Emerson Gregory South Carolina | Pursuing a Career in Nursing
Nurses play a vital role in the nation’s healthcare system and are often the first to respond to medical emergencies. They go the extra mile to meet the needs of their patients.
Despite the high demand for nurses, it’s still one of the most accessible jobs in the healthcare industry to pursue. Numerous nursing programs are available online and in-person, and once you’ve completed your studies, you can start working immediately. You can also choose your specialization.
If you plan on becoming a nurse, you might already have reasons to make it your career. The next step is to determine what path you want to take.
Why Nursing?
Besides being able to provide effective and efficient care to patients, nurses also have a variety of reasons why they want to become a nurse. The healthcare industry is growing in demand, and nursing is among the most popular professions for aspiring professionals.
The increasing number of people who are aging and the need for more diversified and readily available healthcare services are some of the factors that have led to the growth of nursing and healthcare careers.
Another factor contributing to the growth of nursing and healthcare careers is the increasing number of laws enacted to expand the scope of nursing practice. This will allow hospitals and clinics to provide more effective and efficient healthcare services.
Types of Nursing
As healthcare providers , nurses play a vital role by coordinating and creating care plans, administering medications, performing assessments, and educating patients.
Nurses can work in various environments, such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, doctor offices, and community health centers. They may also choose to focus on a particular specialization.
The are three main categories for nurses, determined by the American Nurses Association:
Registered Nurses
The most common type of nurse is a registered nurse (RN). RNs are responsible for observing, educating, and evaluating patients, administering medication, and working with other healthcare providers. To become an RN, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
A type of healthcare professional known as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) has a lot of clinical knowledge. This type of nurse can provide direct or indirect treatment to patients and may prescribe medication. To become a licensed and certified APRN, one would need a Master of Science degree.
Licensed Practical Nurses
Vocational nurses, licensed practical nurses (LPN), work under RNs, APRNs, and other healthcare providers to provide patients with the best possible care. One must complete a year-long nursing program to become an authorized and licensed practical nurse.
Becoming a Nurse
Depending on the type of nursing job you desire, the education and training you’ll need to become a nurse will vary. For instance, if you plan on becoming a registered nurse, you’ll need at least an associate’s degree.
If you’re already an RN and planning on working as a nurse, consider getting your bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution or university. Regardless of whether or not you’ve completed your degree, you must still pass the national nursing exam known as the National Council of Boards of Nursing.
After you’ve obtained your bachelor’s degree, you can decide whether you want to focus on a particular specialty or continue studying for a master’s degree in nursing. You can start working as a nurse practitioner after six to eight years.
It would help if you started preparing for nursing as early as possible. Some nursing programs are partially online, and you can begin taking courses that will help you get ready for the workforce.
After you’ve completed the necessary steps to become a registered nurse, it’s time to start looking for the right job. Since there’s a high demand for nurses in the country, your skills and qualifications will likely be enough to hire you quickly. Several settings nurses are needed, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and local government agencies.
Originally published at https://waynegregorysouthcarolina.com on March 7, 2023.
