Most individuals begin their careers in this field in entry level jobs, which are filled by recent graduates. These jobs usually do not require any previous work experience, although prior employment in a related field may be advantageous. The license is granted to applicants who pass the state board examination. Nurses may be licensed in more than one state, either by examination or endorsement of a license issued by another state. Community health nurses may be required to travel to patients in all types of weather.
Emotional stability is required in order to cope with human suffering and frequent emergencies.
Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2008, and because the occupation is large, many new jobs will result. There will always be a need for traditional hospital nurses, but a large number of new nurses will be employed in home health, long-term, and ambulatory care.