Nurse Careers
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Nurse Career Overview
Nursing is a hot career field these days. Job prospects are expected to be excellent. As the general population ages, more and more people will be participating in the healthcare system as patients, leading to more jobs in the field. Nurses are at the front line of patient care. It is very likely that a patient may have more contact with nurses than with doctors during throughout the course of their treatment.
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Nurses with BSNs or MSNs (bachelor's or master's of science in nursing) can expect the widest selection of career opportunities. A degree is a necessity for advanced nursing positions, such as nurse-midwives, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitionersn or clinical nurse specialists.
Nurse Salary and Career Outlook
The amount of money a nurse earns depends on his or her experience and place of employment. The middle 50% of registered nurses earned between $47,710 and $69,850 in 2006, with the top 10% making over $83,440. Licensed practical nurses earned a median salary of $35,550, with the top 10% making over $50,480. Nurse's aids can expect an hourly wage in the range of $9 to $15 per hour. There may be substantial opportunities for overtime in the nursing profession, particularly in geographic areas where there is a nursing shortage.
Characteristics of Successful Nurses
Nurses must be empathetic, showing care and compassion toward their patients. A nurse may well spend more time with an individual patient than the patient's doctor, so a nurse becomes the face of the patient's healthcare experience. Nurses need to be able to communicate well with people of all ages and backgrounds. A good nurse can make a patient feel safe and cared for, leading to improved chances of a full and speedy recovery.
Nurses must be detail-oriented, since they have responsibility for patient records as well as for administering medications and monitoring patient progress. Nurses spend many hours on their feet every day, so physical stamina is also essential.
Conclusion
Although nursing can be stressful, it can also be tremendously rewarding. Nurses have a daily opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives. Furthermore, nursing offers stable employment and the chance to advance within the profession, making it an attractive career option for many.
Article Resources
The U.S. Department of LaborThe U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor
Career Fields/Specializations
Nurse's Aide
Nurse's aides help care for the ill in hospitals, nursing homes, mental health facilities, or home healthcare settings. They often act as primary caregivers for their patients, helping them bathe or eat, and maintaining a clean living environment for the patients. Qualifications for this position vary by state, but may include a high school diploma. This type of nursing requires the least amount of training.
LPN or LVN
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) cares for patients with disabilities or injuries, providing necessary daily care. Tasks may include taking vital measurements like blood pressure, temperature, and respiration; caring for wounds; and assisting with personal hygiene. They may also collect samples to be sent to the lab, record nutritional intake, and monitor medical equipment.
An LPN's or LVN's close contact with a patient enables him or her to report important information to RNs or doctors, which helps in the determination of appropriate treatment options.
Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically require at least a high school diploma and completion of a one-year practical nurse program, as well as passing a state licensing exam.
Registered Nurse RN
Registered nurses (RNs) may enter the field with a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing (AND), or a diploma program, typically administered by a hospital. Master's degrees in nursing (MSNs) are also available. Registered nurses with BSNs or MSNs are likely to encounter the best opportunities for advancement. RNs with advanced training may be able to diagnose illness and prescribe medication, in addition to administering treatments and observing patient progress. Registered nurses may specialize in a particular subcategory of healthcare, such as critical care, oncology, dermatology, or geriatrics.
