Nurses are healthcare workers who usually have a broad range of essential responsibilities. These include, but are not limited to, evaluating a patient’s condition, recording medical histories and symptoms, performing diagnostic tests, and educating and advising the patient. Nurses may be sometimes be confused about taking an assistant role in most medical procedures, but they are more akin to a collaborative one. They can even work independently if needed. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses usually earn as much as $73,300 in May 2019, with the top 10% earning more than $111,220, while the bottom 10% made less than $52,080. These wages are quite good for those who want to pursue such a profession. For people who want to become a nurse in the United States, they can choose between three educational paths in order to become a registered nurse; two of which involve earning a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in nursing, and the third one is acquiring a diploma from an approved nursing program. All three choices are qualified for entry-level positions, with those with a bachelor’s degree having a better chance of being hired by hospital employers.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
To qualify for being a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), you must receive a master’s degree in nursing, as well as having at least a year or more of working experience as an RN or in a related field. A doctoral degree is needed if you also want to research a CNS. All registered nurses wanting to obtain a state-issued nursing license is required to graduate from a credible nursing program and pass a National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).