There is a severe shortage of nurses in the United States, and that situation is projected to continue. In 2008, a report by the American Health Care Association showed RN vacancies at more than 135,000, or about 8% of available jobs. Even during the recession, the nursing profession added 21,000 jobs in November 2009. The shortages appear in every area of nursing, including hospitals, medical centers and offices, and nursing homes. As the baby boomer population enters retirement age, this trend will accelerate. Another factor in projected shortages is that many nurses are in their 40s and 50s, and their impending retirements will leave multiple openings.
Other reasons for the shortage include the impact of medical and technological advances. More patient tests, more monitors, and more medicines to pass out increase the time spent on each patient, leading to a need for more nurses. This trend also requires more teaching nurses and more time for continuing education for current nurses to update their skills.
In 2008, more than 19,500 open RN positions existed at long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and adult day care centers. The need for this care will increase the shortage over the next 20 years.
Outlook for Nursing Jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in December 2009, there will be more than 580,000 RN positions created by 2018, increasing the RN workforce by 22%. This rate of growth is much higher than projected growth of other professions. The Department of Labor lists nursing as one of the top five fastest growing professions.
Nursing Salaries
There are a number of websites that give salary ranges for RNs and LPNs. One site lists RN pay at $22 to $31 per hour. With overtime, bonuses, and profit-sharing money, the annual salary is approximately $47,000 to $67,000.
LPN pay can range from $16 to $20 per hour, an annual salary of $32,000 to $40,000.
It's a great time to be a nurse, whether an RN or an LPN, and the aging population of the United States means that nurses have job security for the foreseeable future.
Applications for nursing school or for a nursing position often require letters of recommendation. These letters should come from someone who knows you and your skill set well and who will be willing to take the time to write the letter.
Who should you ask for a letter of recommendation? Choose someone who knows you well - not necessarily for a long time, but a person who knows and values your experience and skill set. In most cases, a job supervisor or nursing teacher is a good choice.
It is also helpful if the person has good writing skills. You want the most professional-looking and professional-sounding letter possible. Also, choose a person who can meet the deadline for the letter to be received. A late letter does you no good. You may want to include a list of your accomplishments or a transcript to prompt the letter writer's memory of your achievements.
Some letter writers prefer to send the letter directly to the employer without your seeing it. In that case, provide them with an addressed, stamped envelope.
Reviewing the letters. If you receive the letters directly from the writers, review them to judge their strength and clarity. Did the letter writer include all of your qualifications in the best light? Does the letter show strong support for you? Is it professional and well written? Does it include all the topics that need to be there?
What if the letter doesn't do its job? If the letter does not fulfill its purpose, you will need to decide what to do. If you know the letter writer well enough, you may ask for a revision and stress what you would prefer to be added. Be specific, so the writer knows what you feel is missing. If conferring with the writer is not possible, you will have to hold on to that letter and use it only as a last resort. It is better to send a poorly written letter that doesn't show the best of your qualifications than to be a letter short of the total requested by the school or employer.
Copies. If you receive the letters from the writer, keep copies to be available to send with other applications. Put them in a plastic sleeve in a notebook to have all the information in one place.
Notes of appreciation. Once the letter of recommendation is completed, send a note of appreciation to the letter writer. He or she has used personal time to help you, and you should express your gratitude.
Good letters of recommendation will help you clinch the desired job or nursing school acceptance. Take some time to see that this part of your application process is done well.