subject: An Overview Of The Nursing Field [print this page] Nursing, as a healthcare profession, is ideal for those who are sensitive to the needs of the physically or mentally unfit, and wish to provide medical care and attention to such people regardless of age, sex, or status. Here is an overview of the nursing profession.
What do nursing programs cover?
Nursing programs cover a variety of topics, depending on the degree you opt for. More or less, all nursing programs cover the basics of anatomy and physiology, the fundamentals of nursing, microbiology, healthcare systems, community and family health, etc.
What educational paths leadtoward a nursing career?
In the United States, nursing students are required to graduate from an accredited nursing school and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to become a registered nurse. Eligibility requirements for licensure vary by state, so students are encouraged to contact their states board of nursing to obtain related details.
Diploma in nursingor hospital diploma: This is the entry-level nursing credential offeredby hospital-based nursing schools. Completion of a nursing diploma enables a student to take the NCLEX-RN.
Associate degree in nursing (ADN): Theassociates degree in nursing is a two-year program,and the most common path taken by most students to a nursing career. Most colleges and nursing schools offer this program.After graduation the student is qualified to take the NCLEX-RN. Stevens-Henager College is an example of an accredited college that offers both online and on-ground associates, bachelors, and masters degree programs in a variety of fields, such as healthcare, business, information technology, and graphic arts. Stevens-Henager College accreditation is through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and their associate degree in nursing program has been accredited by National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Bachelors degree in nursing (BSN): While many registered nurses choose to enter the healthcare industry right after completing their associates degrees, others might prefer to advance their careers to administrative and leadership positions. Such students complete a four-year bachelors degree program (either online or on campus) before entering the field.
Where do registered nurses work?
Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare facilities. A registered nurse can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, camps, schools, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory care centers, oralmost any organization that requires medical services.
What do registered nurses (RNs) do?
Registered nurses perform a wide variety of important job functions, including:
Collecting a patients medical history and recording current symptoms
Performing physical exams and running diagnostic tests
Interpreting and analyzing results to help determine courses of action
Administering treatment and medications, and running patient follow-ups
Educating families and communities about illnesses, disease control, proper diet and nutrition, physical therapy, etc.
Working alongside other healthcare professionals in order to coordinate care
Directing and monitoring the care delivered by licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nurse aides
What are the job outlooks and career prospects for nursing?
The nursing profession is one of the fastest growing healthcare occupations in the United States. Not only do job prospects for nurses seem excellent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but they are also projected to increase by 22 percent between the years 2008 and 2018.
If you wish to spend your life caring for sick people, then nursing can very well make a fine career choice for you.
