Celebrating National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week falls May 6-12 of each year to coincide with the birthday of Florence Nightingale. In 2020, this long-standing celebration of nursing couldn’t occur at a more appropriate time. People across the country are finding ways to recognize and appreciate nurses for helping their patients overcome the pandemic.

While nurses are essential members of our community every week of the year, they have definitely earned some extra love this week. USA Today has compiled a list of businesses celebrating National Nurses Week by offering special giveaways and discounts to nurses and other healthcare workers.

Future of Nursing

The healthcare industry continues to be one of the fastest-growing career fields in the U.S. Nursing careers are expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 12 percent during the next decade. And while salaries vary based on location and experience level, the average registered nurse (RN) makes an annual salary above $70,000.

Nursing careers offer a broad range of healthcare settings in which to work. RNs are needed in hospitals, private medical practices, urgent care clinics, nursing homes and schools, just to name a few. Each of these settings offer their own distinct set of shifts, so you can choose the option that best accommodates your schedule. Beyond scheduling, there are numerous nursing specialties you could choose to pursue, from pediatrics to geriatrics.

In short, nursing careers offer great pay and benefits, job security, a variety of work schedules, and career flexibility. Something arguably more important than any of those reasons to become a nurse is the mental satisfaction of knowing that you’re making a difference in the lives of your patients.  

Pursuing a Nursing Career

There are several education avenues and certification levels for prospective nurses to consider. Two popular options include an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BDN). All nursing school graduates are required to sit for a licensure exam and apply for a nursing license from their state board of nursing.

Keep in mind that admission to reputable nursing schools is a competitive process. In fact, top applicants are expected to have prior hands-on patient care experience. Some work history in a healthcare setting – as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or a medical assistant (MA), for instance – can really set you apart from a crowded pool of nursing school applicants.

If you’re looking for a nursing program in your home state, try this online tool, searchable by zip code and education level.

Covelo Group Can Help

Covelo Group specializes in placing nurses, LVNs, and CNAS in full-time positions at reputable healthcare facilities nationwide. Whether you’re an RN looking to take your nursing career to the next level, or CNA seeking a foot in the door at one of the nation’s top hospitals, we want to hear from you today. 

Visit our Jobs page to browse open positions or call 415-421-4900.