Nurses are essential to any healthcare facility. They take over the role of caring for the patient where doctors are too busy to. In addition to caring for patients, nurses communicate with doctors, administer medicine, and check vital signs. They are often in charge of the primary diagnosis of a patient. Making up for the biggest healthcare sector in the U.S., nurses are a crucial part of the healthcare community.

There are approximately 3,000,000 RNs in the United States. That may sound like a lot but in actual fact, there is a shortage of young people going into the nursing profession. There is also the added problem of the older experienced RNs retiring within the next 5 to 7 years. Some hospitals rotate part-time nurses as a solution but this may not be workable in the long term.

In the last 20 years there have been so many more opportunities for women in the work place that the nursing profession has suffered. We are in a position now that it is crucial to promote it widely and do what can be done to entice more people to take an interest in the nursing profession.

Fortunately the pay scale for qualified nurses has increased by as much as 12% in the last few years. Certification and geography play a big role in what kind of salary you can get. If you live in the New England or Pacific area, then the salaries are much higher. Also large hospitals with a high bed count typically pay more. Given that, the education of a nurse plays a vital role in their ability to care for a patient. In the current progressing times, nurses with higher educational value are preferred over those with simple qualifications. Certification also makes a huge difference in salary. The range is huge. The average RN earns $40,000 to $58,000 per year. Specialty nurses can earn $65,000 to $80,000 per year depending again on certification and geography.

A variety of career paths are available in nursing. It is especially likely that nurses with Bachelor's degrees will enjoy better employment opportunities than nurses with less training.

You should pursue a nursing degree if you have already become a Registered Nurse and are considering advancing your career. The degree will make you more employable, you will earn more money, and you will be able to determine your own career path much more easily.

With the busy lifestyle we lead today, online courses are a great option, especially if you have children and want to further your education in a nursing career. There are several accredited online courses to help you achieve your goal. Your research skills can pay off big time if you do your homework and find the best online solution for you. Online courses now can get you Associate, Bachelor, Master, PhDs and more. There are also online sites that help you with your resume to help place you when you are ready.

Getting an education online has a number of advantages. Benefits may include the following: 

• The flexibility of online learning - allows students to learn at their own pace. 

• Students may customize their study schedules based on their needs - If you are working jobs you cannot afford to give to return to school or are at home and a parent and cannot afford to spend a large amount of your time outside, this may be a perfect solution for you.

• There is generally a lower cost associated with online courses than in-person classes - this means online classes are more affordable so you do not have to worry about breaking your bank. 

• By eliminating the commute to school, students save both time and money on their commute - online schools are both time efficient and cost efficient.

• They offer a variety of payment options, such as per-class payments and installments - most students find such financial aid beneficial. 

Moreover, the students have access to education from around the world, enabling them to obtain an international degree. Considering all of the benefits, it is not surprising that digital learning systems might become a major part of education in the future. 

If you are thinking about entering the nursing profession chances are, you are a caring individual and want to help people. Health care jobs tend to be in high demand for nurses with a degree in both a bachelor's and a master's degree. By earning your nursing degree online you can work at your own pace and from anywhere. Giving yourself and the health profession this gift could be life-changing. The word needs to get out to encourage young people to consider a nursing career for now and future health care.