Healthcare systems are non-existent without nurses as part of the sector. Nurses are the link between patient and doctor or surgeon; their vital roles can never be underestimated, and the need for nurses will always be commonplace.

The job of a nurse is not an easy one, and often nurses have to be thick-skinned to survive in their profession. Nurses are qualified to treat patients; one cannot simply apply for a nursing position without having studied nursing. For example, you can’t work as a travel nurse or do travel nursing jobs without having a BSN degree. Studying to become a nurse usually takes 2 to 4 years depending on whether a BSN follows directly after obtaining an RN qualification.

If you are considering nursing as a profession or want to move up in your nursing career, this article explores the advancement in nursing with a degree, as well as the career options available.

The Difference Between RN and BSN

The difference between a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) is that both are a registered nurse, but the BSN allows a nurse to apply for more advanced nursing positions. Many nurses complete their studies from RN to BSN online to start their careers in nursing and then work on their degree part-time. Of course, the pay between the two are different too. A nurse with a BSN will earn more annually than an RN.

Career Paths to Consider in Hospitals

Hospitals account for the employment of the majority of nurses globally, which means there is never a shortage of nursing vacancies as the global population continues to rise. Choosing the field of nursing within a hospital can be fulfilling as there is a variety of positions available.

Nurses can choose to work in general wards, emergency wards, surgery, oncology, pediatrics, palliative care, intensive or high care wards. Besides the different wards in a hospital that a nurse can work in, there are additional fields that might be of interest. Nursing positions can also include pathology, research, public health, clinical nurse educators and clinical nurse managers.

Private Care Nursing

Various opportunities in nursing also exists in the private care sector. Rehabilitation facilities often require nurses, as do certain specialists such as dentists or plastic surgeons. Private clinics, schools and travel clinics also require nursing staff and often pay better than government nursing positions.

Other options include charity organizations, clinical trial programs, relief aid, telephone advice centers, frail care and research programs. The nursing experience gained in these institutions is valuable and relocation is often offered for nurses wanting to broaden their horizons.

Home Based Care and Nursing

Many patients require a private nurse who can care for them in the comfort of their own home. Patients needing in-home care can be frail, elderly, cancer sufferers, or chronic illness sufferers who need assistance.

Patients who live with life-threatening illnesses or are disabled or handicapped often require a nurse to help them do everyday activities while needing medications administered or assistance with medical equipment.

Nurses often form strong bonds with their patients when working long-term in their homes. It takes a special and dedicated nurse to work as a caregiver to patients who have higher medical demands long-term.

Hopefully these few ideas have given you the inspiration you needed to make a much-needed change in your career.