Careers in Nursing

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What is a Registered Nurse (RN)?

RNs are professionals licensed by the state in which they work.  RNs function as active members of the health care team.  RNs provide and manage care for individuals who are ill and their families.


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RNs also work with healthy individuals and families to educate them about wellness and disease prevention.  RNs work with patients of all ages promoting physical, mental and social well-being.


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RNs use observation and assessment skills to support nursing diagnoses:

Ex: Alteration in Skin Integrity related to bedrest Ex: Potential for Infection related to surgical wound

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These nursing diagnoses help us to create a plan of care for our patients:
Ex: Turn and reposition patient every two hours Ex: Change surgical dressing prn (as needed)

Where do nurses work?

The possibilities are endless!!
     

Hospitals Clinics/Offices Nursing Homes Hospice Schools Cruise Ships

     

Military Helicopters Industries Wellness Centers Public Health Offices Home Health Care Agencies

What kinds of career opportunities are available?

There are a multitude of specialties to choose from including:


Medical/Surgical - Care for a variety of ill or injured patients and patients who have undergone surgery. Critical Care - Care for critically ill or injured patients of all ages.

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Labor and Delivery - Care for mothers and babies before, during, and after delivery. Pediatrics - Care for ill or injured children. Cardiac Care - Care for patients with issues involving their hearts. Geriatrics - Care for elderly ill or injured patients.

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Neurology - Care for patients with illnesses or injuries involving the nervous system. Dermatology - Care for patients with skin conditions. Orthopedic - Care for patients with illnesses or injuries to muscles and bones. Same Day Surgery/Post Anesthesia Care Unit Recovery Room - Care for patients immediately before or after surgery.

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O.R. - Care for patients in the operating room during surgical procedures. These are just a few of the many possibilities you could choose from after completing a nursing program.

Advanced education adds options:



 

Clinical Nurse Specialist - Provides care to patients with complex illnesses or injuries and often responsible for the continuing education of staff nurses. Nurse Practitioner - Diagnoses and treats a wide variety of patients. Research - Involved with research studies to increase the knowledge base of the nursing profession.

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Nurse Midwives - Care for women during pregnancy and deliver their babies. Nursing Professor - Teaches nursing students in nursing schools. Nurse Anesthetist - Provides anesthesia to patients during surgical and non-surgical procedures.

Whats all this talk about a nursing shortage?



There is currently a shortage of nurses worldwide, which is the result of several factors:
Aging nursing population - many nurses are retiring. Post World War II baby boomer generation is aging and requiring more medical care.

Nursing shortage more factors:

Entry level BSN enrollment in 1999 was down 4.6% according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts jobs for RNs will grow 23% by 2008 and that one-half of the RN workforce will reach retirement age by 2017.

What does all this mean for the future of nursing?

   

The future has never been brighter for a career in nursing. Salaries are expected to increase due to the nursing shortage. Future nurses can expect a high degree of job security. A variety of nursing positions will be readily available to future nursing school graduates.

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Employers are becoming more flexible in scheduling optionsnurses often work any combination of 8, 10, or 12 hour shift on days, nights and weekends. Many facilities utilize some form of selfscheduling, allowing you to choose (within unit guidelines) what shifts you work and select your days off. There are endless possibilities for future nurses both male and female.

How do I know if nursing is right for me?



Although there is a nursing shortage and nurses are in great demand, nursing is not right for everyone

Qualities to be a good nurse:

Do you enjoy health and science classes and do reasonably well in math?  Do you have an interest in learning about the human body and how it works?


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Do you have a sense of compassion and desire to help others? Do you like to teach people and share information with others? Are you able to work well with others and do you enjoy being around other people? Do you possess good decision making & problem solving skills?

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Do you desire variety in career opportunities? Do you enjoy learning and analyzing things? Are you dependable and do you have good oral and written communication skills?

What can I do now to prepare for a career in nursing?

   

Work hard to get good grades. Study science and math courses. Consider nursing camp if youre in middle school. (www.schooltocareers.org) Consider writing an e-mentor and reading profiles of nurses from the NHNA Nursing Career Website. Consider job shadowing.

What type of education will I need to become a nurse?



Baccalaureate in Science in Nursing Usually a four year program at a college or university. After completing the program, graduates must pass the NCLEX test to apply for state licensure as an RN.

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In N.H., B.S. Degrees in Nursing are offered at: Colby Sawyer College in New London Rivier College in Nashua Saint Anselm College in Manchester University of New Hampshire in Durham Colby-Sawyer College

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Associate Degree in Nursing Usually a two year program at a community / technical college. After completion of the program, graduates must pass the NCLEX test to apply for state licensure as an RN.

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NH Technical Community College in Berlin, Claremont, Manchester, Nashua, Stratham and NH Technical Institute in Concord are the New Hampshire colleges offering Associate Degrees in Nursing.

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Masters of Science in Nursing Usually a two year program offered to graduates of a Baccalaureate program. These programs are usually intensely focused on a specialty area of study. Graduates of Masters programs often function as Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Midwives, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Researchers or Nurse Administrators.

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In New Hampshire, Masters degrees are offered at Rivier College in Nashua and University of New Hampshire in Durham.

More Information
To further explore these career options, visit any of the nursing specialty websites listed on The Nursing Career page at:

www.NHNurses.org

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