Nursing is one of the fields that continue to grow and provide lucrative job opportunities even in the middle of a general financial downturn. Nursing jobs come with good salaries, great benefit packages, and even signing bonuses. But the advantages of a career in nursing don't stop there. Nurses have a wide range of possible areas to specialize in, and they also have many different positions within those areas to choose from.

When choosing nursing as a career, those interested first need to choose what type of nurse they want to become. Three of the most popular choices are registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, and nurse practitioner.

Registered nurses work in all types of specialties in the medical field. They are responsible for treating patients as well as providing them with information and assisting doctors with diagnostic tests. RNs need to complete an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing test. They also make up the largest number of working nurses.

Licensed practical nurses work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. LPNs see patients to take temperature, weight and blood pressure and generally assist their supervisors. They also have to complete a training program and take a national licensing exam.

Nurse practitioners are actually registered nurses who have completed a Master's Degree or higher. This advanced degree allows them to perform duties similar to doctors in non-emergency situations. Because they have completed more education and have more responsibilities, their salaries are also higher than RNs and LPNs.

Trained nurses can then choose to begin their careers from a very large list of options. Nurses can choose to specialize in just one field, such as pediatrics, oncology, neonatal, psychiatric, or emergency. Nurses are needed in every field of medicine so the list is extensive.

Nurses also have the choice to work in hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, or for agencies. Nurses who work for agencies are called for shift work at different locations depending on the hours they are available and want to work. Travel nursing is another option, which fills temporary positions for nurses around the country. These nurses must be willing to travel and temporarily relocate to each site. Jobs usually last a few weeks but pay is excellent.

Another career option for nurses is to become involved in research, looking for scientific basis for the health management for those suffering from chronic and terminal illnesses. They help collect data through the entire treatment and recovery and look for ways to prevent and reduce the risks of the diseases and conditions.

Nurses can also be case managers, particularly for elderly, transplant and head-injury patients. Case managers are concerned with the organization and coordination of the resources available from different locations for each individual patient in order to provide them with the best treatment available.

They can also be educators, involved with teaching, treatment, and research. Nurse educators not only perform their normal nursing duties but they also plan lessons and presentations.

The list for careers in nursing goes on, into fields not normally associated with nursing, including administration, midwifery, holistic science, and even writing.
For more information on nursing, visit http://nursingpros.com.