One of the most frequently asked questions by people considering a career in nursing is, How much can I expect to earn? Whether you want to become an RN or work your way up to becoming an LPN or nurse practitioner, there are many factors that will determine your salary and how quickly you can make it grow. Let’s take a look at the factors that influence how much money you’ll be taking home each month as well as in your bank account over the course of your career as a nurse.
Description of what it’s like to be a nurse
To be a nurse, you need to have the right skills and abilities. A nurse can take on a variety of roles in various settings, like hospitals, clinics, home care, or assisted living facilities. Nursing is also one of the few professions where men and women earn an equal wage – so it’s a great career option for those who don’t identify as either male or female.
The benefits
Nurses can make a living wage, which is much higher than the national average salary of $39,529. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs and LPNs earn an average annual salary of about $64,690 and about $43,350 respectively. There are many other benefits that come with being a nurse as well – some nurses get discounts on health insurance through their company or from private providers.
Where you can work as a nurse
Nurses typically work in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, medical clinics, and schools. Nurses also travel with patients who need care while away from home.
Skills needed for being successful in this career
Nurses must have great communication skills and compassionate personalities. They need to be able to understand patients’ needs and administer treatments accordingly. It is also important for them to have good analytical and problem-solving skills, as nurses are often on the front lines when addressing health emergencies. Nurses must be physically fit enough to stand all day, while also having the ability of clear-headed thinking in stressful situations.
Education you need for this job
After graduating from nursing school, nurses typically have the option of working in a hospital, home care or private health care setting. All three settings require a nursing degree and state certification. Your salary will depend on your location, years of experience and the type of work you do. For example, salaries vary for nurses who work as registered nurses (RNs) at hospitals across the country. One nationwide study revealed that RNs’ median salary was $65,000 in 2014.
What does it take to become a nurse?
To become a nurse, it takes a mix of personality traits and educational attainment. You must be someone who is compassionate and caring, but also someone who is able to remain calm in an emergency situation. The other major requirement is that you must have graduated from a nursing school and obtained a license as a Registered Nurse (RN).