The career of a nurse is an extremely fulfilling one. Though it requires more than an average amount of hard work and dedication, new nurses should know that the rewards are more than worth it. From salary to quality of life, from job satisfaction to opportunity for advancement- all these benefits that come with being a nurse can be yours with hard work and dedication.
Nursing 101: The Basics of Nursing
A lot is written about the physical and mental toll nursing takes on a person. However, nursing is a profession full of rewards, as well.
Many people are drawn to nursing because they want to do something meaningful and worthwhile with their lives. There are many places that nurses can go in terms of their careers. For example, advanced practice nurses who have passed their ABSN qualification may work in surgical settings or in other areas where they have administrative duties.
Nurses may also choose to be educators or administrators, working at a school or hospital level, to help others learn more about nursing and care for others better.
Though it may be a difficult choice to make, those who pursue advanced nursing education may find that they will enjoy more of the benefits of the job.
Human services and public health nurses may help ensure that the elderly can live in their own homes, that children have access to proper healthcare, and that those with disabilities have access to services and resources.
The possible career path for new nurses is full of options. Some nurses get involved with politics and work for political leaders or elected officials as policy analysts, lobbyists, or as people who work on legislation.
Nursing Jobs & Career Paths for Nursing Professionals
A nurse just starting may choose to do what is called ‘on-the-job training. This allows a nurse to gain experience in a hospital, someplace like a clinic, or even a healthcare setting.
After the first few months of employment, most professionals who have advanced their education will then be able to start with the title of Registered Nurse RN. Nurses may work in any area within the medical field.
Many nurses choose to become part of a team that works directly with patients and their families. For example, many nurses work as part of a surgical team and help out doctors and surgeons during operations.
However, nurses may also work as care coordinators and education staff members in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. Nurses in this position may help provide counseling services and guidance for patients.
In addition, nurses may assist other health professionals with their job responsibilities. For example, nurses may be able to assist them by taking a history of a patient and by helping ensure that they are physically healthy enough to undergo certain tests or procedures.
Other nurses may work as clinical nurse specialists specializing in physical therapy and cardiovascular treatments such as cardiac catheterization or PCV insertion.
Professional Development for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals
Nurses must be well-educated and knowledgeable about the principles at the heart of their fields. This is one crucial reason why continuing education is so important.
Career paths in nursing and health care may sometimes be complicated, yet there is always a way of working towards your goals. Those who get into careers such as nursing will likely find that they have an advantage over those who don’t because of the education they have completed.
When you put your resources together, you can accomplish anything you want to do. Nursing professionals can gain experience through continuing education, which helps them learn more and become better equipped to succeed in their career paths.
Continuing Education for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals
Nurses should always keep their skills fresh and up to date. There is so much information out there, but it is up to the nurse to determine which is essential and which can be put off until later.
One of the best things nurses can do for themselves is to take continuing education classes.
That way, they can stay on top of the latest developments in their field. Developing expertise in a specific area will help ensure that you can find work easily when ready to move on from your current job or career path.
Nursing is a very fulfilling career, especially for those who want to help others. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, you may want to consider getting a degree in nursing, such as an Associate of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
