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Nursing is the protection, promotion, and
optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness
and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and
treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of
individuals, families, communities, and populations.
(Nursing's Social Policy Statement, Second Edition, 2003,
p. 6 & Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 2004, p.
7)
Patients recognize nurses as true caregivers. While doctors
take care of the patient's physical well being, nurses are
seen as comforters. Patients tend to share their feelings and
problems with a nurse.
Nurses are needed in hospitals, home
health agencies, long-term care facilities clinics, managed
care centers, and in community health centers.
Whether
you are a high school senior or a career changer, there are
many opportunities available. Many colleges and
universities offer a variety of programs and degrees in nursing ranging
from a certificate program, an associate's degree, a
bachelor's degree to a master's degree.
Nursing Programs Nursing career
opportunities are greater and more varied than ever before. As
the health care field becomes increasingly complex,
specialized nurses are finding rewarding careers beyond the
customary hospital setting.
There are various degrees and
certificate programs in the field of nursing:
- BSN degrees
- MSN degrees
- Nursing (Masters)
- Nursing (LPN)
- RN to BSN
- LPN to BSN
Licensed Practical Nursing Programs
LPN is as an entry into the nursing career
program. Completion of the Licensed Practical Nurse program
allows students to start working as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
A high school diploma or its equivalent usually is required
for entry, although some programs accept candidates without a
diploma. You need one year training in an accredited college
or online school. LPNs need to pass a licensing examination,
known as the NCLEX-PN, to start practicing.
The Licensed Practical Nursing
program prepares nurses to be direct caregivers in hospitals,
long-term facilities, and ambulatory care-clinic settings.
Nursing programs include both classroom
study and supervised clinical practice. Studies cover basic
nursing concepts and patient care-related subjects. Clinical
practice needs to be carried out in a hospital or a healthcare centre.
Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
Programs Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have
advanced clinical training and educational preparation.
They work in a variety of clinical
settings like outpatient clinics, ambulatory care settings,
emergency departments, inpatient units, community health
agencies, and private practices. Family nurse practitioners
form a bridge between doctors and nurses and are responsible
diagnosis, treatment of families and individuals.
Registered nurses can take their basic nursing
experience and knowledge to a higher level by becoming a nurse
practitioner.
RN to BSN Programs
Some schools offer RN to BSN gateway
programs that allow an experienced RN to achieve a BSN. Reasons
from upgrading from a RN to BSN are many, from monetary to
better work opportunities.
Course work in the RN-to-BSN
program is unique and builds on the foundation of the RN's
expertise. The program capitalizes on the previous education
and skill of the registered nurse student.
A BSN is
preferred and often required for military nursing, case
management, public health nursing, overseas nursing, and
school nursing. Some nursing schools and universities also
offer ADN programs.
Vocational Nurse Programs
Vocational nurses or LPNs need the least
training in the nursing profession, but provide valuable
services. Vocational nurses help keep patients comfortable,
assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. They
collect samples for testing; perform routine laboratory tests,
feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and
output.
Nursing Continuing Education
Programs
To advance your nursing career and take
advantage of the opportunities currently available you must
consider pursuing extra training through continuing
education. Nursing continuing education classes offer
students the opportunity to achieve a variety of advanced
degrees like, Master of Science in Nursing, MS in Nursing/Health Care
Education, MS in
Nursing/Integrative Health, etc.
Nursing/ Health-Care Management
Programs
The MBA and health care management program
integrates advanced practical nursing skills with business
management skills. It provides students with a foundation for
management in health care organizations. You cover subjects
such as organizational, healthcare management principles,
managed care, finance, strategic planning, ethics, marketing,
human resources and medical law. This can be an exciting, rewarding job with innumerable
responsibilities.
Healthcare Administration degree
programs are available at the associate's, bachelor's, master's,
and doctorate level.
Online Nursing Programs
Online nursing students enjoy the benefits
of state-of-the-art interactive online classrooms. They enjoy
collaboration with colleagues, students and faculty through
online forums, e-mail, podcasting and live chat, and many
other innovative methods.
Earning your nursing degree
online allows you to keep your current job and income while
learning. You can also integrate what you learn
into your work and enjoy the benefits of your new education
straight away.
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