REGISTERED NURSES (RNS) ARE highly respected professionals that form the backbone of healthcare. Without a strong workforce of RNs, the daily operations of healthcare would quickly grind to a halt. Few careers offer such challenging, yet rewarding work. Every time RNs go to work, they make a difference in people's lives - or even save lives - of newborns, the elderly, and everyone in between. As key members of the healthcare team, they perform a wide variety of tasks, such as administer medications, assist with surgery, help people cope with long-term illness, and provide health education. They also take care of patients in their homes as they recover from illness, surgery, or accidents. RNs power the healthcare system, ensuring that the many details involved in patient care flow smoothly. This includes much more than direct patient care and RNs are not confined to the bedside. Today's RNs handle case management, conduct clinical research, and teach in nursing programs. They also influence legislation, establish new healthcare delivery systems, write and publish, and participate on boards of directors. They often supervise licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nursing assistants.A registered nursing career also offers many opportunities to specialize in one or more areas of patient care. There are more than 100 specialties to choose from, such as surgical, pediatrics, oncology, emergency medicine, geriatrics, orthopedics, or rehabilitation. There are three routes to becoming a registered nurse. The shortest and most popular is a two-year nursing program known as an AND. Although two years is not much time to invest in such a solid career, it is not easy to accomplish. This is a popular field and there is competition to get into nursing schools. Once admitted, students have to work hard to make it through the rigorous curriculum. Will there be a job waiting for those who manage to get trained and licensed? Registered nurses are everywhere and there are a growing number of working professionals. There are three million registered nurses in the US, which makes it the largest group of healthcare workers. Yet, that is not enough to fill the need. There has been a nursing shortage for decades, and the job growth rate for RNs continues to be much higher than for most other occupations. The high demand means a newly graduated registered nurse will have the opportunity to work practically anywhere. Employers are offering good pay - as much as $70,000 a year - even for those with less than a year of experience. That does not even include sign-on bonuses, benefits, and other perks. With advanced training, some nursing specialties pay over $200,000 a year! A career in registered nursing offers a winning combination of job security, ease of entry, flexible work hours, good pay, and the opportunity to help others. It is also challenging, defined by hard work, long hours, and stressful situations. For the right type of person, however, there is no more rewarding career than being a registered nurse.