Nursing can be highly-competitive, physically demanding and stressful - but it can also offer a wide range of career paths for those passionate about care. Megan Malugani of Monster said the first thing most nurses-to-be need is "stellar grades". Schools have only a limited number of places and even qualified candidates may need to add persistence to their list of attributes in order to succeed. However, nursing is also open to people from all walks of life - and there is no age barrier. Janet Krejci, PhD, RN, of the Marquette University College of Nursing, said: "Life experience only enhances a nurse's ability to be as supportive as they can to their patients." Remember that some nursing roles can be physically demanding, involving long hours and moving patients. But this should not necessarily deter graduates - there are many jobs, such as those in community health clinics, that do not involve the same amount of wear-and-tear. Some potential nurses worry about being too squeamish. Again, many nursing jobs do not involve ER-style blood and guts, Ms Malugani noted, but if individuals have concerns, they could try job shadowing with a nurse. Registered nursing jobs are expected to grow by 23% in the decade to 2016, according to the Department of Labor.  |