Registered nurses (RNs) play a truly vital role in the healthcare community, taking on many of the roles that have been traditionally ascribed to physicians. These include planning, implementing, and assessing patient care, as well as managing a team of other nurses and medical support staff. Because RNs have become so instrumental in providing care, the need for qualified RNs continues to grow.
Like the rest of the United States, the state of Connecticut is suffering from a shortage of nurses to address the healthcare needs of our population. As our national leaders struggle to address the healthcare needs of the people, this is an exciting opportunity for young men and women to pursue careers that will help with this massive undertaking. The serious need for registered nurses (RNs) means that there is currently an unusually high number of opportunities in a field with great job satisfaction and generous salaries.
Healthcare employers’ growing preference for well-trained staff means that there is higher demand for nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. The bachelor’s degree prepares nurses for a wide variety of professional roles and graduate study. Students receive a general education in math, humanities, and social sciences while completing coursework like nursing science, research, and leadership. As such, a registered nurse (RN) with a bachelor’s degree has more opportunities for career advancement and higher salary options than one who has only completed an ADN program.
The associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program prepares students to become registered nurses in any medical facility of their choice. ADN programs equip students with skills to independently provide direct patient care through theoretical and applied instruction in classrooms, simulated laboratories, and clinical settings. These programs are offered in over 20 schools across Colorado, including Front Range Community College, Morgan Community College, and Pueblo Community College. Some campuses also offer evening classes to accommodate students’ busy schedules.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are trained and equipped to perform a large range of medical procedures. Operating under the supervision of a registered nurse or a physician, they can administer most medicines, perform measurements, and keep medical records. In long-term care facilities, LPNs may also supervise nursing assistants and orderlies.
For those concerned about the cost of nursing education, public colleges and universities may offer the answer.
There are many educational pathways available in Mississippi for those pursuing employment in the nursing sector. Nursing salaries in the state range from $20,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on position. Each nursing role has its own educational and testing requirements, which we’ve detailed further below.
Nursing assistant
An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) program is one of the most common pathways for aspiring nurses in Minnesota. Most ADN programs focus on initial licensure for the registered nursing (RN) role, while a few provide deeper exposure to the licensed practical nursing (LPN) role.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide basic bedside care including measuring and recording patients' vital signs, such as height, weight, and pulse. They also ensure the comfort of patients by helping patients with bathing, dressing, and moving around. LPNs may also help to feed ailing patients.
In Maine, there are opportunities for nurses at every level of the healthcare system. In Portland specifically, there are a number of positions available for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs).
Certified nursing assistant