Nursing projected to be a top industry this year for job hunters

Nursing jobs are projected to be one of this year's top industries for people searching for career opportunities, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The publication cited projections issued by the U.S. Department of Labor while offering suggestions as to how job hunters can best prepare themselves for a successful career search.

The U.S. Department of Labor projects as many as 582,000 nursing jobs will be created during the decade leading up to 2018. Since the field covers many different areas and focuses on an array of specializations, demand for qualified personnel to fill the opportunity is high.

One key benefit of working a nursing job in homes, schools and community centers is the likelihood of working normal business hours. Four of every 10 nursing jobs are projected to be in those settings. The majority of the remainder is likely to find their gainful employment in hospitals.

One strategy of landing a nursing job is enrolling in hospitals' diploma programs, which typically require three years of commitment. Community and junior colleges offer nursing degrees, which is another strategy.