So you want to be a ... nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION: Registered nurses work to promote health, prevent disease and help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families and communities. When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess and record symptoms, reactions and progress; assist physicians during treatments and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation.

EDUCATION NEEDED: There are three major educational paths to registered nursing. The associate's degree in nursing, a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a diploma.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: Graduate programs to prepare executive-level nurses last 1 to 2 years. With these programs, a registered nurse can advance to clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist.

PAY OPTIONS: The West Virginia average if $49,400 per year.

HOW TO APPLY: Hospitals often have openings listed on their Web sites for open application.

Source: www.nurseops.com, West Virginia Bureau of Employment Programs