Author: Lucy Kieweg

The Process of Choosing the Right Major, and Doing It the Right Way

If you’ve already made the decision as to what college or institution you’re going to attend, then congratulations! You’re halfway there! Now, just because you’ve figured that out, doesn’t mean you’re done just yet. Your next decision won’t be a small feat either. Choosing the right college major for you, one that speaks to your capabilities, professional goals, and interests, will not only guide your path in college but will also outline your journey in the not-so-distant future. It’s completely normal to not be completely sure of what you want to major in right away. Almost everyone experiences some hesitancy and indecisiveness!

Luckily for you, almost every degree path is designed to allow you to explore different subjects academically before you make your final major decision. Pun intended. Eventually, you will have to make a final decision, even if you just switch to a General Studies degree. It’s best to choose your major sooner rather than later as a later decision or switch may result in an extended college career. Here are some tips to help you kickstart your major decision.

  1. Start with self-reflection of your strong suits and interests.

Throughout your time in K-12 schooling, you more than likely have a notion of your academic abilities. You probably also know if you have any classes/subjects that you struggle with or are uninterested in. Do you excel in math in science? Are you a great storyteller and writer? Or do you excel with creative and artistic expression? You can then dive deeper into these questions. Are you a strong public speaker? Do you find leading group projects? Do you have a passion to care for others? Answering these questions may help you begin to narrow down potential fields of study.

  1. Ask for Help

If you’re still in high school, your guidance counselor should have some resources to help you decide on a major and can show you a career map and outlook for future jobs within that field. If you’re no longer in high school but have decided on a college and been accepted, you can reach out to your admissions advisor or your Student Support Center for guidance. A final resource would be your peers and professors. Multiple opinions and voices will be valuable in your search to find a major.

  1. Find fields of study that have vast career options, and which don’t.

If you’re looking into a career track in pharmacy or physical therapy, those degrees may have limited job opportunities after graduation. However, an English or business degree can open various doors including project management, entrepreneurship, and even teaching. If you’re unsure of what major to pick, one with a broad array of career opportunities may be the way to go.

  1. The requirements for majors that interest you.

Certain majors may intrigue you but may also have certain roadblocks along the way. For example, different certifications and exams may be required for particular career options. Some majors are also more difficult and rigorous and have higher dropout rates. Take the time to look into the specific classes and requirements for the majors you are interested in so you are aware of what’s to come.

  1. Consider the skillset that you will acquire.

There is often talk about which majors are “viable” in terms of career preparation, but what’s more important are the skills you’ll develop, the experiences you’ll have, and your ability to apply what you’ve learned. For instance, many businesses hire graduates with liberal arts degrees because of the critical thinking and communications skills that are developed, especially if they’ve completed a couple of strong internships. On the other hand, if you intend to go into fields like engineering or computer programming, you’ll need to choose a major that equips you with the hard skills needed to perform the job.

  1. Get insight from your core classes.

Each school will have general education requirements for all students, no matter what their major is. Most students will complete these courses during their freshman year. Completing these classes will allow you to explore a variety of subjects while finding what interests you.

  1. Conclusion

No matter what you decide to major in, nothing is set in stone right away. If you end up realizing that you made a mistake, all is not lost since you do have the option of changing to something else. Keep in mind, however, that changing majors can potentially delay your graduation date, so don’t do so impulsively, but don’t wait too long either if you know in your heart a change is necessary.

By putting the time in early on to figure out the right path for yourself, you’ll be better able to choose the major that’s right for you from day one.

20 Shocking Facts About Nursing

  1. Ellen Dougherty was the first to be registered on January 10, 1902. She was the first Registered Nurse in the World.
  2. After 1905, it became a misdemeanor to claim to be an RN without a certificate of registration.
  3. Only 3 of 5 nurses actually work in hospitals. Some non-hospital nursing careers include nurse-midwife, forensic nurse, nurse educator, school nurse, academic nurse writer, and legal nurse consultant.
  4. Nurses walk 4 miles every shift! On average, nurses walk four to five miles every 12-hour shift they work. The average person only walks about 2.5 miles a day. Nurses walk double the distance every shift than the average population does daily. This interesting fact about nursing proves why nurses need a comfortable pair of shoes!
  5. Nursing is considered the most honest and ethical profession in the United States! Every year, Gallup asks U.S. adults to rate the honesty and ethics of a number of professions, and for 18 years in a row, Americans overwhelmingly rate nurses as the most honest and ethical.
  6. The first known nursing school was established in India in 250 BCE. However, only male students could attend nursing school at the time.
  7. Linda Richards was the first American to earn a nursing degree. She enrolled in the new nursing program at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, was the program’s first graduate in 1873.
  8. The famous poet Walt Whitman, worked as a volunteer nurse during the Civil War! “The Wound Dresser” was just one of his pieces that reflected on his experience.
  9. Nursing is a fast-growing profession. The federal government predicts that 200,000 new nursing jobs will be created each year between 2016 and 2026. That’s 2 million nursing positions!
  10. Men are a growing portion of nurses in the United States. In 2018, men made up 9.6% of the total nursing population which was an increase from 7.1% in 2008.
  11. The first documented travel nurses were present in the late 1970s when nurses were brought to New Orleans specifically to help care for the surge of people present for Mardi Gras. 
  12. As of October 2020, the pass rate for the NCLEX was 74.73%.
  13. Most of the women (90%) who served in the Vietnam War were Army and Navy nurses.
  14. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 84,200 RNs are employed as school nurses: enough to staff just 64% of schools with a full-time nurse. However, many nurses are responsible for covering multiple schools, or they work part-time.
  15.  As of 2020, there were 2,986,500 working in the United States.
  16. The average annual earnings for licensed practical nurses was $29,440 in 2000. In 2020, the average annual earnings were $48,500.
  17. Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first professionally trained and licensed African American nurse in the U.S. She went on to co-found the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN).
  18. Accelerated-degree programs are making it easier for people to go into nursing as a second career. As of 2018, there were 282 accelerated baccalaureate programs, according to the AACN, with 30 more in the works.
  19. Last year, 30,390 nurses were accepted into university. According to the UCAS, 2019 saw an increase of 6.1% of nursing course applications.
  20. There is a serious shortage of nurses. Despite the facts revealing that more nurses are joining the register and more students are choosing to study nursing, there is a global shortage of nurses.

The Benefits of Earning Your Degree Later in Life

The first day of school is always nerve-wracking. Waking up, making sure you don’t forget to pack your bag, hoping that you’ll be on time, and wondering if you’ll have classes with your friends. Everyone has first-day jitters, but what about when you’re going back to school after taking 5 years off? 10 years? 20 years? You may feel lost and unsure when to jump back in. You might also feel that taking an extended period of time away from school may be holding you back from re-enrolling.

However, self-assurance, or a lack thereof, that holds you back, take this into consideration: you, as an older student, have an abundance of advantages over other, younger students for many reasons.

1. You may be concerned about the fast pace of school, and competitiveness with the younger students, but remember that they are often on their own, and away from parental guidance, for the first time in their lives. Freedom is a heady and distracting experience, but you went through all that years ago. Now, your ability to concentrate is stronger than ever, as well as your determination.

2. You have a head start. Many younger students have never even left the comforts of their hometown, let alone traveled and had experiences outside of high school for the past 15 years. You’ve got a 5, 10, or even 20-year running start on general, cultural knowledge, and a sense of perspective that they will not achieve until they’re your age.

3. A college education can facilitate a second, more fulfilling career. A new career is as promising to you, if not more, than a younger candidate. Maybe you want to go back to school for your dream job. Do it! With longer life expectancies, there are more years in our lives to be filled with the experiences we want to have and the things we want to do. The extra years will be more fun for you because your education will pay off, financially and spiritually.

4. You’ve had years to experience all the highs, lows, and realities of the world. You’ve had different occupations, paid different bills. You know what opportunities are out there, and at what cost it takes to be successful. You know more than any 18-year-old could about the advantages of an education, and you can put that knowledge to work for you. Your decisions will be more informed, and your work more streamlined and direct.

5. Your negative life experiences can work in your favor. Older students often know what it means to make less than they’re worth. Being laid off, or passed over for promotion, can be the driving factor that gives you an extra push in life. Sacrificing your needs for children or parents can also clarify your own goals. When you are finally able to go after your own desires, you may find that all those experiences have built up reserves of strength and determination you never knew you had.

6. You know what you want. You don’t have to live up to anyone else’s expectations anymore. You can pick the career and future that you want. If parents decide higher education is important, their children probably will too. As we grow older, our parents’ feelings influence us less and less as we become our own people. If you’re considering college now, it’s because you are interested. Younger students typically look for direction from others, you are more used to solving your own problems, and this can be an asset.

7. Money has not been mentioned yet, but it’s important; in fact, it’s often the first reason given when non-traditional students are asked why they want to go back to school. Money is not the only reason to return to school, but it helps to know that when you are finished with school, you will almost certainly be worth more to employers.

The most important thing about going back to school as an older student is what you’ll be worth to yourself. Once you actually go back to school, your self-esteem, which may seem so small and frail on that first day, will skyrocket. Your own children, your friends, your co-workers, and your classmates, will be blown away with admiration in light of your drive and determination. Do it because of the people who said you can’t. Do it because of the people who said you shouldn’t. Do it for your family and loved ones. Most importantly, do it for yourself.

Interview with a Nursing Student

When it comes to going to nursing school, many people have only heard the typical horror stories. The weed-out courses, the professors that seem to want to make you cry, the exams that cover nothing that was on the review, and on and on. However, most people don’t talk about the great and sometimes beautiful things that also happen during nursing school. What fears should you have? What can you expect? Is it really worth it? I sat down with a current student to answer all of these questions and more to give you insight into what going to school to be an RN is really like.

Q: How did you know you wanted to go to school to be a nurse?

A: I love this question. I always knew I wanted to work with people, but that’s a very general category. Then, in 2016 when my grandpa got sick and spent most of his last few months in the hospital, that’s when I knew. Witnessing the compassion and the care the nurses gave him touched my heart in a way I had never experienced. Those men and women came in every day and gave him everything they had. The relationship they all developed was absolutely beautiful. I knew I wanted to do that, to have those relationships, and to make that same impact on others, that those nurses made on me and my family.

Q: What was your biggest fear before enrolling in nursing school?

A: Easy. Not being good enough. You always hear about how hard it is and how many people don’t make it, and I was terrified of being one of those people.

Q: Is that still a valid fear?

A: Yes and no. This is just opinion-based, but I feel like the people that don’t make it don’t necessarily want to make it that bad. Again, just an opinion, however, it’s a lot of work. Not just that, but it’s a lot of hard work. You absolutely have to be willing to put in the time and effort that it takes to make it. I study and do homework for hours upon hours a week. My social life has been affected by it. My friends with different majors get to go on trips that I don’t have the time to go on because I can’t take the time away from my work. I want to be a nurse. So badly that I am willing to make these sacrifices in order to make that happen. If you’re not willing to put in the work and make sacrifices, then you should be afraid of making it.

Q: How have you overcome your fears?

A: I’ve reached out to friends who are currently nurses for moral support and motivation. I speak to my professors and advisors about my fears and we brainstorm ways on how I can overcome them. I’ve learned that it’s all about your mentality. I have to believe that I will achieve my goals and make it, or I won’t. I also journal. It sounds simple, but I write down my fears and also my goals and I try to figure out how I can use my fears, change them, and turn them into accomplishments.

Q: Let’s talk about time management. How do you know what to dedicate your time to?

A: What works for me might not work for everyone else, but realistically, I have a short attention span. So I really want to dedicate as much time as I can to studying, while still retaining all the information I read. Personally, I study in hour increments. Study for one hour, then I give myself a break. I grab a snack, watch a short 20-minute episode of my favorite show, or just walk outside to get fresh air. I try to keep my breaks between 15 and 30 minutes. I function and retain information better this way. My advice would be to find what study regime works best for you and your learning style.

Q: When it comes to course work, is it as hard as everyone says?

A: The short answer is yes. Real answer is no. You have to work hard, to make hard work easy if that makes sense.

Q: What shocked you most?

A: Honestly, clinical work. Until you work with real patients, you have no idea what you’re going to experience. The instance that was most surprising to me was when I was in the labor and delivery unit and I helped with my first birth. I truly took my breath away and gave me chills. It was such a beautiful experience, one I’ll never forget.

Q: Building off of that, do you ever get used to the things you see?

A: Yes, and very quickly. Blood, vomit, and other stuff gets very normal very quickly. When you know that what you’re doing is to help a patient, you have to remain calm and collected for them.

Q: Would you recommend nursing school to anyone thinking about attending?

A: If it’s something you want to do, then yes. It’s not for the faint of heart. Don’t go until you’re ready. Be ready to work hard and be ready for some stress. Just remember how rewarding it is, and how everything you go through: all the long nights, tears, and laughter, will all be worth it.

Q: What advice do you have for students just starting, or about to start on the path to their RN?

A: SO. MANy. THINGS. 1. Brace yourself. It’s going to be a long crazy ride. 2. Get a planner. Your planner is your new best friend and you will be spending all of your time together. 3. Be prepared for your social life to change, but also 4. Be ready for all the amazing friendships and bonds you are about to form. Lastly, 5. Have fun, enjoy the moment and work hard. You’re only going to do this once. Make the most of it and get it done.

We’d Like to Hear From You!

To those of you that read these blogs consistently, thank you so much. Having an audience rather than feeling like I am writing into the void is a rewarding experience, so again, thank you. Seeing the reactions to articles, stories and interviews never gets less heartwarming for me. Especially when I can relate to even just one person.

Now I typically write about different topics that I come up with or that seem like a good fit at the moment, but now I want to hear from you guys! To our students, prospective students, and just general followers of our page, what do you want to read about?

We get great feedback especially when I do interviews and personal pieces. So, what type of topic would be personal to you? Do you need motivation? Time management tips? More information on the nursing field? Or would you like to hear about different job opportunities in different areas of study? Let us know!

Leave a comment on this post telling us what you would like to hear next. I’m all ears!

– Lucy

25 Nursing Memes to Help You Get Through the Day

1. When you’re a licensed RN but look young for your age

2. The horror when you lose your favorite pen

3. We all have those days…

4. Just minding my business over here…

5. Some people will never understand…

6. The BEST feeling

7. You never know what you’re going to get!

8. Hey Bestie!

9. I look okay, right?

10. Where’s the bread???

11. Night shift problems!

12. Sleep, Eat, Repeat

13. T.M.I.

14. Just my luck…

15. I swear it makes sense…kind of

16.  It’s the most important meal of the day, right?

17. You’re making me nervous!

18. This is sort of like a superpower, right?

19. Why are you standing up???

20. Freedom!

21. New Year’s resolution?

22. Now that’s what I call art!

23. Sad, but true.

24. I’m trying my best, okay?

25. Hey nurses, we appreciate you!

Letters to Yourself: A Gift for Graduation Day

Have you written a letter to your future self before? When I was in eighth grade, I had a history teacher that had us write a letter to our future selves, which would be opened at a later date close to high school graduation. We were instructed to write about our current hobbies, favorite music, friends, and our future hopes and goals. I wrote about how my volleyball and track seasons were going and how I hoped one day I would be a college athlete. I wrote about the Black Eyed Peas and how much I loved them and my favorite songs. Cringey, right? I finished my letter by telling my future self what I hoped I would accomplish in the next four years and reminded future me to not be so hard on myself.

Over the course of the next few years, I forgot all about the letter I wrote, until the day before graduation when I finally was able to read it. When I unsealed the letter and read what 13 year old me had written, I laughed and cringed and eventually was brought to tears. I was shocked by what had changed, but thankful for the personal growth I saw. I was heading to college to major in Secondary Education and as a member of my university’s volleyball team. I no longer listened to the Black Eyed Peas (except for the occasional throwback), and I was still working on being an advocate for myself and finding my voice. The letter was such a breath of fresh air, I then came up with the idea of writing a letter to my future self for when I graduated college. Being 17, my goals for the future were different. I sat down and wrote another letter to myself, this time, to open the day before I graduated from college.

Three years later, I unsealed yet another letter from myself. The emotions I felt while reading that letter were indescribable. My younger self had written about how I was nervous to leave home, moving to a place where I didn’t know a soul.

She was scared of living up to the standards she had set for herself but was determined to make her family proud. The last thing she wrote about was finding happiness.

Younger me had been struggling with knowing where she belonged and just wanted to find her place in this world. Reading my final letter urged me to reflect on my past three years. Three years full of switching majors, an athletic career cut short by injury, one too many crazy hair phases, gaining lifetime friends, goals I reached and even the ones I fell short on. Reading my letter made me more conscious of how I have changed and grown. It reminded me of some of my past visions that I lost track of along the way. It made me appreciate how far I have come and it made me look forward to the future.

Memories tend to fade and become distorted over time, making them unreliable by the time you graduate. It’s far better to put pen to paper and write down all of your hopes and dreams, your visions and aspirations, as well as ask some mindful questions that only your future self can answer.

As you write your letter, your current thoughts and consciousness will be stored in your words. And as you read it after graduation, months or years later, you will be provided with a different perspective, letting you see just how much you have changed since then. Write to yourself. Include your goals and your fears. Ask yourself questions, and offer advice to your future self. There are no restrictions on how far you should project your letter to — you can write to your future self 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or even 10 years from now!

A few quick few prompts to start your letter could be…
  1. Ambitious: “In (number of years) I would like to achieve…”
  2. Goal-driven: “My goal for (date/year) is…”
  3. Motivating: “Dear future self, I would like to encourage/motivate you to…”

Study Buddies

Taking the leap to enroll in an online education program is a big deal! So congratulations if you’ve taken that step! Now that you’re in an online program, it’s time to think about a study buddy. Enrolling in an online school comes with an abundance of benefits. Flexible classes allow you to balance the day-to-day responsibilities you have, like your job and family obligations, while still earning a degree. Online discussion posts and staying in constant communication with your professor can be beneficial by motivating you to stay on top of assignments, but having one classmate to count on can help make studying easier. Have you considered finding a study buddy?

A study buddy is a fellow student who can help you stay focused, share notes with you, prepare for tests with you, and/or help you understand difficult concepts. Finding a study buddy when you’re taking classes online might seem difficult, but it’s not! Taking advantage of available technology like email, instant messaging, or video chatting can help you make a connection with your classmates. There are several things to consider when looking for a study partner:

Class Discussions – In a traditional classroom setting, the ideal study buddy may be the student that sits in the front, participates in discussions, and takes detailed notes. However, in an online course, it may be difficult to make these observations. So, watch the discussion posts to see who participates and the frequency of participation. Seeing who responds quickly, thoroughly and in-depth may just give you an idea of who is reliable and dedicated.

Your Goals – Before jumping into asking a peer to be your study buddy, first reflect on your goals. The reason you might need a study buddy could differ from your classmates. Try to find someone with similar goals, a similar major, or career interest. Or, try to find someone who excels in the parts of a class where you may be struggling. Also, don’t forget that you’ll be a study buddy too so knowing what help you can offer the other person is important.

Dependability– Putting aside what you may need assistance with within your class, make sure the study buddy you pick is dependable and will help you focus instead of being a distraction. Having a person cancel when you’re depending on them to study for a test or compare notes can not only be a disappointment but could set you back in your studies. Additionally, getting along and becoming friends with a study buddy is great – just make sure he or she is someone who also can concentrate well so you can stay focused on what’s most important.

Ultimately, a study buddy should help you excel in a class and better your grades/study habits. If they don’t, it may be time to find someone new. Earning a degree is a huge commitment and a major step to advancing or changing your career. Finding someone that is just as dedicated and can help you reach your goal can go a long way in helping you earn a degree! Study hard!

Benefits of Online School

If you’ve been weighing your options between online and traditional schooling, it may seem like an overwhelming process. Huge decisions are often difficult to make. However, this article will walk you through online education and why it may be a great option for you.

 

Online coursework gives student’s the convenience of studying on their own schedule. Nearly 32 percent of higher education students reaped the benefits of enrolling in online courses in 2012, according to a survey released by the Babson Survey Research Group and the College Board. There are many advantages associated with online learning. These include, but are not limited to, the ability to study from home, lower costs, and flexible schedules. Individuals that attend higher education courses online also develop a knowledge of virtual networking and well-versed technology skills.

 

The option to study at home offers students a level of convenience and comfort that is not available to those who attend traditional classes. While taking classes from the comfort of their home, students are able to avoid traveling to and from school grounds, as assignments and instruction are delivered virtually to the student’s laptop, phone, etc. Additionally, all other course resources are available online, so students never have to leave home to complete coursework. According to Sean Chamberlin of Fullerton College, studying at home also prevents students from missing classes, and classes are not canceled for reasons such as inclement weather.

 

The cost comparison between online school and traditional school carries a significant financial benefit to those attending school online. Costs associated with traditional college typically include student services fees, gas, and school supplies. Many students also factor in costs for parking on some campuses or using public transportation. Instructors often use e-textbooks for online learning instead of costly hardcover textbooks, which can reduce costs for students considerably. Students with children are also able to save money on childcare costs.

 

Online courses allow students the ability to balance their work and family obligations while in college. For instance, individuals with 9-to-5 jobs can complete assignments in the evening or on weekends. The 24/7 availability makes online classes ideal for many students desiring to pursue a college degree. Strong self-discipline is an essential quality for online students, who must possess the drive to meet their course deadlines while handling personal obligations as well. With well-developed organizational skills, many students can manage these challenges with ease.

 

Online education attracts not only students from all across the United States but rather, all over the world. Attending class virtually enables students to make connections with individuals they may not have otherwise met. Virtual classrooms are filled with diverse individuals from varying backgrounds, resulting in unique and thought-provoking classroom conversations. Online class settings sometimes inspire students to form study groups and schedule outings at local venues. Students consistently receive chances to learn from each other and develop lasting professional networking connections.

Projected Outlook for Nursing Careers: A Breakdown for ASNs, BSNs and MSNs

Did You Know?

The World Health Organization (WHO) deemed 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife” in order to recognize the essential and critical role nurses and midwives play in providing care to those in need. WHO also noted that “nurses are often the first and only point of care in a community and that nurses often face challenging conditions.” Of course, the organization could not possibly have predicted just how important nurses would be during 2020, considering the COVID-19 pandemic and other events that have occurred over these past 12 months. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Nursing paths.

 

Breakdown: ADN

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum degree requirement for becoming a registered nurse (RN). You’ll find ADN programs at community colleges and some four-year institutions.  An ADN from an accredited nursing school is a fantastic choice if you want to become an RN without the commitment of a four-year degree. It’s important to note, however, that while this is the minimum education for licensing, employers are increasingly making a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree a requirement for new hires.

 

ADNs typically require around two years to complete. State-approved programs will include extensive on-site clinical training that aligns with your state’s requirements for licensing.

 

Breakdown: BSN

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a degree program designed for RNs who want to pursue higher management positions and qualify for higher-paying jobs. If you’re ready to work as an RN, a BSN could be a great choice for you if you have the availability and financial accommodations to commit to a four-year degree.

 

A BSN is also a great place to begin if your ultimate goal is to earn a master’s degree and work as an APRN (advanced practice registered nurse). More than half of RNs work in hospitals, though with your additional clinical experience and any specialized skills, you can find a variety of less traditional roles. These could include Case Manager, Forensic Nurse, Home Health Nurse, Nursing Informatics Specialist, Occupational Health Nurse, and School Nurse.

 

Breakdown: MSN

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate program of study designed for nurses who want to practice in a specialized role known as an advanced practice registered nurse. The curriculum in an MSN program is far more specialized compared to a general nursing degree. You will study deeper into a concentrated area of study while taking advanced courses in topics such as leadership, management, healthcare policy, and research. Students who enter into MSN programs with a BSN typically take about two years to complete their degree.

 

With an MSN, you’ll be prepared to work as an APRN in your area of concentration. To do so, you’ll need to hold a state license as an RN as well as a national credential in your specialty. Specializations vary by program, but common options include the following: Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, and Certified Nurse Anesthetist.

 

Job Outlook

The employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons. About 175,900 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

 

Overall, job opportunities for registered nurses are expected to be good. However, there may be competition for jobs in some areas of the country. Generally, registered nurses who have a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) will have better job prospects than those without one.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

 

 

What Can I Earn?

The median annual wage for registered nurses was $73,300 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $52,080, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $111,220.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

 

Which Nursing Degree Is A Good Fit For Me?

With so many nursing degrees and paths available, it is important to understand how each program is laid out and the requirements they have so you can weigh your options and decide which one may be the best fit for you. If you’re a recent high school graduate, an experienced career veteran, or if you’re looking to make a career change, there are plenty of options to fit your dream. Take the time to evaluate your goals and finances and match that to whatever path aligns most with your current lifestyle.