Nurse Anesthetist

Job Duties

Nurse anesthetists provide patients with anesthesia during medical procedures, such as surgery or obstetrical procedures. They give patients preoperative care by explaining to them exactly how the procedures will work. During procedures, they monitor the patient's vital signs and assist physicians. After the procedure is complete, they assist the patient with recovery from anesthesia and provide other postoperative care. From the beginning to the end of the procedure, they are with the patient, giving them the support and assistance they need. They work in all kinds of medical settings, from hospitals to dentists' offices to pain clinics. They work closely with surgeons, dentists, podiatrists, anesthesiologists, and other high-level healthcare workers.

Job Skills

Nurse anesthetists need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, nurse anesthetists should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

Because of the extraordinarily high level of responsibility, nurse anesthetists earn some of the highest salaries in the profession of nursing. In 1999, they earned an average annual salary of around $100,000.

Training and Education

Nurse anesthetists are required to have graduate level training - usually a Master's degree in nursing. They must first become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates for registered nurse positions must obtain a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete. BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession.

After they have earned their BSN, students must then enter a master's degree program in Nurse Anesthesia. These programs usually take between 24 and 36 months to complete and cover anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, pharmacology, as well as the techniques and procedures of surgery and obstetrics. On completion of their program, graduates must then become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) by passing a national examination. Most are members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Click here to see a list of Nursing Schools, and/or to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

Currently, there are about 27,000 CRNAs working in the United States.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of nurse anesthetists is expected to increase faster than the average. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, and technological advances will keep registered nurses, including nurse anesthetists, in high demand.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), are responsible for providing basic care to ill, injured, convalescent, and disabled persons. They work under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses. The scope of the care they provide includes measuring vital signs, giving rubs or massages, changing dressings, and giving enemas and injections. In addition, LPNs help patients eat, dress, and bathe, collect blood samples, and, in some States, administer intravenous fluids. Their duties are often defined by the type of facility in which they work. In nursing care facilities, they may evaluate care plans and supervise nursing aides; in private homes, they may cook meals and assist family members with nursing work; and in doctor's offices, they may assist with clerical duties such as record-keeping and answering phones.

Job Skills

LPNs need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as follow orders from supervisors. Due to the nature of the work, LPNs should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, LPNs earned a median annual salary of $31,440. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $22,860, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $44,040. The highest annual salary was found in employment services, and the lowest was found in physicians' offices.

Training and Education

A high school diploma, or equivalent, is required to be accepted into one of the more than 1,100 State-approved practical nursing programs in the country. After completing this program, LPN candidates must pass a licensing examination required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia. Most students enroll in a practical nursing program through community college or vocational school, although some receive training in high schools, hospitals, and universities. Most programs take about 1 year to complete, and include both classroom study and clinical practice.

Employment

In 2002, approximately 702,000 jobs were held by licensed practical nurses, with the highest numbers working in hospitals and nursing care facilities.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of LPNs is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Factors such as the growing elderly population and general growth of healthcare will keep the number of jobs rising at a steady pace. However, due to technological advances that encourage more procedures being performed away from hospitals, job growth will be faster than the average in physician's offices and outpatient care centers.

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Hospital Nurse

Job Duties

Hospital nurses, the largest group of registered nurses (RNs), administer medical treatments and provide bedside care. They usually work as staff nurses and may sometimes supervise licensed practical nurses or nursing aides. They typically work in one department, such as surgery, maternity, pediatrics, the emergency room, intensive care, or cancer treatment. They are responsible for monitoring the care of patients, from diet to physical activity. They give patients medications under the direction of physicians. They observe patients, carefully assessing and recording their various symptoms, as well as cataloguing their progress. They create nursing care plans and provide instruction to patients regarding how to become more independent.

Job Skills

Hospital nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, hospital nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, hospital nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, to the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

Hospital nurses must become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Click here to see a list of Nursing Schools, and/or to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including hospital nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field. A majority of jobs were held in hospitals.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of hospital nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, technological advances will keep registered nurses in high demand.

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Home Health Nurse

Job Duties

Home health nurses provide medical and health services to patients at their places of residence. They work with both patients and their families, assessing the home environment and determining the needs of patients. They work with many different types of patients, such as people recovering from accidents, child birth, or cancer. They are sometimes responsible for supervising home health aides. After traveling to the patient's home, home health nurses administer medications, monitor patients, and instruct patients on appropriate home care. They may teach, counsel, and demonstrate skills to both patients and their families. They serve as liaisons between patients and other health care workers, such as physicians and hospital staff. Care may be episodic or continuous, and it may involve focus on the psychological well-being of the patient.

Job Skills

Home health nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They need to be able to honor the wishes of their patients. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, home health nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, home health nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, to the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

Home health nurses can become certified by the National Association for Home Care. They must also become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Click here to see a list of Nursing Schools, and/or to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including home health nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of home health nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. Due to the rapidly aging population, which needs the services of home health nurses the most, and advances in technology, which allow more complex procedures to be completed in the home, demand for home health nurses is expected to be particularly high. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, technological advances will keep registered nurses, including home health nurses, in high demand.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/nursing_careers/home_health_nurse

Home Health Aide

Home health aides assist elderly, convalescent, or disabled persons who, instead of living in a health facility, reside in their own homes. They provide many different types of medical services, such as checking patients' vital signs, assist with exercise, clean rooms, administer medications, and help patients move bath, dress, and get in and out of bed. Home health aides usually work for either patients discharged from hospitals or elderly or disabled patients who require extra care at home. They are supervised by physical therapists, social workers, registered nurses, or other nursing or medical staff.

Job Skills

Besides having a strong desire to help people, home health aides need to be compassionate, tactful, and understanding. They should be willing to perform repetitive tasks, have good interpersonal communication skills, and be able to work in a team. They also need to be in good health, as some States require tests for tuberculosis and other diseases.

Income

In 2002, home health aides earned a median hourly wage of $8.70. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $6.56, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $12.34. The highest hourly wage was found in the employment services industry, and the lowest was found in individual and family services.

Training and Education

Often it is not necessary to have a high school diploma or previous work experience to obtain a job as a home health aide. If home health aides work for employers who receive reimbursement from Medicare, then they fall under Federal guidelines which require them to pass a competency test covering a variety of skills. Training for the competency test usually consists of 75 hours, supervised by a registered nurse. Employment agencies may also offer training that is certified by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. National home health aide certification is offered by the National Association for Home Care, and is offered on a voluntary basis.

Employment

Out of the nearly 2 million nursing, psychiatric, and home health aide jobs in 2002, about 580,000 people were employed as home health aides.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of home health aides is expected to increase faster than the average, mostly due to an increasing elderly population and their resulting health care needs. A growing effort to transfer more patients out of hospitals and nursing facilities will also add to the demand for home health aides, as will advances in medical technology that make home care a more viable choice.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/nursing_careers/home_health_aide

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job Duties

Occupational health nurses offer health services in the workplace to employees, customers, and anyone else at the worksite who may have an injury or illness. They may prepare accident reports and provide emergency care. If further medical assistance is needed, they arrange for that to take place. They work to identify potential or acute health problems. They provide counseling and conduct health examinations and inoculations. They also tackle challenges of accessibility for disabled workers, productivity, and workers' compensation issues. They work in many different types of facilities, from hospitals to manufacturing plants. Occupational health nurses combine knowledge of public health and nursing theory to attempt to create healthier workers. Because low employee health costs businesses upwards of $1 trillion per year, business leaders depend on occupational health nurses to maintain a health workforce.

Job Skills

Occupational health nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They need to be able to honor the wishes of their patients. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, occupational health nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, occupational health nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

Occupational health nurses can become certified by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN). Certification involves 4,000 hours of work experience and 50 contact hours of continuing education. They must also become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination.

Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Clinical nurse specialists can become certified by the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. Click here to see a list of Nursing Schools, and/or to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including occupational health nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of occupational health nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, and technological advances will keep registered nurses, including home health nurses, in high demand.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/nursing_careers/clinical_nurse_specialist

Case Management Nurse

Job Duties

Case management nurses work to ensure patients receive the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. They seek to deliver efficient and cost-effective treatment to patients who often move between health care facilities. Although some work with all types of patients, they typically specialize in a certain population, such as children, families, or AIDS patients. They work in community health organizations, long-term care facilities, rehab centers, and case management companies. Their main role is to organize and coordinate resources in order to meet the needs of specific patients. They strive to encourage patient self-managed care and ensure patients have access to services. Depending on the client and the setting, they may use many different types of case management models.

Job Skills

Case management nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They need to be able to honor the wishes of their patients. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, case management nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, case management nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, to the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

Case management nurses can become Certified Case Managers (CCM) through the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). They must also become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Employers of case management nurses prefer candidates to have earned a master's of science in nursing (MSN). Click here to see a list of Nursing Schools, and/or to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including case management nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of case management nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. Case management nurses will be in high demand because the growing elderly population will need more and more assistance in managing their various chronic conditions. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, technological advances will keep registered nurses, including case management nurses, in high demand.

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