Why should I study nursing online?
In today’s multi-tasking environment it’s difficult to study in one place at the same time everyday. Work schedules and family responsibilities hinder students from enrolling in classroom environments and the tuition and activity fees can be overwhelming. Studying nursing online gives students the flexibility they need to study where and when they want without compromising their other responsibilities. Online tuitions are lower and there are no activity fees or other charges. Online instructors give students one-on-one attention through emails, video calls and chat rooms and the course material is just as detailed as classroom work. Online students are offered the same nursing opportunities as classroom students and some students may even complete the courses faster online. Students not only earn nurse certification online, advanced courses are offered so students can earn a BSN or MSN which create more opportunities and increases their earning power. Some students even finish their doctorate work online.
Should I choose a career in nursing?
Everyone has their own reasons for entering the nursing profession. The desire to serve and make a difference is the main reason people become nurses. The nursing profession is one of the most respected professions in the world and it continues to administer, promote and instruct the world in the art of wellness. Doctors may practice medicine, but nurses actually implement it everyday. Nurses touch the lives of everyone at some point in time and impact the mental and physical health of a nation in a positive way.
It’s no secret that there is a shortage of nurses. Over 70% of the employees in a hospital are nurses and there are just not enough nurses available to meet the demand. Healthcare facilities, as well as hospitals always have vacant positions and that trend is expected to continue and even get worse in the next five to ten years. The Department of Labor reports that there are over 100,000 vacant nursing jobs this year and that figure will grow to over 150,000 in 2010. By 2015 there will be 350,000 vacant nursing positions at the current rate of growth. The aging baby boomers and nurse retirements are putting a strain on the healthcare industry and most experts say these issues might cripple certain areas of the industry.
Can I earn and BSN or a MSN online and what about clinical work?
Can I complete it online? Local hospitals host visiting instructors, so online students can complete clinical procedures. Some hospitals use staff nurses so students have more time to complete the work and video demonstrations are also available so some of the clinical work can be done at home. Hospitals assign mentors to students when the clinical procedures are more advanced, so information can be discussed and questions can be answered in real time. Instructors are always available through conference calls, emails and forums to help students with clinical challenges. Studying nursing online to earn nurse certification or an advanced nursing degree is an excellent way to start a successful career in the healthcare industry.
