One of the hottest fields in the job industry right now is in the medical field. If you have been keeping up to date on job outlooks that are expected to be good or even if you check the newspaper or internet for jobs on a regular basis, then you are probably aware that there is a wealth opportunity available to Registered Nurses. Is a career as a RN right for you though? Here are some of the factors that you should consider before pursuing a job as a RN.

Education

In order to become a Registered Nurse, you are going to need to pursue a college degree. There are schools that offer Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing. These programs take four years to complete. Some schools also offer Associate’s Degrees in Registered Nursing, which take about two years to complete. Students interested in becoming a RN should have strong math and science skills, as many courses in these areas will need to be completed. Nurses often take courses that include Algebra, Biology, and Anatomy.

Job Setting

It is also important to think about what type of work environment you are most interested in. Registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, health centers, schools, and other places where people may require health care. They can work in a variety of different specialties, ranging from pediatrics to the psychiatric ward. Certain job settings that nurses may work in are known to be more stressful than others. It may be a good idea to volunteer at a hospital or other work setting, such as Planned Parenthood, prior to making the decision to become a RN.

Salary

Nursing is a career that is highly in demand. Most people interested in this job choice will want to know what the salary looks like, however. Keep in mind that there are a number of different factors which may determine how much you will earn as a RN, such as your location and the type of job setting you find yourself in. The average national salary for a RN is $66,427, according to CBSalary. Furthering your education by earning a Master’s in Nursing can help increase the amount of money that you will earn.

Nursing is a career that is a great choice for some, but not suitable for others. If you have the desire to help people and are highly motivated, then there is a good chance that you will want to think about pursuing a career as a Registered Nurse.