Working a nursing job can be one of the most rewarding professional opportunities in the U.S., according to a published report.
The median annual salary for working as a registered nurse is $61,400, The New York Daily News reports. The national median salary is roughly $39,500. The career provides a valuable, heartening opportunity to help improve people's health and also save lives.
The impact of a nurse is far reaching. In a hospital setting, nurses are on the front lines of healthcare, often with a high level of patient contact. They not only play a role in the physical care of patients, but also contribute to their emotional well-being. In between physician rounds, they typically serve as the main point of contact for concerned family members.
Yet medical careers in nursing can also be demanding. Those who thrive in the career are able to spend large amounts of time on their feet and multi-task between orchestrating tests and tending to the needs of patients. Nurses also need to be able to retain their composure and professionalism in tense situations that may arise in the healthcare setting.
The minimum education requirement for nurses is two years and myriad opportunities may follow with advanced educational pursuits.
Worksites for nurses include hospitals, offices of doctors, services from home healthcare and nursing care facilities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurses also work in correctional facilities, academic institutions, summer camps and with military services.