You have chosen an exciting time to consider a career in nursing. As a nurse you will be joining the nation's largest health care field and one that is continuing to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for registered nurses will grow faster than any other occupation through 2012.

As a nurse you will have the opportunity to serve others by working to promote health, prevent disease and help patients cope with illness. As a provider of patient care you will assess patients, assist physicians with examinations and treatments, manage nursing care plans and provide patient instruction.  Three out of five nurses practice in hospital settings but others are found in home health, skilled nursing facilities, public health, occupational health, administration and education.