With its increasing demand for qualified staff and scope for continuing professional development, a career in nursing can offer graduates both a stable job and the opportunity to work in a variety of specialist areas. Amanda Driver, a newly-qualified registered nurse in Florida, told First Coast News that she was attracted to the job by a desire to make a difference for patients - and by the fact she knew she would always be able to find work. "I'll never grow out of a nursing career. I can always excel and change which area I want to be in," Ms Driver said. Laura Demotte, vice-president of human resources at the state's Memorial Hospital, added that even during a turbulent financial climate, the demand for nurses and other health care workers remains strong. According to the Department of Labor, there are three main paths to becoming a nurse - bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, and a diploma from an approved nursing program. In 2006, registered nurses made up the largest occupation within the health care field with some 2.5 million posts. By 2016, the profession is also expected to generate one of the largest numbers of new jobs in the country at 587,000 posts.  |