CNA Training Classes

By Lucinda Reynolds RN
If you are thinking about becoming a nurse the biggest question in your mind is probably is how much can you expect to be paid? This question has many different answers as you will soon find out when we take a closer look at nursing salaries.

A licensed practical nurse will make less than a registered nurse because they do not have a degree and their responsibilities are a little less than an RN. The average salary range for an LPN is $16-$17 per hour. This is not bad pay for completing a year’s worth of schooling.

A registered nurse can expect to make more because she holds a degree in nursing. An RN may have an associate’s degree, or they may continue through college until they get a master’s degree in nursing. The typical salary for an RN is right around $27 per hour. The rate of pay you receive will depend on the facility in which you work and the type of nursing you do. Larger facilities in the bigger cities will obviously pay more. However, the cost of living in the large cities is a lot more than the smaller towns.

Advanced practice nurses enjoy an even larger salary than those with a lesser degree. For example, a certified nurse anesthetist can make the average of $145,000 per year. A nurse practitioner can command a salary of $80,000 per year. So as you can see it really does pay to get an advanced degree in nursing.

One of the best things about being a nurse is the ability to start your own business. Forensic nursing is becoming popular these days. As a forensic nurse you will work with law enforcement agencies on cases that include sexual assault, murder and domestic violence. The forensic nurse is responsible for collecting evidence and caring for the emotional needs of the victim. A good forensic nurse can be employed by a law enforcement agency or an attorney’s office. She may be able to command fees of $100 per hour.

Another business a nurse may choose to get into is legal nurse consulting. You will work for attorneys or other legal agencies. It will be your job to review medical records and decipher medical records for the attorney. In some cases, you may be called upon as an expert witness. Legal nurse consultants can command a wage of $100-$125 per hour.

You need to keep in mind that these nursing salaries are just guidelines. The rate of pay you receive can depend upon many factors. But it doesn’t hurt to shop around to get the best salary possible.

By Lucinda Reynolds RN
When you become a registered nurse, there are so many opportunities that become available to you. You can choose to work in almost any specialty you desire. One aspect of nursing that may interest you is called holistic nursing. This is a fascinating and growing field of nursing.

What is holistic nursing? This is a branch of nursing that promotes healing the whole person and not just the illness. Holistic nursing recognizes there is a strong mind and body connection. Its focus is on the way the mind, body, spirit, emotion, social/cultural, relationships, and environment all entwine to affect your health.

As a holistic nurse you will be using complementary and alternative medicines and techniques to help heal your patients. This can include herbal therapies, therapeutic touch and other techniques. It does not undermine the importance of traditional medicines. It is designed to complement traditional healing techniques.

If you are getting ready to attend nursing school and are interested in holistic nursing do some research to determine if you can find a school that offers a holistic approach to their curriculum. After you complete your holistic nursing classes you can sit for the exam.

If you are currently a registered nurse then you can take classes in alternative healing therapies. These classes can be found online. Once you complete classes you can apply to take the certification exam in holistic nursing.

Once you become you can practice holistic nursing in a variety of settings. This may be in a hospital, a clinic, or if you get an advanced degree you can even open your own private practice in holistic nursing. This will allow you to help people and own your own business at the same time.

The biggest advantage to being a holistic nurse is the change that takes place in you. As you learn the holistic methods you must implement them in your life. You will notice major improvements in your mind, body and spirit. Your stress levels will be lower, and you will have a sense of contentment that you have never had before.

So in conclusion, when you get into holistic nursing you are not only helping others to live a more fulfilling healthy life, you are allowing yourself to do the same.