Careers with a nursing degree

Careers with a Nursing DegreeThese are exciting times for individuals considering a career in nursing. Gone are the days whennurses just moved from one patient to the next, year after year, feeling unappreciated andunderpaid. The evolution of the field has opened up new possibilities for modern-day nurses, withcareers like forensic nursing, travel nursing, flight nursing, and more. Not only do nurses have amuch wider array of careers to choose from today, they also have a more structured growth path.But traditional direct patient care is still an essential and important part of the nursing profession,a good way to start in the field, and an excellent choice for those who want a meaningful careerhelping people. If you are giving the nursing field serious thought, then here are a few possibilitiesto consider.Licensed Practical NurseYou don’t need a college degree to become a licensed practical nurse (also known as a licensedvocational nurse). Most LPNs usually complete a state-approved training program that lasts for ayear. Then they must sit for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) inorder to obtain a license and start practicing.LPNs provide basic bedside patient care, usually under the supervision of physicians orregistered nurses (RNs). Some of their most important duties include recording vital signs, givinginjections, dressing wounds or injuries, and helping patients with basic grooming and hygiene.The scope of work can be limited for LPNs and career progression is restricted, unless theydecide to become RNs through further training and education.Staff NurseStaff nurses are that important cog in the direct-patient-care mechanism, without whom the entiresystem can be thrown off balance. They have perhaps the most complex and demanding job ofall. RNs are generally the primary point of contact between the patient and the medical staff, inboth in- and out-patient settings. RNs provide critical direct care to their patients as well asperform important administrative duties including documenting medications and developing thenursing care plans for patients both in the hospital and after discharge.An associate degree in nursing and an RN license, obtained by passing the NCLEX-RN exam, isusually required to become a staff nurse. Most RNs begin their careers as staff nurses and moveto higher echelons of the healthcare system after having gained enough practical experience.Many RNs who have completed an ADN nursing program return to school for an RN-BSNprogram later in their career, to take advantage of the growth prospects offered by a bachelor’sdegree in the field.Advanced Practice NursesAmong the most exciting nursing careers for those who want to continue on the path of directpatient care is advanced practice nursing. There are four types of advanced practice registerednurses (APRNs): clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, and nursepractitioners.Currently all four roles require RNs to have at least a master’s degree in nursing. However,according to the American Nurses Association, the standard qualification to become an APRNmay soon change to a doctorate in nursing practice.Nurse Supervisor/Manager

A nurse supervisor or a nurse manager is responsible for directing and supervising all facets ofdirect patient care. The duties of a nurse manager range from delegation of work to ensuring thatthe quality standards, as established by their organization, are met by the nursing staff at alltimes.Nurse managers are also responsible for hiring; monitoring and evaluating the performance of thestaff nurses reporting to them; and developing strategies to improve the processes involved in thedelivery of healthcare. Because of their other duties, nurse supervisors are not always at theforefront of providing hands-on patient care. However, they do supervise the care provided bystaff nurses on a regular basis.A nurse supervisor typically requires a master’s degree in nursing administration or a related field.But some RNs may be able to qualify for these positions with a BSN, provided they have enoughexperience and show consistent performance.Nurse EducatorEducation is another exciting nursing career that aspirants can consider. Simply put, nurseeducators are the people in charge of developing and molding future talent in the field.Nurse educators are responsible for training student nurses and preparing them for theprofession in settings such as colleges, universities, and hospitals. As part of theirresponsibilities, they create and implement educational material as well as mentor student nursesand evaluate their progress.A master’s degree in nursing education is a frequently required credential to become a nurseeducator, but in some cases a graduate degree in nursing or a related field may also beacceptable. A doctoral degree may be necessary to become a nurse instructor.

Careers with a nursing degree

by DavidM4

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