Entry Level Nurse

With over two million jobs in the US today, Nursing is the largest health care occupation. It also happens to be the hottest job field. For the last several years, there has been a significant shortage of nurses. This is great news for the recent nursing school graduate, because once you obtain your license, you are virtually guaranteed a job. Even with entry level nursing experience, there are interesting and rewarding jobs available.

Registered Nurses (RNs) who are responsible for direct patient care observe, assess and record symptoms, reactions and progress, and assist physicians in treatment. Nurses also administer medications according to physician orders. Registered nurses also develop and manage nursing care plans, including providing care instructions to patients and their families.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work under the supervision of RNs. They provide basic bedside care, taking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also prepare and give injections, apply dressings, treat bedsores, and give alcohol rubs and massages. LPNs assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. In some areas, LPNs are allowed to administer medications.

The biggest difference between LPNs and RNs is education and training. RN's have a four-year college nursing degree; while LPN's typically can receive their license after completion of a one-year training course. RN's are better paid, but the job market is good for both types of nurses.

The largest group of nurses is employed by hospitals, providing direct bedside care to patients. Entry level RNs will find a high number of hospital jobs available to them; however, LPNs will find fewer hospital jobs. Over the last several years, hospitals are employing fewer and fewer LPNs, preferring to hire RNs instead, because of the higher level of care they can provide.

Physicians' offices also employ a large number of nurses, both RNs and LPNs, though this may be a difficult job to get as an entry-level nurse. These nurses prepare patients for, and assist with, doctor's exams and treatments. They also perform routine lab work and maintain patient records. Office nursing jobs are highly sought after, because they allow nurses to work business hours.

A third area of nursing with jobs for entry-level nurses is in nursing homes. These nurses manage the care for residents of a nursing facility, often older patients suffering from age related illnesses. Nursing homes employ both RNs and LPNs, and offer jobs at the entry level. Pay in nursing homes is typically not as high as that of hospital or physicians' office positions.

Nurses, in addition to their formal education, must be dedicated to the healthcare profession. They must be able to show compassion to their patients, without sacrificing professionalism or proper care. Nurses must be detail oriented and organized, as keeping patient records is a critical part of their job, and mistakes could be life threatening to a patient.

The field of nursing has excellent potential for the future. Entry-level nurses have a wealth of opportunity for advancement available to them. As they gain experience in the field, jobs that are more interesting, more technical and with better hours become available. Some RNs take additional course work and become Nurse Practitioners, providing basic healthcare to patients, including diagnosing and treating common acute illnesses and injuries, and even writing prescriptions.

There is no field today with more potential than that of nursing. If you'd like to find out about available entry level nursing jobs, visit www.RNwork.com or www.collegegrad.com.

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