Nursing Schools in Illinois

A degree in nursing is required for work within the healthcare industry in this capacity. Professionals will find work with hospitals, doctor offices, medical care facilities, urgent care centers, and even as home health nurses or working in nursing homes and residential care facilities. There are various levels of nursing education and careers, but regardless of the different certification, duties will include caring for patients, performing tests and taking vitals and other areas of patient care that are more direct and focused on making sure that the patient is comfortable and stable in their environment. Nursing requires professional licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and the type of license required depends on the type of nursing career that is desired. There are exams and licensure for RN, LPN, BSN, STNA, CNA, and other nursing professions depending upon the chosen career of the professional. Nurses are well-compensated for their work, but it is important to note that the exact compensation will vary depending on their education and licensing. Registered nurses earn about $43,000 on average, while other positions will usually earn less, unless the professional holds a bachelor's degree or higher in their chosen field. Career growth for nursing is already on the rise and expected to remain that way into the next 10 years, with the most valuable positions going to those who have the highest education and training.