Nurses are in high demand and that demand has created an excellent opportunity for those in the health care field. It's not only a chance for better wages than ever before; it's also an opportunity to choose your benefits. That means that you'll look more closely at the individual companies and what they can offer.

So what benefits can you expect as a nurse? Take a look at some options you'll find from the various nursing agencies and health care facilities.

Favorable working conditions and hours - While there's no doubt that more nurses and other health care professionals are constantly in demand, many companies and facilities are offering nurses and technicians time off as an incentive to work for them. These companies do whatever it takes to keep working hours to a reasonable level, including hiring temporary workers from other companies. This means that there's less demand to work overtime, leaving even nurses time for themselves and their families. The goal is two fold. Not only do these companies want to attract and retain quality employees, they also realize that nurses and others health care professionals are more likely to be at the top of their game when they're handling reasonable working hours with adequate backup staffing.

The tangibles - Not only are nurses demanding higher wages than ever before, they're also being offered other benefits that haven't been necessarily associated with professionals in this industry in the past. Most are small incentives that carry little importance to some people, but may become big issues. Direct deposit is one example. Seem like a minor point? Maybe, until you're getting your paycheck on Thursday night, are too tired after working overnight to make the trip to the bank Friday and wind up with a check that still hasn't been cashed the following week.

Part-time, temporary and situational jobs - There are companies out there that offer placement for nurses to meet situational requirements. You may not want the responsibility of a full-time position in a hospital, but want to work only a few weeks at a time. You have plenty of options. Choose travel nursing and spend a few days on the road each month, or a few months out at a time. Pick up part-time work or temporary positions. You have plenty of options without working full time and there are companies that do nothing but placements for people like you. Be careful to choose a reputable company and be wary of signing a long-term contract that limits your work with other companies, but this could be a viable option.

Education - There are some real options available if you want a career in nursing or want to advance your education to make yourself more attractive on the marketplace. Take a year off to get some additional training or take a night class. You can choose online courses or pick up classes at your community college or university. You have plenty of options if you want to advance your career with education.

Pay - Most nurses will tell you they choose their field because of the good they can do other people, but there's no doubt that the money is attractive. And pay for nurses in all walks of the health care industry have never been better.