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What is nursing?

There are several definitions of nursing, but generally nursing is a profession that assesses and plans, then implements and evaluates care from birth through the aging and the dying process. The practice of nursing is a rewarding endeavor; nurses strive to ensure quality care while maintaining a code of ethics. In order to achieve those goals extensive study in nursing theory, as well as in technical skills is required. Areas of study include the study of mental health, development disabilities, geriatrics, pediatrics, long term care, and cardiac, cancer and orthopedic surgery. Home health nursing has also become an important aspect of the profession.

Why should you study nursing?

Nursing is a profession that offers individuals financial opportunities as well as personal satisfaction. First year licensed practicing nurses can earn anywhere from $35,000 to $40,000, not including overtime and registered nurses average $47,000 their first year. Nurses who earned a masters degree average around $63,000 and nurses with doctorate degrees earn well over $72,000. It’s not unusual for hospitals to offer signing bonuses and advances and create work schedules that are extremely flexible. In fact, most nurses work a rotating schedule, which results in a three day work week. Nurses also can travel while they work. There are several travel nurse companies that offer nursing positions in other areas of the country. These positions can be permanent as well as temporary. The demand for licensed nurses continues to increase every year. There are about 2,700,000 registered nurses currently working in the US. Statistics show that there will be a shortage of over 275,000 nursing jobs In US by the year 2010. The department of labor is projecting that 236,000 new nurses will be needed each year to keep up with expansion and nurse retirements.

Studying nursing online vs. classroom setting?

There are a couple of choices when it comes to studying nursing. Classroom study is still considered the most traditional method, but studying nursing online has become a viable option for many nursing students. Online study is not dramatically different from classroom study, but online schools do offer flexibility, as well as a cost savings in most cases. Classroom study still requires students to come to a specific location at certain times and that does present a problem for a lot of students who have work responsibilities and other personal duties. Online study is flexible in terms of when the courses are completed and how long it takes to graduate. Although most students feel there is more one-on-one interaction in the classroom, the opposite is actually true. Online study incorporates teleconferencing, emails and other tools, which allow students to interact personally with the instructor without any outside disturbances. Classrooms still create an atmosphere of chaos at times, which detracts from a personal student to teacher relationship. Most students also discover that there is a financial benefit to online study. The usual activity fees, as well as other school charges are eliminated with online study, which can be a substantial savings.

Do I still get hand on training if I study nursing online?

The traditional classroom study of nursing includes theory as well as clinical study. Both aspects of the course are usually done on site at specific times, which can be an issue for some students. Online nursing courses give the student the opportunity to complete the clinical requirements of the course in several different ways. Clinical studies can be done at a local hospital with a visiting instructor or in some cases staff nurses are available at certain hospitals to instruct and supervise training. Nursing mentors are assigned by some hospitals, especially when the more advanced techniques are taught. Teleconferencing and video demonstrations are also available so students can practice some of skills at home. Online forums and chat rooms also help the student interact with other students as well as the instructor, so clinical information can be reviewed and discussed. An online nursing education offers nursing candidates a flexible and cost effective alternative to classroom study.

Article contributed by: DegreeFinders.com.

For more information on an online nursing education such as programs, salary expectation and projected growth, visit DegreeFinders.com.  The site offers degrees, programs, continuing education and certificates to help prepare you for the career of your choice.