Healthcare
needs are continuously evolving and there is a constant need for
well-equipped nurses who can provide the increasingly complex care.
Basically
nurses take care of the sick and injured, but in reality there are no
limits to what the job entails. Nurses can advance to become department
heads, supervisors as well as take up the role of managing other nurses. To take up a nursing career, you need to have a sympathetic and caring
nature. You must have an attitude of helping the sick and needy.
Nursing Programs
There are innumerable nursing programs that are being offered today ranging from the basic LPN to the very advanced nursing PhD. A good way to start is to earn a nursing schools degree. Subsequently you can earn further qualifications and
rise to positions of greater management and clinical responsibility
through different nursing programs.
Licensed Practical Nursing Programs
A
high school diploma, or equivalent, is required for entry in the LPN
nursing program. Some programs accept candidates without a diploma if
they had nursing as part of a high school curriculum. LPN programs require training at a hospital, vocational
technical school or community college. After taking this training you
are eligible for licensure as an LPN. To earn an LPN license, you must pass a state administered nursing test, called the NCLEX-PN® examination.
A LPN program has two
distinct sections: theory and practical. The theory side deals with
patient-care related subjects such as anatomy, physiology,
medical-surgical nursing, administration of drugs, nutrition, and first
aid. In the practical, you get a hands-on training with actual patients
in a hospital or a health care center.
Nursing Continuing Education Programs
When,
you decide to advance in your career, nursing continuing education
programs provide you with the education and credentials needed. Continuing
education programs prepare you to face changes and new challenges of
the healthcare industry. They help you upgrade yourself and provide you
with the option to choose from a growing number of nursing specialties
such as Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, Nursing Educator, Clinical
Nurse Specialist, or Nursing Administrator.
Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
The
Nursing/ Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for those nurses
who want to pursue more advanced positions in today's challenging
health care environment. The program merges nursing theory with
advanced practice concepts. Family Nurse Practitioners work within the
organization, culture, and assignment of any healthcare organization
or educational setting.
They are responsible for delivering
primary health care to clients with emphasis on giving attention to
vulnerable populations who are undeserved in the community.
Nursing Management Programs
Nursing
Management program is designed to provide nurses with a unique blend of
advanced nursing and business management skills. There are different
levels within healthcare management, and additional experience along
with a master's or PhD can ensure great success and you move to the
next level of your career. These programs emphasize on management and
decision making skills.
RN to BSN Programs
The
RN to BSN program is designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who are
seeking the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. RN to BSN option
builds on the courses you have already completed and assists the RNs in
the transition to the professional role of nursing as BSN.
Vocational Nurse Programs
Vocational nursing program is intended to take certified nursing
assistants (CNA) up the career ladder to licensed vocational nurses
(LVN). Entry to the LVN program requires competencies in mathematics
and reading. On completion of the program, the graduate is qualified to
take the national licensing examination NCLEX-PN. Vocational nursing program is planned to prepare students for
employment as staff nurses, giving care to patients in a variety of
settings, such as acute hospitals, extended care facilities, home
health care, surgical centers & medical offices.
Online Nursing Programs
With time constraints and hectic work schedules online nursing programs
are gaining popularity. The biggest attraction of an online program is
that you do not have to stop working while you earn your degree. Online
nursing programs are practical as they save, time and money. Online
course content is generally the same as that of traditional courses,
theory is taught via text through the Internet and practicals are
conducted at hospitals at locations of your preference.
Career Prospects
As reported by The U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual earnings of registered nurses were $52,330 in May 2004. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of registered nurses in May 2004 were as follows:
- Employment services-63,170
- General medical and surgical hospitals-53,450
- Home health care services-48,990
- Offices of physicians-48,250
- Nursing care facilities-48,220
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