The Advantage of an RN Degree Deciding on a specific career may seem like a daunting task, but when you know the benefits of receiving an RN degree, the decision is practically made. For people who want to help others and devote their lives to healing the sick or injured, nursing is the best career path. With a nursing degree, you’ll be a positive contribution to those around you by uplifting morale and by changing people’s lives, and in the process gain confidence and high self-esteem within yourself. Nurses enjoy many advantages and benefits they possess within their career.
Universality of Skills As a nurse, you can transfer your nursing skills anywhere within the healthcare field and work in a variety of atmospheres such as clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, schools, and more. You’ll always have a job because nursing is virtually recession proof and you’ll also receive great medical and dental benefits. This list is certainly not limited, many nurses love seeing their patients recover, knowing that they were a part of that healing process. It is not a career for the faint of heart, but there is always a need for them. The need for RNs is expected to increase nearly 30 percent until 2020, adding more than 700,000 over the next 6 years. The BLS attributes this to the advances in technology, which is also directly attributed to the number of people willing to seek medical attention. It is safe to say that there will always be a need for nurses. Annual salary may not be the top consideration when deciding between an LPN (licensed practical nurse) and an RN (registered nurse), but the difference is significant. In 2010, the annual median salary for an RN was $64,690 and $40,380 for an LPN. Yes, an RN degree does require more time, but the payoff is at least 20,000 more each year. It may seem easier to become an LPN because it does not require as much schooling and subsequently does not cost as much, but in addition to a higher salary, RNs enjoy so much more in their career.
More Responsibility LPNs and RNs enjoy the benefit of a flexible schedule and rewarding career, but RNs also appreciate the benefit of not having to work under the supervision of other nurses, and the opportunity to pursue other careers in the field of nursing. Most nurses work full-time, and are away from their homes only 3 days out of every
week. They are able to accomplish this by simply working three 12-hour shifts per week, which is considered full-time. RNs also have the opportunity to pursue other options in the field of nursing, such as nurse educator or nurse practitioner. Before you consider getting a nursing degree, it is important to do your research and find the nursing school that best fits your needs regarding schedule, tuition, and especially accreditation. There are a variety of options for nursing schools out there that range in duration and cost as well as flexibility with your own current schedule and needs of life.