Much of this demand will come because the number of older people is projected to grow very rapidly, and older people are more likely than younger ones to need medical care. Along with good pay and a growing demand for nurses, a career in nursing appeals to many people because it can provide a more flexible work schedule than many other occupations. In fact, some 32 percent of all nurses work part-time. Many of them prefer to make their own work schedules since they have small children at home or want the freedom to work only a few days a week. A typical nursing program includes classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience in hospitals and other health facilities.
Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and psychology.
During the last two years of this program, you will participate in supervised clinical practice in hospitals or other health care facilities. Though not widespread, diploma programs are conducted in hospitals and may last two to three years. Many ADN and diploma nurses return to school later to earn a bachelor's degree or higher. Generally, community and junior colleges offer ADN programs. Depending on where you live and the facility at which you work, you may need to get general nursing experience before entering the specialty area of perioperative nursing.