Nurses


Nurses are in the business of caring for people. They comfort you when you are sick, they prick your finger as a baby to draw blood and they tell you what to do when your stomach won't stop turning circles. But most do a lot more than that.

Nursing Pathways

There are many different types of nurses. Most with names you have probably never even heard of.

Registered nurses are very common and also very well known. They work to promote health, prevent disease and help people cope with sickness. Registered nurses observe patients, assess their symptoms and record those as well as their reactions and progress. They also assist physicians during surgeries, treatments and exams, administer medications and assist in rehabilitation. Many states have laws governing what nurses do, but it is usually their job setting that ultimately determines that.

Hospital nurses form the largest group of nurses. Most are staff nurses who provide bedside care and perform minor medical procedures. They are usually assigned to one department, such a maternity, but some have rotating departments.

Office nurses care for people at an outpatient doctor's office. They prepare patients for exams, give medications and dress wounds. Some may also perform minor surgeries.

Home health nurses care for people in their home. They instruct patients and their families how to make the environment more healthy and assist in situations such as cancer treatment and childbirth.

School Time

In all states, students must graduate from an approved nursing school and pass a national licensing exam in order to obtain a nursing license. Nurses may be licensed through more than one state and most require periodic renewals.

There are three major paths you can go down for nurse licensing: a bachelors of science degree in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing or a diploma. Most schools and hospitals have discontinued using diplomas. Most associate's degree holders have eventually gone back for their bachelors or masters after working for a few years and getting the hospital's backing to reimburse them for tuition.
Many nurses choose to go the business route after a few years and go back to get their masters in hospital administration.

Job Stats

Working conditions can vary depending on what type of nurse you are. Obviously working in an emergency room is going to be a little more stressful and exhausting than say a nursing job at a high school where most kids can care for themselves. Because of shift work and emergencies, you will most likely work nights, weekends and holidays…especially when starting out.

The good news is that nursing is growing faster than most other occupations due to the growing population in general and also the elderly population who now need assistance, which is only increasing. Technological growth is also helping with the demand of nurses. Now they are able to do things only doctors could do before. A greater number of medical problems can be treated without having to wait to see the doctor and there is an increasing emphasis put on preventive care.

By Lisa Sharp           


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