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 10 Reasons a Nursing Degree is a Good Bet in Education Today

There has never been a better time in the history of man to get a nursing degree. Not only are there many career options for the nursing students of today but there are plenty of excellent career opportunities as well. Students sitting on the fence and struggling to decide whether an investment in a nursing career is one that will pay off should consider these 10 wonderful reasons that nursing is a good bet in education today and tomorrow.

1) Job Security

Right now there is a global nursing shortage. With population booms around the world and baby boomers aging rapidly those shortages look to become more profound in the next five to ten years. Early predications are that the shortage will nearly double in the next five years and more than triple in the next ten.

That's just the shortage of nurses that is predicted. Even today there is a huge nursing shortage. More importantly though what this means for nursing students starting their educations today is that by the time they earn a four year degree the job market will be wide open and available to them.

2) Income Potential

Nurses on average start out at very attractive wage. LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) have an average salary (at all career levels) of $33,500 per year, Staff RNs start on average at $37,000 per year, and Master Level RNs start at $49,700.

In an economy that seems to be shrinking by the hour these numbers are impressive and show many signs of growth as shortages become more acute. Keep in mind that these are just starting salaries also. Salaries tend to be much higher with three or more years of experience.

Yes, Some Nurses Smoke.

According to tobaccofreenurses.org, 15% of Registered Nurses (RNs) and  28% of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are addicted to tobacco. Even though Nurses are smoking  less than they used to, a significant amount (millions) of health care workers smoke.

If you are one of the remaining travel nurses that smokel, this is a survival guide for you.  Even Nurses hooked on tobacco need income. Smoking is a vile, filthy, expensive vice, no one should engage in it, it is dangerous and unhealthy, I encourage everyone to quit. So with that disclaimer said... I am a smoker, now please leave me alone if you see me puffing away when I am not at work. (read more for the answer)

How To Protect Against Flu

(NAPSI)-It's more important than ever to get your facts straight about flu and vaccines. This season, flu may pack more of a punch than usual because of the new 2009 H1N1 flu virus (sometimes called "swine flu").

While H1N1 is likely to be the most common flu virus this season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects that regular seasonal flu viruses will cause illness as well and recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza. A separate vaccine has been made to protect against H1N1 flu since this new virus was detected after production of the seasonal flu vaccine had already begun.

(NAPSI)-With a weakened economy, some consumers are unknowingly compromising their health in an effort to save money. Changing daily health care regimens without consulting a doctor or pharmacist can be dangerous and may end up costing you more down the road.

CVS pharmacist Mandy Kwong debunks common myths about health care spending.

When it comes to ethics and integrity according to a Gallup poll published Nov. 2008, Nurses have everyone beat hands down. Perhaps Nuns rank higher, but we'll never know. Although clergy was included in a general sense, nun's specifically were not mentioned in the Gallup's sample questions. One would have to believe that the numbers for bankers, politicians, and congress would still be on the lower end if the poll were taken today amidst the bailout/stimulus infighting.

(NAPSI)-What's the difference between awareness and understanding? The answer could save your life.

COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a serious lung disease that over time makes it hard to breathe. It is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. A recent national survey found that while awareness of COPD is growing, understanding of the disease, its risk factors and symptoms remains low.