion. There are also free assessments available on the internet, such as the this one(opens in new window) , that can help identify your interests and skills and match them with careers and related majors. (Refer to the Get Connected section earlier in this chapter for additional online resources.)
- Consider the future. Imagine yourself in job. What types of tasks or work environments are attractive to you? Is there anything you would absolutely hate to do that you can already rule out? Also consider the future of work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook identifies some career fields as having a bright outlook with expected job growth in the future. Ideally, you’ll want to study for a career that’s growing, not declining.
- Consider your preferred lifestyle. Although we all like to have a balanced life, perhaps it’s less important to you to follow your interests and more important to follow the bottom line. If your preferred lifestyle will require that you make a high salary, you’ll want to research those jobs that are highest paying and take note of the degrees and majors that prepare you for those fields.
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