Nursing Careers

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?

1. 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.
2. A highly motivated, self-starter, able to easily solve problems.
3. A strong personality.
4. Ability to be flexible.
5. 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

Career & College Options

Travel Agents See the World!

We live in a world in which travel has become increasingly important. The travel industry is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world. The dynamic growth of modern travel has created many technical problems for the traveling public and with them, the need to consult a highly qualified expert — “the travel agent” — to arrange and coordinate travel. The travel industry is a highly specialized, intricate, and serious business. The travel industry encompasses a variety of specialized endeavors including travel agencies, airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruise lines, tour companies, wholesalers, motor coach companies, railroads, sightseeing companies, and many others.

Travel agencies employ a number of people in a wide variety of jobs ranging from entry-level clerical support to highly trained specialized agents. The travel agent must have the patience of a saint, the sympathy of a counselor, and the knowledge of a world traveler.

What are the qualifications?
The main qualifications are: individual skills, organizational skills, general business skills, and people skills. You already possess a portion of each of these skills. Have you ever held a job that includes working with people? Have you been a sales person? Have you been a waiter or waitress? Do you have basic computer skills? Do you belong to any organizations? Can you type? Do you pay your own bills? Do you juggle school and work? Do you surf the Internet? Are you detail oriented? Do you have a desire to travel and learn about other cultures?

How Do I Choose a Travel School?
Do your homework. You may find a school to attend in your neighborhood. You may find an on-line program that you can do at home. The best choice, and one that will give you the most employment opportunities after graduation, is one whose program is state licensed by the Department of Education and accredited by a national organization. Make sure the staff is made up of travel professionals who have worked in the industry. Internship programs should provide students with an opportunity to gain on-the job experience prior to graduation. The school should have an Advisory Board made up of well-respected travel industry professionals.

The program content should be hands-on, and the topics should include the following: touristic geography, tours and charters, cruises, sales strategies and customer service, interview skills/resume development, and outside sales/independent agent training. The program must give you the ability to experience the material instead of just reading about it. The computer portion of the program must be a hands-on version of one of the major airline reservation systems such as Sabre, Worldspan, or Apollo and include creating PNRs (passenger name records); finding the lowest fares; car and hotel reservations; auxiliary services; electronic booking of tours; and Internet skills for the travel agent.

Travel schools that specialize in training agents for the travel industry generally offer courses from 6 - 25 weeks in length and offer day and evening schedules. These schools offer certificate programs. Licenses are not necessary for travel agents.

Future of the Travel Industry
Today, successful agencies sell to a specific type of consumer. Today’s consumers are very savvy. They read the travel section, go on-line for information, and watch travel programs on TV. Consumers want to actively participate in their vacation reservations.

The travel agent must be very knowledgeable about popular and new destinations including sightseeing options, safety, customs information, and, most importantly, be able to provide superior customer service. A love of travel attracts many people to the travel field. To succeed, travel agents must be able to convey enthusiasm to the customer and have a genuine desire to be of service. Travel agents can work full-time, part-time, or from their home. Opportunity awaits you in the travel industry.


http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/DE/travel.htm

A Career in Travel & Tourism

Most jobs in the travel & hospitality industry are challenging, exciting, and satisfying. Because of the 24-hour nature of the business, positions can also be exhausting, stressful, and intense. Travel careers are for individuals who enjoy working with people and welcome daily challenges. The industry is also an avenue for people who love the excitement of travel.

Some of the abilities and traits necessary for a successful career in the tourism industry include: interpersonal skills, communication skills, sales and marketing techniques, empathy, perhaps being multi-lingual, computer literacy, office technology, and a sincere desire to continue learning after formal schooling.

Training Programs
Travel & Hospitality schools are available around the world, and range in scope from certificate, associate, and bachelor's degree programs, to master's and certified travel specialist programs.

Course Structure
Typical travel program courses could include:

• Introduction to the Travel Industry, which would explain the jargon of the industry, introduce career opportunities, and focus on future career choices.
• Tourism Geography, the study of world geography as it pertains to travel and tourism.
• Reservations, a study of the terminology and methods necessary for implementing and designing itineraries.
• Travel Operations, an in-depth look at all the material available to the tourism industry to facilitate explaining and selling different modes of travel.
• Sales & Marketing Skills
• Computer Skills, including data processing, letter writing techniques, and airline/hotel computer usage.
• Tourism, a capstone course combining previous course work to summarize and understand the tourist and defining the current trends in the tourism industry.
• Other course work could include specialization in destinations, modes of transportation (tours, cruises,etc.), and higher level computer courses.

Salary Potential
Salaries will vary with starting positions, however, travel school graduates generally advance very quickly. Since this is the tourism industry, there are many perks for the travel professional. Free or discounted rates are available for airlines, major hotels, sightseeing tours and cruises around the world.

Job Opportunities
Your resume for success includes opportunities in the following areas:

TRAVEL AGENCIES - accounting assistant, accounting supervisor, agency manager, corporate account manager, corporate travel counselor, cruise sales manager, cruise salesperson, customer service agent, database administrator, group agent, group sales manager, leisure travel counselor, leisure travel counselor international, marketing assistant, marketing director, meeting planner, outside sales agent, quality control agent, receptionist, ticket control clerk, and webmaster.

AIRLINES - account executive, accountant, administrative manager, crew scheduler, customer service rep, dispatcher, district sales manager, groups sales support manager, marketing manager, rate desk agent, regional sales manager, reservationist, sales rep, sales support manager, ticket agent, and tour and convention sales manager.

HOSPITALITY - property manager, sales department, accounting, automation, concierge, food and beverage, front desk, group sales coordinator, and reservation clerk.

According to Bill Connors, CTC, Senior VP, Meetings, Education, Member Services at ASTA, "ASTA believes that the travel agent community will grow and prosper. Business models will shift, but personal, unbiased travel advice will continue to be in demand and that demand will grow. There are tremendous opportunities in this business, and it still is one of the most exciting industries to work in anywhere!"

The opportunities available to you are almost endless.

http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/CC/travel.htm

Careers in Hospitality Management

Choosing the right career can sometimes be a difficult decision for the recent high school graduate. The best way to start your decision-making process is to do a self-evaluation to determine what you would enjoy doing and whether that career would lead to your personal success. Successful people are highly motivated individuals who have confidence in themselves and their abilities. They don’t view their profession as a grind, but look on it as fulfillment.

Hospitality Management, including the Food Service Industry, is one of the fastest growing occupations in the world. There are predictions that by the year 2005 there will be 12 million workers in this industry. Food Service personnel are needed at the rate of one to every 10 to 12 positions, and the industry is seeking those with a culinary and hospitality education to meet the complex demands of the 21st century.

How will you know if you would be good in these careers? The hospitality industry is comprised of friendly, courteous, and helpful individuals who are willing to deliver great customer service with a passion. If you possess these qualities and have good communication skills, then this exciting industry could be for you. If you have never worked in the hospitality industry, find a related job (even if only part-time), and give it a test drive. It is much smarter to try it out before you invest a lot of time and money in a school only to discover that you’re not suited for this occupation.

The best place to start your search for a good school would be the internet. Many hospitality management sites have excellent links with resources about the industry. Also, numerous schools will have links back to their individual web sites. In addition to the internet, most states have an employment commission and/or state education agency that can provide you with a complete listing of all the schools in your area.

Types of training vary. If you choose the more traditional route of a junior college or university, you will study prerequisites such as English, math, history, and biology while you learn the theories and concepts of the industry. If you choose a vocational school, you will spend more of your time with hands-on training in the areas you choose. Many vocational schools will also have an internship as part of the program. This will not only give you practical working experience in the industry, it will also make you and your resume more marketable upon graduation. Your degree and professional work experience are the two most important elements to an employer.

After you have found schools that you are interested in, decide what you would like to do once you graduate. Then, look at a school’s curriculum and determine whether it meets your end objective. Next, speak with knowledgeable individuals in the industry and see what schools they would recommend. It is also a good idea to check with local hotel and chef associations for their recommendations.

Upon graduation, students of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts schools may seek employment in hotels, restaurants, catering, resorts, cruise ships, casinos, and entertainment venues, just to mention a few. Jobs in hospitality operations can be found in almost every community in the United States and abroad.

Earning potential varies and is limited only by your ability and willingness to succeed. Starting wages are $8 to $16 per hour; however, this can increase substantially with experience and perseverance. Many Hospitality Management positions offer benefits such as health insurance, paid vacations and sick days, and reduced rates on accommodations, food, and travel. Annually, travel and tourism employers around the world pay more than $1.6 trillion in wages and salaries and create 12.5 million new jobs.

Hospitality is an industry that is known for promoting from within and for having a large number of young managers. If you’re talented and demonstrate a good work ethic, you can advance quickly. There is no limit to where your dreams and ambitions can take you in the exciting and fascinating world of Hospitality Management. Remember, it is not where you start that matters, it’s where you finish.

http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/DF/hospitality.htm

Careers in Travel and Tourism

Experience the World

Travel agencies are still very busy places, and industry demand continues to grow. While internet companies are popular, they are only distant alternatives to a travel agent. Most people are reluctant to provide their personal information to an online service; besides, the computer doesn’t do all the work of a travel agent, and every internet site will contain a telephone number or other point of contact.

Consider the Demand for Travel and Tourism Professionals
Travel and Tourism training does not limit your growth potential to working in travel agencies alone. You could work for airlines, cruise lines, tour wholesalers, tour operators, rail lines, corporate travel, tourist attractions, hotels, and resorts. For those who enjoy traveling, it will enhance your vision of the world and encourage you to seek new adventures and to experience other cultures.

The supply of qualified travel agents able to use the newest computer software is not keeping up with industry demand. Overall enrollment in travel and tourism schools has declined over the past few years. As a result, there are not enough graduates to meet the demand now or the estimated need of the future.

Choose the Right School
Before enrolling in a university, community college, vocational school, or proprietary school (schools independent of universities, community colleges, or vocational/technical schools), ask these questions suggested by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA):

• Has the school been approved, registered, or licensed by the State Post Secondary Education Bureau or a recognized accreditation association?

• Who teaches on the faculty? What type of travel industry experience do the instructors have? Are instructors familiar with all facets of the travel industry?

• What is the curriculum? The travel industry is complex and multifaceted; does this school offer courses in all aspects of travel?

• Is there hands-on computer training with airline reservation systems? Make sure you’ll learn systems that are currently being used!

• How long has the school been in operation?

• What type of placement assistance is available through the school?

• What type of facilities, equipment, and materials are available? Are they current?

Inquire About Courses & Training
Travel and tourism training includes an introduction to travel focusing on an overview of the industry, including the numerous careers possible and the benefits and identification of major travel industry organizations. Coursework also should cover challenges and changes in the industry, including the impact of the internet.

Geography is also an important subject. It should be studied as part of the major travel destinations for both leisure and corporate travel and should take into account not only present interest but also future trends.

Classes should also cover fares and ticketing; understanding the terminology of the travel industry; city, airport, and airline codes; nonstop and connecting flights; classes of service; and aircraft types. In addition, students should learn sales and marketing techniques and travel counseling. A code of ethics governs professionals in travel and tourism, and students should become very familiar with acceptable behaviors in the industry.

Students should also be familiarized with the travel experience. It is important to understand what happens to travelers from the moment they enter the airport until they reach their destination. Not only is the airport experience important, but also a knowledge of ground transportation policies and procedures.

Classes should also cover types of tours available, common destinations, destination research, and tour development and operations. Don’t forget cruises! Students should become familiar with cruise ships, cruise guides, and booking procedures. And specialized travel groups and corporate incentives should not be overlooked.

Make sure the program offers hands-on computer use throughout the coursework!

Career counseling and job placement prepare students for their life after school. Such services may include complementary resume preparation, a seminar on job interviewing, and dressing for success.

Research, research, research, and ask lots of questions. Only you can decide which is the best school for you.


http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/MP/travel.htm

Choosing a Career in the Hospitality

So, it is time to decide what you will do with your life. What will you choose? Perhaps you might consider a career in the hospitality industry. What is the hospitality industry? The hospitality industry is defined as the activity of providing lodging, food and beverage, and recreational services, which include but are not limited to hotels, motels, clubs, casinos, restaurants, recreation facilities, tourism, cruise lines, and theme parks. Wow, what a variety of options! A multi-billion dollar industry, hospitality is our country’s third largest industry employing nearly 9.5 million people nationally. Your options are great, but what does this mean to you?

Check this out: the history of the hospitality industry dates all the way back to the Colonial Period when, in 1794, the first City Hotel opened in New York City. Things have changed quite a bit since then; the hospitality industry has experienced significant development over the years as it has faced World Wars, The Depression (ask your history teacher!), and various social changes. The industry as we know it today began to take form in the early 1950s and 60s, leading the way for growth into the dynamic industry we know today. Career options in the hospitality industry have continued to grow along with the industry.

What career options are offered in the hospitality industry? Where do you start? What types of careers are available? These are the major questions to consider when pursing a career in the hospitality industry. The following descriptions outline the different levels of hospitality positions you might enter into.

Entry-Level: This is where you start; the experience and skill you will gain in these positions can prepare you for advancement in your career. Typically the tasks are related to your position and are a valuable component to the success of the hospitality entity.

Skilled-Level: This is the next step where you will develop specific skills and capabilities that can be transferred from one position to another (you are on your way).

Managerial-Level: This is when your experience, training and initiative are combined to create your ability to lead employees and manage business.

The following are specific career opportunities you can obtain in the hospitality industry:

LODGING
- Hotel Manager
- Sales Manager
- Travel Journalist
- Front Office Manager
- Reservation Manager

FOOD & BEVERAGE
- Restaurant Manager
- Kitchen Manager
- Banquet Manager
- Chef
- Bar/Club Manager

RECREATIONAL SERVICES
- Campground Manager
- Tour Escort/Operator
- Meeting/Conference Planner
- Travel Consultant
- Recreation Specialist

As you can see you have many choices, but what qualities must you possess? The hospitality industry, like many other industries, seeks and requires a certain personality to be successful, you must:

• Like People

• Be a Hard Worker

• Have strong Communication Skills

• Be willing to Sacrifice

• Maintain a Professional Appearance

• Have “Common Sense” (be able to think on your feet to respond to guests’ needs)

Although these qualities may seem simple, they are constantly put to the test due to the requests of people served by this very demanding industry. Regardless of where you work within hospitality, you will be required to exceed guest/customer expectations to ensure the experience they have at your facility is valuable, pleasant, and memorable.

Once you obtain a position and work hard, what can you expect to be paid (what is your worth)? We all expect to be well compensated for a job well done! Although the history of wages in the hospitality industry has been considered low, times have changed! Today, wages for the hospitality industry are very competitive as compared to those for other industries, and a wide range of salaries are available. Several elements, beginning with capability/skill and performance, will impact your income; additionally, types of property, location, and position are factors that are also included. Employment outlook for the hospitality industry varies by occupation; however, wage and salary employment in hotels and other lodging places is expected to increase 13% from 2000-2010. This job growth is due to rising personal income, an increase in the number of two-income families, low-cost airfares, and a greater emphasis on leisure activities on in our society.

What type of education will you need to obtain a job in the hospitality industry? The industry is becoming increasingly complex with a greater emphasis being placed on specialized training. Demand is increasing for people with special skills obtained in colleges, junior colleges, technical institutes, vocational schools, and high schools. Programs range in length from a few months to several years. Nearly 200 community and junior colleges offer 2-year degree programs in hotel and restaurant management. It is possible to obtain a 4-year college degree in the liberal arts or other fields and enter into a trainee or junior management track. However, a bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in hotel and restaurant management provides the strongest background for a career as a hotel manager, with nearly 150 colleges and universities offering programs. Graduates of these programs are highly sought by employers in this industry. New graduates often go through on-the-job training programs before being given much responsibility. Eventually, they can advance to a top management position in a large chain operation.

How do you find the right school/program for you? First you need to ensure you are committed to achieving a higher education. Consult with your guidance counselor, teachers, and parents. Make sure you have prepared yourself for the academic testing that will be required for enrollment. Second, what are your financial options to pay for an education? Seek alternatives available such as scholarships, grants, loans, etc. Third, do your homework and research various types of institutions to find out which one is right for you. Ask what type of curriculum is offered, what type of experience is available, what type of placement support can you expect?

Lastly, remember your career decision must be YOUR choice. A career in the hospitality industry can be very rewarding and will take you along paths you may never had considered. The hospitality industry can be very exciting and glamorous, and it will afford you the opportunity to travel and work with thousands of people. Each day is different from the previous day. New challenges and increasing job opportunity is what makes the hospitality industry so great and why it has survived for so many years.


http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/MP/hospitality.htm

College Bound: How an Educational Consultant Can Help

Every day a few more colorful college brochures arrive in the mail, with pictures of happy students crossing a wooded campus. Representatives from universities around the country visit your high school to tell you why that school is the best place for you to spend the next four years.

But all the information is putting you on overload rather than helping you. You may be having trouble deciding what type of school really would be the right choice for you..

Thats where an educational consultant can help. These professionals work with you and your family on identifying your strengths and interests, and help you find schools that would be a good matchsocially, as well as academically.

A consultant begins by talking with you and your family to find out about your learning style, interests, personality and goals. He or she will make recommendations on the type of school environment that would best suit you.

The consultant will then work with you to identify specific schools you may consider. Competent educational consultants spend about 20% of their time on the road visiting colleges and universities to get a feel for the campus and to meet with admissions officials. With that storehouse of firsthand knowledge, the consultant can recommend colleges that would be a great match, including colleges you might never have thought about!

Educational consultants can also help you sort through the admissions requirements and documents. Of course, youll still have to write your own essays, but the consultant can help you focus your ideas so the essay truly reflects who you are.

Not only do consultants know about a wide range of colleges, but they are also experts on the strengths of departments within the colleges. They can tell you what school has a strong business department, which has a first-class architecture program or where you can combine music and computer science into a degree program.

Consultants also know how to separate the hype from the fact in what you read about various colleges. For example, schools may say they provide special programs or services in certain areas, but an experienced consultant knows which school programs are the most comprehensive.

While outside resources can be helpful, consultants advise against basing your college choice just on a schools ranking in a magazine. Magazine surveys base their rankings on a wide variety of factors, some of which may not be important to you. For example, a survey may rank a school with a good art program lower if it did not have certain health and recreation facilities. In addition, the information for the surveys is provided by the colleges, which may put their own spin on the data.

Consultants also emphasize that you shouldnt go to a college just because it is well known. Sometimes a school that is not well-known will provide more of what youre looking for. They, in turn, may be looking for students just like you.

What a consultant can help you do is find a college that is a good match for you, so you dont have to rely on the advice of a neighbor or friend or a description in a magazine.

Many families view an educational consultant as a valuable specialist, a wise investment with the rising cost of tuition and the fierce competition at many colleges. Consultants offer different fee arrangements, from a one-time consultation to a multi-year involvement, helping guide a student through high school course choices and the college admissions process. Keep in mind that independent educational consultants never accept finders fees from colleges; they are to work only for you and your family.

As the need has increased, the number of people calling themselves educational consultants has risen dramatically. One way to ensure you are working with a competent consultant is to look for one who works full-time in private practice, and is properly trained. He/she should have recommendations from other professionals, and must pledge to act ethically in all their dealings with clients and colleges.

http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/USconsult.htm