Becoming a Licensed Registered Nurse can be both challenging and rewarding. Medical professionals, including Registered Nurses, are in high demand due to increasing life expectancy and the aging Baby Boomer generation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for Licensed Registered Nurses is expected to increase by 15% from 2016 to 2026, which is 438,100 jobs. Also, the average annual salary for a Registered Nurse in the NY-NJ metropolitan area is $90,840. If you are considering becoming a Licensed Registered Nurse, here are some of the things you can expect.
Demanding Work Schedule
Depending on where you work, being a Licensed Registered Nurse can come with a demanding work schedule. Hospitals and doctor’s offices are usually open on weekends and holidays and can be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also, a standard work day for a Registered Nurse is an 8- or 12-hour shift, but this can vary depending on the location. Registered Nurses can work anywhere from 36-40 hours per week, however this does not include potential overtime hours which may be voluntary or required depending on employment location.
Rewarding Career
Even though the work schedule of a Licensed Registered Nurse may be demanding, the career can also be uniquely rewarding. Being able to help those in need of medical care at their most vulnerable time can make you their hero for the day. Becoming a Licensed Registered Nurse can help you fulfill your desire to be of service to your community without volunteering during your time off.
Exciting Potential Career Opportunities
There are many potential career opportunities for a Licensed Registered Nurse. You can focus your career on an area you are most interested in. Some possibilities for employment include addiction nurses, cardiovascular nurses, and neonatology nurses. In addition to those specialties, some Registered Nurses opt to take their experience abroad as a traveling nurse, which allows them to explore new countries and experience new cultures.
Visit our website to learn more about the Registered Nurse Associate Degree offered at Eastwick College.