While there is wide agreement that nursing is a great field to get into, there is some disagreement about which nursing program to choose. For those considering this kind of career, there are generally three ways to approach it. You could become a CNA (certified nursing assistant), and LPN (licensed practical nurse), or an RN (registered nurse). All three paths have their advantages and disadvantages. Below is a quick glance at each of them.
The CNA option is for those who really want (or need) to get a decent paying job quickly. For rapid entry into the workforce, you don't get much quicker than becoming a certified nursing assistant. Training is just two to three weeks, after that you get certified, and you're ready to go to work. The downside of course is that pay is limited (around $15 an hour), and if you remain a CNA, you will take orders from nurses the rest of your working career. The best use of the CNA option is as a stepping stone to get your feet wet working in a medical facility and earn some money while going to school part time in an LPN program.
Speaking of LPN training, this is the next step in the nursing ladder, and the most popular option for most aspiring nurses. Only about 1-2 years of schooling is required, and after that you need to pass the board exam. As an LPN, you will work under the supervision of a registered nurse and be the one in most direct contact with the patients. If you are a compassionate person with good people skills, then you are likely to thrive as an LPN. Pay and benefits are good-around the mid-five figures annually, and you can find work almost anywhere in the country.
If you are more ambitious and don't mind going to school a couple years longer, you might want to consider becoming an RN. RNs are the top position in the nursing field. They are the supervisors that oversee two or three LPNs and a set number of patients. With this job comes higher earning potential and greater responsibility. The RN career is ideal for someone who is a people person but also has strong management skills.
Whichever of the paths you choose to get in, one thing is for certain-nursing is a great career. It can be stressful, but it is also highly rewarding. There is no greater fulfillment from a job than to know that you took care of people all day and made a real positive difference in their lives. And the fact that you can earn good pay and work almost anywhere you want make this a very attractive career for those with the right personality.
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