Employment Factors and Nursing Pay

The road to a successful career in nursing is riddled with choices. From the initial decisions that determine the nursing school to attend, which type of degree to pursue and any specializations, certifications or concentrations in nursing, the opportunities in nursing can seem endless. Once the basics of nursing school have been covered and the desired degree and certifications are achieved, the search for a job in nursing begins. Not only can education and experience affect a nursing career, but even the place of employment can have an effect on the pay and job satisfaction of a nurse.

For a Registered Nurse, LPN, Clinical Nurse Specialist or Medical Billing Specialist, the range of opportunities for employment are vast. Most of the time, local hospitals, clinics and medical establishments are the first place to seek employment, but these areas may also offer a higher rate of competition for nursing jobs. Factor in the hiring establishment, such as a hospital versus an elementary school or specialized clinic, and the different pay rates can begin to diverge significantly.

In terms of locale, urban areas may have more positions available in nursing, but, there are also more applicants, making job searches around larger, metropolitan areas, harder than in rural and underserved areas. The ability to relocate to a different location can have a positive effect on a nursing career, but may not always be a possibility for a nurse with a family and strong community ties. However, in order to grow within nursing, relocation may be an option, especially if the job market is tough. Also, many rural and underserved areas have state and local incentives for nurses, either through a hospital or though the state itself, that can help offset costs of moving or pay for nursing school education. These areas also offer a lower cost of living, where slightly less pay can be stretched further than in urban areas.



From nursing school decisions to the debate about the type and location of a career or job in nursing, the many different paths of nursing can be a challenging experience. Understanding all of the options available to a qualified nursing school student or graduate can help make the transition from student to working nurse easier, and can have a positive impact on a nursing career.

Labels: career, Location, Nursing Jobs