Current Students
Career Services
We’re committed to improving the health of the citizens of Indiana, the nation, and beyond by addressing society’s need for effective nurses at different educational levels and by contributing to the body of knowledge that provides the basis for practice in a range of settings.
Exciting Facts about Careers in Nursing
Employment for registered nurses (RNs) is expected to grow 26% faster than other occupations through 2020 (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook). Thanks to nurses retiring, an aging U.S. population, an increasing emphasis on preventive care, and technological advances, thousand of nursing jobs will become available.
Nursing salaries are competitive. On average, BSN nurses earn $27.50 per hour, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In central Indiana,
- new BSN graduates earn salaries of about $45,000 per year based on location/experience;
- experienced nurses in hospitals earn about $62,000 per year (and those who work evenings or weekends receive additional compensation);
- clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and midwives earn about $65,000 to $85,000+ per year;
- nurse educators earn $60,000 to $75,000+ per year;
- researchers earn $30,000 to $75,000+ per year; and
- nursing administrators typically earn $40,000 to $90,000+ per year.
(Salary figures courtesy of Nursing 2000.)
Working conditions are good. Flexible schedules and part-time employment opportunities attract many individuals, particularly those with children. Due to shortages of qualified RNs, employers are making an effort to attract and retain qualified nurses by offering restructured work loads, improved compensation and working conditions, and subsidized educational opportunities.
A nursing degree is versatile, and the demand for nurses with advanced degrees will continue to increase. BSN graduates can work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, healthcare corporations, schools, the military, and government agencies. MSN graduates are employed as clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and nursing administrators. PhD graduates can have teaching and research careers in universities, colleges, businesses, and government agencies.
Resources
For more information about careers in nursing, please visit the following Web sites:
HRSA Health Professions
Center for Health Workforce Studies
Indiana Children’s Health Services Research
Indiana Center for Nursing
Indiana Nursing Workforce Development Coalition
Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow
Nursing Job Resource
Professional Licensing Agency
RN Web
The Center for the Health Professions
