Where Do Nurses Work?
First, what is a nurse? A nurse is a person, male or female, who provides health care service to people wherever they may be. Nurses provide service in:
- Ambulatory Care - these settings include: private nursing practice (most people think of this type of nursing as private duty nursing but most nurses in private practice are advanced nurse practitioners); physicians offices; home health care; hospices; community health centers; camps; nurse managed centers; ambulatory sites for surgical and emergency care; birth centers; renal dialysis centers; family planning/womens health centers; mental health centers; substance abuse centers
- Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Services
- Government Agencies prisons; school health service; public health departments; Department of Veterans Affairs; Department of Defense (military health care); Indian Health Service
- Hospitals
- Education colleges and universities preparing nurses
- Research
Are There Jobs For Nurses?
As the population of the United States and of the world increases, nurses are needed in greater numbers to provide the necessary health care services in the various settings listed above. While the number of nurses needed does seem to rise and fall, there has never been a period in modern times when nurses were not needed in some setting. While much of what nurses do may be related to caring for the sick, nurses do much more. Nurses do health teaching, so that people keep well. Nurses have also historically been the coordinator of treatment plans. It has often been said that nurses plan, provide and evaluate care in all settings and function as a full member of the health team. Therefore, since what nurses do is so vital to mankind there will always be jobs for nurses.
What Does It Take To Be A Nurse?
- A college preparatory course in high school with courses in the sciences, including algebra and laboratory courses biology and chemistry. Grades should be 2.5 or higher. Preference is usually given to applicants with grades of 3.0 or higher. English courses should show a good command of oral and written word.
- A highly motivated, self-starter, able to easily solve problems.
- A strong personality.
- Ability to be flexible.
- Able to work well with individuals and groups.
Choosing a Nursing Program
There are several basic nursing programs, all of which include theory and clinical experience in nursing:
- Practical/Vocational Nursing Programs: they prepare practical or vocational nurses in a one-year program after which the graduate must pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses).
- Diploma Programs: this is a hospital-based educational program that does not award an academic degree in nursing. The course of study is usually 2 to 3 years. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses).
- Associate Degree Programs: these programs are based in community colleges that award an Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science Degree. The course of study is 2 years in length, after which the graduate must pass the NCLEX-RN.
- Bachelor of Science Programs: these programs are based in colleges or universities that award a BSN. The major difference between the BSN and other RN preparatory programs is the degree of liberal education and overall theory and clinical practice experiences. The course of study is 4 years in length after which the graduate must pass the NCLEX-RN.
All nursing programs preparing registered nurses must include general education courses in psychology, developmental psychology, anatomy and physiology; and nursing theory and practice in adult and child health, mental health, maternal health. The depth and breadth of the nursing curriculum (courses and experiences) and general educational courses are directly related to the type of basic nursing program.
Before enrolling in a nursing program you should verify that the program is currently accredited by either the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) if it is a baccalaureate program.
Expected Salary?
It is difficult to determine the expected salary because that depends upon what type of nursing you plan to engage in when you receive your license, what type of nursing program you completed, the geographic location of the work setting, and whether you plan to work full-time or part-time.
What Are The Career Opportunities?
Career opportunities are unlimited. Whatever is your basic nursing education you will have opportunities to advance in nursing by furthering your education. Advanced degrees (masters and/or doctorates in nursing) usually are equated with independent practice, teaching, research, and administration.
It can safely and accurately be said that there are few careers that offer as many opportunities as does nursing. If you are willing to commit yourself to the education required you will be able to enjoy a long, fruitful career in nursing.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/NJ/nursing.htm
