Nursing is a profession that provides services such as health assessment, aiding in the recovery of patients, supply of care including medication and laboratory services, patient teaching and education and comfort measures for patients.
A nurse does not usually diagnose or prescribe treatment but instead consults with doctors and other healthcare providers.
On top of all this, a certified nurse may also hold at least one nursing specialty and one nursing certification.
There are many reasons to pursue a nursing career and the field itself provides many chances for growth.
Nursing Opportunities
Nursing is a difficult career to obtain due to the high standard required for certification by each state board which makes individuals want to avoid pursuing the costly yet rewarding career.
The job outlook for individuals going into the nursing field is very promising.
The need for nurses is expected to steadily increase over the next few years due to the aging population, which will create more demands in healthcare facilities.
Also, with increasing technology and competition among healthcare facilities, it can be expected that nurses will provide better services instead of treating them and sending them home.
How the Nursing Profession is Changing
There have been changes in the way nurses are treated and the roles that they play.
The nursing profession has shifted to become more about patient care rather than about medical procedures.
The hospital environment has changed, with more emphasis placed on a nurse’s ability to handle certain situations rather than having highly skilled professionals.
Nurses are now being recognized as professionals, no longer just assistants to doctors. Additionally, every nurse practitioner is expected to develop new knowledge as technology changes and advanced healthcare guidelines evolve.
What Helps Nurses Succeed in School?
Individuals deciding to go into nursing should be prepared for the difficult training and certification process.
They will need to be persistent, and especially so throughout their training. They also require patients, support groups, and mentors willing to help them when necessary.
The best way to learn about what you can expect in nursing school is by researching the experiences of others who have taken the first step into a new career.
Listening and learning from others who have previously been in that situation along with those who represent them in the nursing field will be extremely beneficial.
Nurses do a lot of work and they require the right set up or infrastructure to help them carry it out. The best Nursing Schools have dedicated science tables to help their nurses in this regard.
Choosing the Right Nursing Program for You
- Read up on nursing programs, especially the ones that provide specific direction. You need to know what you want from your program.
- Volunteer in a nursing facility, hospital or physician’s office. Spend time observing how nurses work in those settings and think about what you want out of your program (volunteer as much as you can).
- Attend schools that fit your needs and personality type. Learn something from everything (physically, emotionally, financially) that you do.
- Consider online nursing programs. You can get a lot of schoolwork done at home or on the road, and you can still join a great support group. In addition, an online program may be the best fit for you if you are unsure about which location is best for you (or your family).
- Take the first step! You’re already on the path to success.
Skills Needed to Be a Nurse
Nursing is a very specialized profession and because of that, it may seem like an impossible task for any individual to complete successfully after high school. However, with a little research and planning, anyone can become a tremendous asset to any facility.
Nursing is difficult because it requires both technical and scientific components along with the more common ones such as nursing theory, patient care, teamwork, and communication.
Locations of Nursing
Nursing schools are located all over the United States (as well as abroad) to offer students the best care possible.
Each school varies based on its fields of concentration so it is essential to research each one in order to make an informed decision about your future career.
What to Expect After Graduation from Nursing School
Nursing Basics to Know
- The first step in becoming a nurse is obtaining a degree in nursing. This can be accomplished through an undergraduate program or a graduate school (NCLEX-RN or MSN).
- Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) requires licensure by the state board of nursing. This may take up to two years after graduating from an accredited school and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Nursing degrees are either BSNs and MSNs or MSNs only.
- Work experience is also important for your career to continue. It is crucial to obtain RN-related experience after graduation from school.
