The nursing profession is quickly growing.
The U.S. Department of Labor predicted employment of registered nurses to increase 26-percent from 2010 to 2020.
June Jett is a registered nurse and nurse recruiter at United Hospital Center and attributes the popularity to the many nursing schools in the area.
"If we weren't in the area that we are with the nursing programs, we would see probably see a large shortage," Jett said.
West Virginia University, Salem International University, Davis and Elkins, West Virginia Wesleyan, and Alderson-Broaddus all offer nursing programs.
Human resource coordinator and registered nurse at United Hospital Center Judy Peasak definitely notices the increasing trend and said "this particular area is lucky to have the number of nursing schools that we have."
Peasak adds that the flexibility and number of opportunities presented to new graduates is appealing.
"Nursing is really one of the hot careers now because there's a wonderful job market, the salary is really very good, the benefits are excellent and the opportunities for variety of where you might want to work are almost endless," Peasak said.
According to Peasak, an average starting salary for a registered nurse is around $44,000 a year. If one goes on to get a graduate-level degree, they will start with a higher salary.
There are job opportunities for nurses around the state. Jett said she would have no problem moving and getting a new job within a week if she wanted.
"Now, people are aware if I go into nursing, not only is it a well paying job, but also, you're going to get a job. I've never seen a nurse be unemployed because she couldn't find a job," Jett said.
For Jett and Peasak, what's most important is making a positive impression on patients.
"They'll remember your name as a good nurse or as a bad nurse and I've always wanted to be remembered as a good nurse," Jett said.
"You're taking care of people at a time when they really have a need and you fulfill that and people never forget you," Peasak said.
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