Nursing is a profession within the health care field concerned with the defense and optimization of people's health, the avoidance of ill health and injury, the ease of suffering due to various treatments, and support for the care of individuals. The nursing field is vast and individuals with a nursing degree are able to work in a number of different settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, insurance companies, and managed care organizations.
There are a number of qualities that a student who is interested in pursuing a career in nursing should encompass. Because nursing is primarily concerned with the health of individuals, nurses must be compassionate and empathetic. Individuals being treated by a nurse should feel cared for and valued as a patient...Read More
Nurses must have critical-thinking skills and be detail-oriented; they must be able to determine which protocol is best when the health state of a patient changes. Organization skills are imperative since nurses often care for several patients who have different healthcare needs. Interpersonal skills are important because nurses speak with patients regarding their health conditions; nurses must be able to effectively communicate to the patients the procedures they endured or medications they are taking. Nurses must be emotionally stable and have the ability to cope with emergencies, patients' suffering, and various other stresses which accompany this occupation.
The demand for nurses is expected to rise 22% from 2008 to 2018 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and nurses have substantial earning prospects since they have some of the best occupation potential across the nation.
Nursing Degree Levels Available
Diploma in Nursing or Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN)
A diploma in nursing as well as an associate's degree in nursing prepares students for entry-level positions in the health care field (as a staff nurse or generalist nurse) or for further advancement to a bachelor's or master's degree. This two-year program includes courses in areas such as anatomy, microbiology, nutrition, chemistry, and psychology. Upon graduation from this program, students must also successfully pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination); this is the national licensing examination taken by ADN graduates in order to attain a nursing license and be employed as a nurse. However, students who would like the opportunity for promotion within the nursing field should continue onto the bachelor's degree in nursing.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BS/BSN)
The bachelor's degree in nursing program educates students in different areas of focus in the nursing field such as maternal/child health, psychiatric/mental health nursing, paediatrics, and adult acute and chronic disease. Students also learn about nursing theory, physical and behavioural sciences, and policies in health. Due to various subject areas covered, this four-year program educates students in the full span of nursing professions across all healthcare settings. As with the associate's degree in nursing, graduates from this program as well must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN to be employed as a registered nurse (RN).
Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN)
A master's degree in nursing prepares students to become leaders in the healthcare profession. This program offers education for nurses wanting to become profession nurse educators or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who work in collaboration with physicians or on their own.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements to obtain an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing can be extensive. Materials required include (but are not limited to) successful completion of high school or an academic equivalent (such as a GED), high school transcripts (and college transcripts, if applicable) displaying grades obtained in completed courses, SAT or ACT test scores, active registration as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), CPR certification, proof of immunizations and health insurance, negative drug screen, clear criminal background check, a writing sample, and letters of recommendation. If a student fulfills all of these requirements, then an application form from the college or university must be completed and submitted along with an application fee, which of course varies depending on the institution. Volunteer and or work experience in areas such as community health is always beneficial to the student and will aid in their acceptance during the application process.
Tuition and Accreditation
An associate's degree in nursing's tuition fees may vary between $30 000 and $50 000. A bachelor of science degree in nursing's tuition fees may vary between $30 000 to $60 000. A master's degree in nursing's tuition fees may vary between $20 000 to $40 000.
Colleges and universities which offer an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or a master's degree, nursing must be aligned with CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.) standards. Most employers only hire students who graduated from a CCNE or NLNAC-accredited institution.
Annual Salary for Different Occupations in Nursing
A nursing graduate's salary is based on various factors which include (but are not limited to) their level of education, level of experience, and their field of specialization. Earnings may vary drastically from person to person. However, here are a few of the median annual earnings for the most common professions in the health care field, for those who have a nursing degree (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics):
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $42 400
- Registered Nurse (RN) $67 930
- Nurse Anesthetists $154 390
- Nurse Practitioners $91 450
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