Concorde Staff
Have you ever thought about becoming a nurse? Nursing is an exciting and rewarding career that allows you to truly change lives within the world of health care.
If you are considering starting a two-year nursing program, Concorde has a Registered Nursing program that lends itself well to students who are embarking on both a first-time career or perhaps transitioning from another field into health care.
An associate degree in nursing, such as an RN, is a good investment as the demand for qualified nurses is expected to rise, and more and more baby boomers reach retirement age. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for registered nurses between 2016-26 will be 15%. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Job duties
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.
Some of the duties typically associated with an RN are: Assessing patients conditions, observe patients and record the observations, administer patients medicines and treatments, consult and collaborate with doctors and other health care professionals, and teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries.
Work Environment
Before investing time and money in a nursing program, it is important to consider environments in which you thrive. Nurses work everywhere, including nursing homes, hospitals, doctor's offices, and correctional facilities.
The populations of people you serve are vast, and most nurses find their niche quite quickly after gaining clinical experience. Your patients might include children, elderly, disabled or impaired individuals. You might be working in the slower pace of a doctor's office, or in life-or-death situations required of emergency room work.
Education opportunities
Many nurses find that once they complete their two-year nursing program, they further their education by earning their bachelor's in nursing, which then opens even more doors of opportunity professionally. The opportunities for professional development within nursing are numerous.
When considering an associate degree in nursing, ponder whether your program of choice offers hands-on, clinical experience. Students who are given opportunities to gain clinical experience while still nursing students will find themselves more marketable for jobs after graduation.
Another important consideration to make is whether you thrive in science coursework, which includes biology, biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology. While a genuine love of serving individuals in need is requisite for this career in nursing, a baseline aptitude for the sciences is critical.
Make the move
If you've been thinking about becoming a nurse but just not sure if now's the right time, give Concorde a call today to learn more about our nursing or other health care programs! We also offer a fully online BSN program!
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