NURSING : A BRIGHT CAREER AHEAD !

Nursing is one of the most respected professions all over the world. So many job options in the nursing career in India and abroad also. Many countries are experiencing an acute shortage of qualified and experienced nurses. This is a golden opportunity for internationally educated nurses.

Did you know that by the year 2020, there will be an estimated worldwide shortage of 20 Million nurses in the field of healthcare? With the world population living longer and needing more care, the healthcare field is one of the best places to get a job, and will likely stay that way for many years to come. Hospital Nursing is just one of the many areas where nurses can practice. Examples of other practice settings include home care, private practice, public health, extended care centers, clinics, industrial complexes, residential schools, military services, corporations, health-related industries, occupational settings, and health & wellness centers.

Nursing is no longer confined to the bedside. Today's nurses can now be found in professional venues once thought impossible. Nurses influence legislation, change health care delivery systems, write and publish, educate about disease prevention and health promotion and participate on boards of directors. Some of the professional paths nursing can lead to Teaching ,Community care, Health Journalism ,Private ventures, Collaborative practice, Alternative care, Healthcare Business, Sales and marketing, Heath care Laws, Informatics etc.

Nursing is poised to change the face of health care as never before. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment among Nurses will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2010. Demand for quality nurses continues to escalate. Yet many students don't realize the opportunities that await them.

Like only few others, the profession of nursing offers a wide variety of specialties. From paediatrics [child care] to geriatrics [elderly care], nursing's impact is felt across the lifespan. Some of the specialty areas from which you can choose are Ambulatory care, Burn care , Developmental disabilities, Emergency, Geriatrics, Home care, Intensive care unit (cardiovascular, medical, neonatal and surgical), Mother/baby care, Oncology, Operating room, ICU, Pediatrics,Psychiatric nursing, Recovery, Rehabilitation, Renal (diabetes and dialysis), Research, School nursing etc.

Students interested in finding out more about nursing school can refer Indian Nursing Councils’ official website. BSc in Nursing requires passing out of 12th standard with English, Biology, Physics & Chemistry. Diploma in Nursing [generally referred as GNM] requires passing out of 12th standard with any combination, preferably Science. Leadership and organizational skills are equally important. You will do well in nursing if you can combine these skills and characteristics with a commitment to easing human suffering and a capacity to respond quickly in emergency situations. Getting along with people and good communications skills also are important since nurses relate to people from all backgrounds.

The nursing courses include classroom instructions [theory] and supervised clinical hands-on experience in various health care settings like General hospitals to primary health centers at remote areas. Students need good study habits and the ability to analyze. At the end of the nursing program, students must pass the state board [for GNM, a three and half year’s course] and University [for BSc-Nursing, a four years course] examinations to become licensed as a registered nurse.

Financial compensation for nurses varies according to geographic location, type of nursing, years of experience and level of education. Starting salaries for entry level staff nurses range from Rs 1.2 to 2.4 Lacs per year in India and $30,00 to $55,00 per year in developed countries, plus additional pay for evening, night and weekend shifts. Benefit packages often include health insurance, vacation, holiday pay, childcare, flexible scheduling and pension plans. Clinical Nurse Specialists and nurses with advanced degrees make considerably higher salaries.