Dienstag, 14. Januar 2014

What Kind of Nurse to Become?

The healthcare industry is currently in need of many nurses to serve in health institutions, especially since there seems to be a shortage of qualified nursing staff. This implies that nursing is still a viable option as a career despite the condition of the economy and of employment. There is a positive outlook in the future for nurses, turning nursing into a stable career for those who have the capacity.



One of the primary and most vital first moves when taking on the career path of nursing is to determine what type of nurse occupation you want. Nurses are actually given several prospects in this regard and can take on what suits them best. The three most common positions in a nursing career path include being a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Registered Nurse (RN).



For a quick way to enter the nursing industry, one possible way is by becoming an LPN. This is because an LPN is required only a minimal amount of training and education, which lasts about one to two years. A bachelor's degree is not typically required for LPNs; rather, they are required to finish a program in order to achieve a certificate or diploma. Basic functions like taking vital stats fall under the duties of LPNs and they take guidance from doctors or RNs. The average salary an LPN can expect falls between $33,000 and $45,000 every year.



Another way into the field is becoming a Registered Nurse or RN. RNs are the ones who have completed four-year nursing college programs and this means they are advanced in knowledge and training than LPNs. RNs have, in general, more complex responsibilities as well as higher compensation. They have to complete a painstaking education and then take on heavier responsibilities and work than LPNs.



Those seeking to advance even beyond the level of RN certification in nursing could consider becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP). NPs must generally have a Master's Degree in Nursing. Usually, those interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner must first complete a four-year undergraduate program through which they become certified as RNs. A NP can become employed by a variety of doctor's offices, particularly those specializing in general practice. Many NPs are also sought to work in hospitals. They can be given great responsibilities and may have the authority to write prescriptions, as well. The average Nurse Practitioner earns more than $83,000 per year.



Overall, there are a plethora of options and career tracks for prospective nurses. It is, then, important for one to consider their goals, interests, and financial objectives before pursuing any of the available types of nursing certifications. Regardless of the path chosen, a career in nursing is a solid and rewarding choice, offering unique opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of others on a daily basis.


Best Nursing Schools In Texas:Your Guide To Top Nursing Schools

As the name suggests, nursing schools are educational institutes that provide formal education and training for becoming a nurse. Individuals aspiring to a steady and well-paid nursing career first have to acquire degrees and certifications from the top nursing schools offering various programs, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a Registered Nurse (RN) certification. Individuals may also opt for specialty areas such as the certified nurse midwife program. The eligibility criterion may vary from one state to another in order to get admission in the different nursing education programs.



Of the 697 best nursing schools in texas in the U.S., these include technical schools, colleges, and universities. One of the best online resources for nursing students is the NSNA (National Student Nurses Association), with a membership of 50,000. Its mandate is to be actively involved in fostering mentoring for nursing school students, offer educational resources and information, provide career counseling, and make available leadership opportunities to its members. In conjunction with the NSNA, the FNSNA (Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association) serves as its charitable arm, offering scholarships to qualified and needy nursing students.



Due to the growing competition in the field of nursing education, most of these top nursing schools impart high quality education in order to maintain a distinguished position of their own. They offer systematic curriculum and convenient class hours combined with learning groups, learning teams and alumni networks.



The students are given assignments, projects, and activities for enhancing their skills. They are well equipped with high-tech labs, modern classrooms, and advanced equipment and mostly associated with renowned hospitals and research centers. For better attention and evaluation of the students, the teacher-student ratio in the top schools is restricted to 20:1.



Learning groups and Learning teams in top nursing schools

So, how does the learning groups differ from the learning teams? The learning groups are a heard of nursing students who go all the way up TOGETHER all throughout the degree process. They help each other hand in hand as they move from one course to another. The solidarity in learning groups remain intact even after they've earned their degrees. However, learning teams are a bit smaller than the learning groups in terms of head count. Usually, learning teams in top nursing schools consists of around 3 to 6 students only. They are not as intact as the learning groups because their ways of interaction and communication is very minimal. And most of the time, they do their group assignments and projects, and other activities which enchances learning skills thru online learning.


Things you Need to Know about A CNA Program

With the good career outlook on their healthcare field, many are clamoring to enroll in nursing schools hoping to join the team of medical experts. The wonderful thing about it's that there are numerous ways to become a nurse through the different nurse-related programs being provided by schools nowadays. One stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse is through a certified nursing assistant program. So, do you want a career of CNA?



What's A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?



A Certified Nursing Assistant is a term used for paraprofessionals who give bedside care to patients, do basic nursing methods, and help patients within their activities of every day living. CNAs work under the immediate supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN), LPN-Licensed-Vocational-Nurse-LVN/">Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN-Licensed-Vocational-Nurse-LVN/">LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or any healthcare professionals.



CNAs are also known as Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). The term CNA is extensively utilized within the United States. Other job titles that are comparable to CNAs are:



o Nursing Assistant



o Nursing Auxiliary



o Auxiliary Nurse



o Nurse Aide



o Home Health Aide



o Patient Care Assistant



o Patient Care Technician



o Geriatric Aide



o Psychiatric Aide



o Nurse Technician



o Healthcare Support Worker



CNAs generally work as front liners in the administration of care to patients. They are able to find job opportunities in various health care settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice care facilities. Their job functions vary per institution, nevertheless, included within their scope of duties are, but not limited to:



* Assisting patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which incorporates bathing, dressing, feeding, grooming, and walking.



* Observing patient's conduct and report any untoward reaction to care offered.



* Take vital signs, such as the blood pressure level, temperature, pulse and respiratory rates.



* Assisting patients on mobilization and transferring, such as walking, assistive gadgets, and more.



* Assisting in feeding and meal preparation.



* Assisting patients within their personal hygiene.



CNA Program Cost



Contrary to popular belief, the price for CNA Programs isn't as costly as those with other nursing programs. The best venues to find low-cost CNA programs are in community colleges and technical schools.



However, the cost may vary depending on your location and kind of academic facility and program you're enrolled at. In spite of the already inexpensive cost, financial aids are still available for qualified students.



CNA Program Length



The typical period of CNA Programs is about six to 12 weeks. The program entails a 75-hour training program; 16 hours of this is devoted to medical setting exposure that's duly supervised by medical instructors.



After the completion of the 12-week program, students are needed to take a comprehensive examination to evaluate their general knowledge and abilities. As soon as passed, students are then deemed certified and are legible to operate as Certified Nursing Assistants.



CNA Program Specifications



CNA Programs have less stringent admission requirements compared to other nursing associated programs. To be able to be qualified for admission, most schools need that you are at least a high school graduate. You have to be able to present your high school graduation diploma, or if you are home-schooled, a GED can suffice.



Nevertheless, some private facilities that offer a CNA training program don't need a high school diploma or GED. In this situation, you have to be able to pass the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) examination to see if you can do basic math calculations, and have basic verbal and written English skills.



Moreover, in most states, you have to be at least eighteen years old to be enrolled to a CNA Program. Some community higher schools do have training courses for nursing assistants that permits sixteen years old to take them. Nevertheless, in order to take the complete exam for nursing assistants, you must be at least 18 years old to become qualified for certification and employment.



CNA to LPN Programs



Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) essentially have a higher job position than CNAs as well as have higher salaries. LPNs make an yearly income averaging at $40,000 - more than the $27,000 average annual income of CNAs. Ergo, a lot of CNAs wish to upgrade their statuses by enrolling at CNA to LPN Programs.



Most CNA to LPN Programs are provided by numerous community colleges, vocational schools, along with other reputable universities. The ladder or bridge program takes about 1 yr to complete, which covers basic nursing knowledge and fundamental patient treatment skills. The program prepares CNAs for the license examination needed for practical nurses to be LPNs.



If you are currently working as a CNA, some medical facilities give monetary support to their CNA employees who want to pursue a continuing study to become a LPN. Thus, you can take the CNA to LPN program in a part-time basis while maintaining your present employment. You are able to also choose to have a leave of absence while taking a full time CNA to LPN program.



To be qualified for admission, you have to be at least 18 years old and also have graduated from high school, together with your diploma or GED. Some institutions allow a transfer of credits out of your previous CNA training which allows you to finish the LPN bridge program shorter than expected.



CNA to RN Programs



CNA to RN programs are also provided in many neighborhood colleges at an inexpensive cost, as well as with other higher academic facilities. In order for CNAs to become a registered nurse, they need to be able to take a two-year associate's degree in nursing to equip them for the NCLEX-RN license examination for nurses within the United States.



The same qualifications for admission are utilized to enroll in a CNA to RN program: Candidates should be a minimum of eighteen years of age, along with a high school graduate or with a GED.



Financial aids are also available for CNA to RN programs, but the most handy you are able to get is through a work study program. If you are presently employed as a CNA, many employers can provide you financial assistance while allowing you to study part time for an associate's degree in nursing. You can also opt for a transfer of credits from your CNA training to accelerate your time of completion, usually a semester down if the college allows it.


Concerning Nurse

Nursing is an expiring and demanding job charged with a lot of innumerable number in trained and private awards. It is a gentle career because they always have this quality which combines with consideration and being kind to their patient with their expertise. There are only few careers having the same task a nurse can have to their patients that desired to be compassionate and kind to their clients.



Now a days, registered nursing tasks are the one of the many careers who may need for the career since there are running of skilled and enlisted nurses. The request is regularly accelerating as it is also with the growing community for babies and elders also. With this demand today, this will call for more health care specialist like nurses. Nursing is one of the essential care of health concern as they were the best workers of sick patient care.



Nurses who are retiring increases but new registered nurse and new graduates who will take the licensure exam decreases, that is why we loss numbers of them. You just need to finish the four (4) years Bachelor's degree in nursing or either with a three (3) years associate degree with a certification for registered nurse is the main requirements to become a registered nurse. For those who just graduated from college can basically start their occupation in a health concern units, a hospitals or a clinics then. They can have choices to where they can specialized their career in a more deeper way while they are on the job and they can choose it from being a nurse anesthetist, forensic nursing, supplemental nurse, pediatric nursing, geriatrics nursing, etc. Risk-taken, if you wanted to visit places and travel around so you can choose the other side of your career to be either a military nurse, travel nurse, civil flight nurse instead just to fulfilled to where your interest lies then and can be successful in that way wherever you grab the opportunities.



There are insufficient nurse who can just replace the position of the retiring nurses. This will give opportunities to young nurses who wanted to be engaged and excited enough to pursue it and having the passion in taking care the patients. Nursing is the most requested careers because nurses can also have the opportunity to get to know and learn the high technologies offered in the certain units they are working with. They can be fully informed once they are active in taking advance courses and can also learn with the current enhancements in health care area by being presents in any related gathering that are leaded by the health care institutions.



To further orient young nurses, this profession that you choose would not just simply honour you with your achievements but with the concern that you have contributed in your job. The contentment that you let others feel good and willing to give extra time is a very exemplary did. A balance blend of science and technology with benevolence and on how we take care of outpatient is the most excellent way to distinguish nursing. Nurse cannot just be able to communicate with physicians and specialized doctors only but instead they have the chance the interact with their patient's families and relatives and may also serve as both parties connection.



Registered nursing tasks are beloved career choice, where most requested for skillful nurses increases and there will be no deficiency in numbers of opportunities for now and in the coming future.


Nursing Skills - The Importance of Practical Experience

About 90% nurses feel that it is their aptitude to nursing that makes them succeed in this tough and competitive domain. This is true because the nurses should feel care for their patients and it is only then that they would be able to make the patient feel better. That being said, skills play an important role in determining how well the nurse does her role. Significantly, the importance of skills in nursing applies to all levels of nursing, indicating that this is something nurses could ill afford to ignore.



The good news is that nurses are exposed to these skills right from the most elementary levels of education in nursing. For example, even a nurse who does the Associate Degree in Nursing would be exposed to these skills. Though, these skills would be taught to them at a far advanced level had they been doing a Bachelor's Course or a Master's Program. These courses are more intensive than the Associate's Degree and hence the skills taught to the nurses here would be advanced.



Next, there is the University of Washington which is one of the oldest government supported education institutes in America. Formed in 1861, this university has brought thousands of individual to good positions today, pushing them to exceed their expected capabilities.



For specialized courses like CRNA and Advanced Nurse Practitioner program, the amount of hours spent in clinical practice will be a lot more than the time spent in clinical practice during a Bachelor's program.



Geriatric clinics are settings where nurses are also employed. They provide care for older adults in managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, hypertension and diabetes. This type of health care involves case management and coordinating care.Another setting for a nurse practitioner to work is a hospital. There they can diagnose patients, order medications and tests and help to determine discharge dates. In teaching hospitals acute care nurses are often involved in teaching new doctors in their first years of residency.



In addition to that, Baylor also brings the diverse student body together by introducing a dynamic campus life with sports and social events. In terms of programs, nothing goes below top notch.