Nursing

Employment opportunities
Home health and long-term care are among the fastest growing employment sectors. Excellent opportunities exist in hospital and ambulatory outpatient facilities such as same-day surgery, rehabilitation and chemotherapy, and in emergency medical centers. Many jobs are also available in physicians’ offices and clinics, schools and government agencies, and industry. Part-time positions are always plentiful.

Job outlook
Modern technology, longer life spans, changes in health care, and a nationwide nursing shortage continue to create a wide variety of job possibilities in Illinois and across the country. In Illinois, registered nursing is one of the 50 occupations with the greatest number of job openings each year. Prospects for entry-level positions are good, especially for those willing to work evening and night shifts.

Salary and other benefits
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national annual median salary for nurses was $56,880 in 2005. Parkland graduates reported local starting salaries of $18/hour in 2005.

Many employers offer flexible work schedules, child care, educational benefits, bonuses, and other incentives.

Career advancement
You can earn significant salary increases by taking continuing education courses to update and expand your skills. You can also advance in your field with experience and increased responsibility.

Career choices with your degree:
• Home health nurse
• Hospital nurse
• Long-term care nurse
• Occupational health nurse
• Office nurse

With experience and/or further education you may go on to:
• Administrative nurse
• Certified nurse-midwife
• Certified registered nurse anesthetist
• Clinical nurse specialist
• Head nurse
• Informatics nurse
• Nurse practitioner
• Nurse supervisor
• Public health nurse