Nursing Career Paths

Begin your nursing career path here 

Over the next decade, the demand for registered nurses (RNs) is expected to grow significantly as the U.S. faces an aging population and many nurses retire or leave the profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national workforce for RNs is projected to grow by 6% by 2035.

At Reid Health, we offer opportunities to begin your healthcare career while you have a chance to learn and grow your healthcare career in areas of inpatient care, outpatient care, or clinical administration.

Join our team and grow your career

Whether your path begins as a student nurse or nursing care assistant, you can develop your skills and train here as you grow your career toward a profession as a registered nurse or nurse practitioner.

Reid has pathways for careers in inpatient care and outpatient care. Depending on if you’re interested in working in inpatient care or outpatient care, here's how you can start a career in healthcare and explore opportunities for growth, including leadership roles in clinical administration.

Entry-level positions: Begin a career without a degree

Nurse Care Assistants (NCA), Student Nurse Technicians (SNT), Patient Safety, and Monitor Technicians are all entry-level positions that applicants interested in entering a healthcare field might qualify for employment. Education required includes a high school diploma or GED, and some certifications might apply depending on the job.

• NCA: Supports activities of daily living through direct care such as bathing patients, taking vitals, and repositioning patients.
• SNT: After mastering basic skills in nursing school, an SNT can encompass all the duties of a NCA, but have additional responsibilities like starting IVs, assisting with admission documentation, and inserting urinary catheters. For nursing students, this position offers an excellent opportunity to enhance skills while completing a degree program.
• Patient Safety Observation and Monitor Technicians: These positions work closely with our registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians to observe and monitor patients during or following procedures.

• Medical Assistant (MA): An MA serves as the first point of care for a medical practice. Under the direction of the provider(s) and practice supervisor, our MAs assist with patient procedures and might perform routine laboratory tests. An MA works hand-in-hand with the provider(s) to achieve quality outcomes for the patient.

  Requirements to begin as a Medical Assistant is to have completed an associate degree, or to have graduated from an approved School of Medical Assisting, Licensed Practical Nursing, Registered Nurse, or Athletic Training Program. Individuals who are a licensed Paramedic or EMT certified, with basic life support (BLS) certification, are also qualified for this position.

Career advancement: After you receive your degree

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Our LPNs collaborate with a RN to provide basic nursing care and administer medication. Requirements for this position include licensure in the State of Indiana as an LPN.
• Nurse Resident: After completing an accredited nursing program and passing the state board exam (NCLEX), new or first year registered nurses can join the Nurse Residency Program at Reid. Specifically, part of the inpatient career journey, this year-long program eases the transition into clinical practice for new nurses through an innovative program that will build confidence, enhance skills, and focus on wellness and well-being.
• Registered Nurse (RN): An essential part of the care team, our RNs supervise patient care in collaboration with physician and care team members while promoting a healthy and healing environment.
• RN floor/unit based: Unit-based nurses can specialize in areas such as critical care, emergency nursing, progressive care, family birthing, urology, oncology, hospice, and surgical nursing. They work in both primary care and team nursing settings, using their assessment skills, administering medications, and managing acute patients. Requirements for a RN are state licensure in Indiana.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): A nurse practitioner can deliver the same standard of care as a physician to provide high-quality patient care and deliver the best possible health outcomes. Our nurse practitioners collaborate with physicians to provide services in the hospital or in offices across the health system. Requirements for an NP are licensure in the state of Indiana and a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing.
   

Leadership opportunities as a clinical administrator

• Charge Nurse: Charge nurses are required to be an RN and have an associates, bachelor's, or master's degree. A charge nurse acts as a shift supervisor on each unit and is available at all times. They oversee bed placement, staffing, and assist with managing acute patients.
• Nurse Preceptor: The nurse preceptor guides new nurses and nurse residents during their hospital orientation, providing support, mentorship, and overseeing skills and assessments.
• Supervisors: There are many ways this role is applied at Reid. A supervisor might have a high school diploma and lead an operations unit that supports nursing staff. A supervisor with an associate or bachelor’s degree might lead a nursing unit or serve in a House Supervisor role, overseeing multiple inpatient units during a given shift.
• Clinical Practice Leadership or Nurse Manager: These positions are available to RNs. In this role, the RN can help oversee operations of a practice or a unit in the hospital. Requires an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree.