Learn what's involved in becoming a nurse, including job duties, salaries, education requirements and much more.
According to government employment statistics, "employment of registered nurses is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012."
Statistics
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.3 million registered nurses in the US in 2002, the largest number of workers of any healthcare occupation. Most of them (3 out of 5) work in inpatient and outpatient departments in major hospitals. A recent study from BLS found nursing that "more new jobs are expected to be created for registered nurses than for any other occupation."
Income
The average salary for a nurse was around $48,090 in 2002.RNs working in employment services had the highest median salary, averaging $55,980; those working in nursing care facilities had the lowest at $43,850. While this is a salary for full-time nurses, one in 5 RNs only works part-time. Almost all employers offer additional benefits to RNs, including bonuses, free childcare, and continuing education.
Types of Nurses
There are over 200 nursing fields in the US, of which some of the best-paid areas include: