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Jasmine Webb / Registered Nurse, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock

Jasmine Webb, 24, had an interest in the medical field since she was a teenager, but didn’t know for sure what she wanted to do until she started volunteering at the Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff. “I was able to see what actually goes on at the hospital and the different careers available,” she said. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff in 2010, she landed a job at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences on the Medical Specialties floor and feels like she made the right decision. “Nursing has endless possibilities, and I believe it is a great career choice,” she said.

What are the daily responsibilities of your job? I provide patient care for acute medical patients, assess the health status of individuals, develop plans and implement appropriate nursing interventions. I have to make sure that physician’s orders are followed and administer medications, shots and fluids. I have to assist the patient as well as the patient’s family.

What’s the best part of your job? My favorite thing about being a nurse is working with patients with various illnesses because I feel it broadens my knowledge and will help me advance as a professional nurse.

How did your education prepare you for your job? Working at various clinical sites helped me gain experience with patient care. My education provided me with a good foundation and critical thinking skills. Nursing education does not stop once you obtain a degree. It will continue throughout your career if you want to advance and want to strive for excellence.

What advice would you give to someone interested in your field? I would recommend researching the schools you want to attend. You must be ready for school because it will take time and dedication. Volunteer to make sure what area you want to work in (plus, it looks good on your résumé). Keep a good rapport with instructors, and most importantly, keep those grades up!

WHY IT’S HOT: Because of a growing elderly population, health care professionals are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job opportunities for licensed professional nurses to grow 21 percent by 2018.

WHAT’S THE PAY? Registered nurses in Arkansas made on average $56,500 in 2010.

TRY MAJORING IN: Nursing.