RNs Must Keep Up with Education, Certifications to be Employable

The sagging economy is touching all sectors, including the once invulnerable health care industry. Hospitals nationwide are simply not hiring right now. Some even began furloughing employees as early as 2009. But this cloud does have a silver lining.

Aging baby boomers will soon trigger an enormous demand on our health care system. The temporary downside is that most private insurers as well as the government have cut reimbursements to hospitals. Many are even operating in the red. But there are certain things you can do to make yourself more employable.

For one, if you're considering a career as an LPN (licensed Practical Nurse), you should upgrade your training and certification to RN (registered nurse). While LPNs are a vital part of the health care system, many hospitals are currently seeking Center of Excellence status or Magnet status and they need RNs to achieve these rankings. It's important to note that nurses wishing to rise into management must be RNs. In fact, many hospitals simply no longer use LPNs.

Today's RNs are better educated and often pursue continuing education programs to advance their careers. Those who sit still will be left behind to join the ranks of the unemployed. Much like doctors, RNs must constantly keep up with the latest technologies and certifications.

See NurseCEU.com for a directory of online Continuing Education (CE) courses for RNs, LVNs, LPNs, Nurse Practitioners, and critical care nurses. See also Nurse.com for independent self-study continuing nursing education courses online and in print, including audio podcasts. They offer instant CE certificates upon course completion.

For more information on health careers, visit http://www.healthcarejobsiteblog.com/

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.