Careers in Nursing
Hospitals and health care providers need nurses like never before

Ohio is experiencing a shortage of nurses that may begin to threaten hospitals' ability to care for their communities. Currently Ohio hospitals report an average vacancy rate of 4.6 percent for registered nurses (RN), meaning, for every 100 jobs filled, about five positions remain unfilled. With nurses accounting for the largest portion of health care jobs, the unfilled positions add up. By the year 2020, Ohio will reach a shortfall of almost 32,000 registered nurses, according to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis of the Health Resources Services Administration.

The shortfall can be linked to a rise in demand for registered nurses as people are living longer and baby boomers age – requiring more health care. The increasing demand is compounded by an aging nurse population. The average age of Ohio's RNs is about 47.  The avalanche of baby boomers retiring signals not only a spike in demand for health care but also a decline in the number of experienced nurses available to provide the necessary care.

Nursing Today
The rising demand for nurses provides an ideal environment for those interested in entering the field. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Statistics, the median annual earnings of registered nurses was $52,330 in May 2004, doubling since 1984. Many employers also offer flexible work schedules, child care, educational benefits and bonuses.

Today's nurses no longer fit the stereotypical white woman in a white uniform tending to patients at their bedside. Male nurses, as well as minority nurses, make up a steadily increasing portion of the nursing population. A 2000 Health Resources and Services Administration survey found that 13 percent of nursing students were men, versus the 5.8 percent of employed nurses who were male. Between 1996 and 2000, the number of minority RNs increased at a faster rate (about 35 percent) than the number of non-minority RNs (2 percent).

Though many nurses begin their careers working in hospitals, they may choose to practice in one of the many specialty areas of nursing beyond bedside care. Specialty areas include emergency nursing, burn care, oncology, rehabilitation and pediatrics and some nurses even choose to work through traveling nurse agencies and move between locations nationwide. Nurses can be found in many different professional roles. Their experience and education prepare them for diverse advancement and management opportunities. They influence legislation, champion disease prevention and education, and are leaders in health promotion. They can also become top administrators of health care organizations.

Building the Educational Foundation
Nursing courses include classroom instruction and supervised clinical hands-on experience. After completing a nursing program, graduates must pass a state board licensure examination to become a registered nurse. Three different types of nursing education programs enable graduates to take the State Board of Nursing Licensure Examination: the associate degree in nursing program, the baccalaureate degree in nursing program and the diploma hospital nursing program. After passing the examination, graduates become RNs.

Associate degree in nursing (AD) programs are generally available at community colleges and balance content with general studies and nursing education. If taken full-time, AD programs usually take about two years to complete. AD programs often are designed to serve as a bridge to baccalaureate degree programs. Graduates are prepared to deliver direct care to patients.

The baccalaureate of science in nursing (BSN) is a four-year program, or a five-year work study program, offered at colleges and universities. The course of study combines the theory and the practice of nursing with general education in the humanities and behavioral, biological and physical sciences. Graduates are prepared for leadership, management and more independent nursing roles. A BSN is necessary for advancement into a master's degree in nursing program. Graduate programs in nursing help prepare registered nurses for careers as nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, hospital and nurse executives, nursing instructors/faculty and other careers requiring advanced academic preparation.

Diploma hospital nursing programs are based in hospitals, and often include academic courses at nearby colleges or universities where students take basic sciences and English requirements. There are only a few diploma programs available in Ohio at this time. Graduates often pursue a BSN and may receive some college credit by demonstrating knowledge and skills on placement testing.

Getting Started
Nursing school requires a high school diploma, and potential students should have a strong background in science, technology and math, as well as English/language arts. Besides the requisite academic knowledge, successful students are responsible, caring, eager-to-learn, confident, organized and strong communicators. Nursing students share a commitment to helping individuals and groups of people meet their highest levels of wellness and to easing human suffering. Ohio has nearly 100 nursing schools with programs and locations to fit students' needs.

Nursing requires hard work but is a rewarding profession that provides job security, competitive pay and diverse opportunities.

Article by Tori Stepowoy, Public Affairs Department, Ohio Hospital Association.