Tag: nursing education

Four Compelling Reasons to Pursue a Career as a Paramedic

Accidents do happen to people. And when it does expect someone will be calling the paramedic team. The paramedic team are the first medical professionals that will administer first aid to a person in an accident. Quite often, the life of a person depends on the successful first aid treatment given by the paramedic team.

A career as a paramedic can be very exciting and satisfying. Paramedics usually enjoy their job and are eager to help other people receive first aid. If you are undecided unto which career you want to pursue, it’s advisable that you consider a profession in a Paramedic team. Here are five convincing reasons to choose a paramedic career.

Part of an Active Profession
The nature of work of paramedic is very active. They usually are on stand by to receive emergency calls that needs their deployment. Paramedics also plays an active role in the society. They provide a person seeking medical attention the needed first aid treatment. A person who wants to get a lively and energetic line of work will find career as a paramedic very fulfilling.

Government service
Most of the Paramedics are employed by government. A person who wants to work for the government may choose a job as a paramedic. Government employees usually enjoys an advantageous compensation and benefits program.

Ability to help people who are at risk
The feeling of helping people who are under critical medical state can be satisfying. A paramedic may find every emergency situation challenging yet fulfilling. Paramedics usually get a strong feeling of satisfaction when they were able to save a person life.

A Social and interactive career
The paramedic team has a strong interpersonal relationship with the public.  They play an important role in providing medical security to the other people. A paramedic team is a very important entity in the society.

Facts About LPN to RN Bridge Programs

In the United States, being a licensed practical nurse or LPN has a lot of advantages.  One practical advantage is that LPN’s consume a shorter period of time in acquiring formal education. They are able to save time and money in earning a degree that qualifies them for a nursing career. However, the chances for a promotion is relatively small compared to RN’s. Medical institutions usually prioritize RN’s for a lot of vacancies in higher positions. This is one of the major reason why many LPN’s take LPN to RN Bridge programs to qualify them for better employment opportunities.

Who is qualified to take LPN to RN bridge programs?
A person who finish an associate degree in nursing is qualified to take this type of educational enhancement program. LPN’s who are currently employed in the workforce is also eligible to take this kind of bridge programs. A student who got enough nursing credits may also avail of this bridging program.

What the best way to take a LPN to RN bridge program for employed LPN’s?
The basic process of a LPN to RN Bridge program is to earn further nursing units to qualify them for a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Normally, a LPN enrolls these in subjects in a nursing school and attend regular classes. Attending regular nursing classes can be challenging to LPN’s who are currently working. The best and ideal way to earn the required nursing units is thru enrolling in online distance learning programs. This method of formal education allows a LPN to earn nursing credits without physically attending scheduled classes conducted in the school campus.

How long does it take to finish a LPN to RN bridge program?
This type of bridge program usually takes about One year to One and a half year. This primarily depends on the school you are choosing. It’s best to choose an online school that can allow you to finish a LPN to RN bridge program in the shortest possible time.

When to Take a Short Term Course in Nursing

A nursing career can be very interesting and fulfilling. The field of medicine is a branch in science that is very important to human existence. This field is also developing periodically and many new skill and knowledge are being discovered and applied. The demand for highly skilled professionals in this type industry is very high. Numerous medical and health institutions all over the world are seeking qualified employees to join their team.

One of the in-demand professionals in the field of medicine are nurses. They are the ones whom doctors rely on for taking care of patients. A student can take up two type of nursing courses in college. One is the full term four year course. And the other one is the short term Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) course. Both courses can provide a student with the skill and formal education needed to practice a nursing career.  However, some people choose to earn a short term ASN course. If you’re undecided whether to take a full term or short term nursing course, this guide will help you determine if a short term course is ideal for you.

For Working Students
Taking a short term nursing course is ideal to students who are currently in a workforce. People who are working in an institution that is closely related to the medical field choose taking an ASN course to enhance their skill and qualifications. An ASN course offers students lesser time for earning a college degree in nursing.

Has a Family and is Busy Taking Care of Children
Young parents or single parents will still have an opportunity to earn a nursing degree without sacrificing quality time for their family. A student can earn a degree for his or her career without spending too much time for it. An ASN courses have lesser subjects which provide more time for parents to be with their children. If you can’t leave your small children behind for a long period of time then it would best to choose an ASN course.

Students Who Want to Cut Down on Cost
Earning a full term nursing degree is more expensive than a short term ASN degree. The subjects to be taken in a short term nursing course are fewer compared to a full term course.

What To Expect In An RN Course

RNs are required to have at the least an associate degree, but a bachelor degree in nursing (BSN) are also available, and preferred by the vast majority of hospitals, and can help an RN’s possibilities to generate better pay. Weigh your school options based on your current academic needs and schedule.

An Associate of Science degree in Nursing (ASN) contains programs in anatomy, nursing, nutrition, chemistry, and biology among others. You’ll also be required to take general liberal arts classes. Getting an ASN is the most popular choice for RNs and paves the way to entry-level staff nurse roles which will provide you with hands-on experience in the nursing industry. This is the quickest direction to becoming an RN as most associate degree programs last about two to three years.

An ambitious RN can get a bachelors of science in nursing (BSN) in four years at a college or university. If you’re already an RN, you can join an RN to BSN program which is designed particularly for RNs who have an associates level or nursing degree. This direction usually requires about two to three years. An even faster BSN choice is for applicants who already hold a bachelors degree in another area. An accelerated BSN program allows learners to apply general education credits from their first degree to the BSN. This path requires between one to one-and-a-half years.

Here’s a typical example of what schools offer in their nursing programs:

  • Bioethics
  • Fundamentals of microbiology
  • Nursing research
  • Nursing care of the older adult
  • Public health nursing

After finishing your degree, you’ll need to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). In order to sit for the examination, you’ll need to apply for a nursing license from your state board of nursing. Since each state has different qualifications specifications, check with your state board to make sure you’ve met the specifications to be able to take the examination.

How to prepare yourself for a Nursing career

Choosing a career requires careful thinking and right decision making. You want to have a career that will enhance your ability, skills and knowledge. A good career path should be interesting, enjoyable, and inspiring. You want to be in a career that makes you happy and enables to you have worthwhile experiences while working.

Among the many available careers, you have chosen to be in the field of healthcare as a nurse. This type of career is lucrative and highly respected. Proper knowledge and high quality of skills are required from healthcare professionals. On top of that, a nursing graduate should undergo the mandatory board exam that regulate and maintain the standards for this particular profession.

Although pursuing this type of career can sometimes be strenuous, it’s better to be ready and prepare for the long career journey ahead.

Choose which type of nursing career you want

Basically there are two nursing career you can take. One as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the other as a Registered Nurse (RN).  There is actually a noticeable difference between the two closely related careers. RN’s have more subjects and spend more time in school earning their professional nursing degree.  While LPN’s earn a degree in practical nursing. RN’s have better opportunity in terms of high compensation and career growth.

Learn, Study and pass your course

The best preparation for a nursing career is by making a good reputation in your academic performance.  These lessons you got while earning your degree in nursing are vital in your chosen career. It’s preferable to have basic to advance knowledge on the fundamentals of nursing which are very useful in your line of work.

Make sure you pass the licensure exam

Implement strategies that will increase your chances of passing the nursing board exam in your location. You can enroll in tutorial classes or spend a time doing self-review before you take the exam. Through the help of dedication and the right preparation a career in nursing will be within your reach.

Top Two Jobs Nursing Graduates Can Get

Graduation means the end of painstaking formal education and the start of your professional career. Among the many courses offered in the school you choose is a degree in nursing. Now, you’ve probably been wondering what kind of jobs you will get with the Nursing education you got in college.

As a nursing graduate you would want to have a job that is closely related to healthcare. This industry has always been stable and continuously progressing. The demand for healthcare related jobs is also rising.  A career in the field of healthcare requires proper education and professional skills which a lot people don’t have. Fortunately, you got the right education and training that can qualify in this type of industry.

The healthcare industry has a wide scoop of careers that nursing graduates like yourselves can have. If you decided to practice your profession in the field of healthcare here are some of the top jobs you can have:

  1. Hospital Nurses- One of the primary workforce in hospitals are the nurses. They are the ones who assists doctors and physician in doing medical treatments to patients. Nurses are also in-charge of the patient’s recuperation when the doctors is not around. Almost every Hospitals in the world are in need of qualified nursing professionals who can provide medical skills to their institution. A hospital is the best place to build a career if you want to have a top-notch job with your nursing degree.
  2. Part of an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) – Members of an EMT are required to have healthcare related education and training. As a nursing graduate you are qualified to be a Paramedic. If you are an outgoing type of person, this type of career would be very much favorable and enjoyable to your part.

Advanced Nursing Education is Empowering Nurses  

Today, the role of nurses is rapidly evolving as they are tasked with an even wider range of health care responsibilities. The health care system is dealing with an increasing number of complex illnesses that means caring for the sick has gotten more complicated. Thankfully, nurses are rising to meet these challenges.

Advanced nursing education is empowering nurses to lead the way. With nursing education continuously advancing, nurses are not just caring for the sick anymore; they are also changing the notion of modern medicine and health care delivery.

Charles Tiffin, PhD, Senior Core Faculty at Capella University, said, “Nurses are giving TED talks, publishing scientific research, developing mobile medical applications, and actively addressing health care policy. They’re collaborating with their colleagues, from social workers and oncologists to hospital administrators and public safety personnel. The field is growing, and so are opportunities for nurse practitioners, DNP and PhD nurses, nurse educators, nurse-anesthetists, and nurse researchers.”

In addition, Tiffin said, “New health care technology is also creating opportunities for nurses. More and more aspects of the profession are electronic: Test results, X-rays, blood work, and ordering medication. An array of new technologies [such as] mobile devices, electronic medical records, cloud computing, and teleconferencing,  invite nurses to be digitally ambitious.”

Nursing education is not what it used to be, even more, nursing has become more complex in ways that we could not have imagined a generation ago. More than great caregivers, nurses are becoming great innovators too. A new generation of thinkers who want to be agents of care and innovation are in high demand in health care. The nursing profession is for the intellectually curious, lifelong learner.

However, amidst the innovation and advancement of nursing education, the job of a nurse is first and foremost a caregiver and advocate for the most sick and vulnerable members of our communities.

Improving Nursing Education

Health care today is continually facing different challenges as the need for improvement in technology, effective approach and quality health care professional increases. As the American population increases and the number of senior citizen swells, the presence of nurses in hospitals and other health care facilities is in demand.

There is a shift in the country’s health care needs which is now more related to chronic conditions like hypertension, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes as well as mental health conditions. This is due to the increasing aging population and spread of obesity in the country. Though it is known that chronic diseases are predominant today, our health care system is designed in favor of acute illnesses and injuries.

This shows that there is a need to make a change in nursing education. Nurses in the 20th century are educated in a different approach and the teachings and lessons are more into caring acute illnesses as well as injuries. Though it is still vital, it won’t be enough in the current health situation of the country. The patient health needs are more complex today than it was before; therefore nurses must acquire a more advanced and focused education.

Nurses today must acquire leadership qualities, evidence-based practice, research experience, improved teamwork and collaboration abilities as well as competency in particular areas like geriatrics and community and public health. Due to the development of health care technologies, nurses are expected to master technological tools and apparatuses as well as be prepared for expanding roles. That is why nurses are required to get higher levels of education. They must be educated in new ways and approaches that best suit the health care situation today. New and emerging competencies in quality improvement, decision making and team leadership must be included in nursing education.

Nursing Fulfillment

There are so many good things about selecting a nursing career. Choosing a course in nursing education may be challenging but rewarding. The nurse assists individuals on a regular basis, and more often than not finds the job to be really satisfying. Nurses have the ability to select their particular specialty, doing work in the field of nursing or medicine that meets their preferences. Nursing offers many options for development into management, in addition to having more employment opportunities, even in troublesome periods. Nurses are compensated well for the work that they execute. Nursing can provide a chance to travel in different states. Giving the leisure to see other places and meet new friends.

Nurses are capable of helping individuals achieve wellness on a regular basis. Many individuals see nursing as a noble profession, permitting the nurse to deliver care to others. The job is often quite fulfilling. Numerous nurses find great fulfillment in aiding patients as they regain their own health.

The profession of nursing permits the nurse to select her own niche. Nurses can choose to function in most of the many nursing fields accessible, and can also decide to become certified in a specialty of preference. Selecting a career in nursing can provide opportunities for leadership, and lots of times, nurses find their way into management in large healthcare corporations.

Even if job prospects are gloomy for the remainder of the industry, the requirement for nurses never diminishes, giving the job strong employment security. Nurses will also be paid well for their work, with many registered nurses generating well over the median salary of the United States for full-time employment.

You can find a great many possibilities to the nurse, and lots of advantages to selecting a career in nursing. Nurses discover great happiness in their profession, and are compensated well. They’ve got unlimited possibilities for improvement, and are able to travel to work in new areas. If you are heading towards nursing education, it’s a noble and decent course to take.

RN Classes Requirements

RN classesOne of the ultimate goals of a nurse is to get a license to become a registered nurse. There are many RN classes you must take and finish to get the opportunity to take the NCLEX.  RN courses are most frequently drawn in associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in nursing. While both kinds of programs prepare students to accept National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and obtain licenses to work as RNs, bachelor’s programs can lead to additional career possibilities in teaching, research and management. Some bachelor’s programs, particularly those offered online, have Registered Nursing licensure like prerequisite prior to enrollment.

RN hopefuls are required by some nursing courses. These RN classes may include anatomy and physiology, psychology and microbiology which are basic and must be fully understood by the students. An initial nursing course provides an introduction to patient care techniques which introduce students to the methods and approaches required to deal properly with patients. Students then learn how to perform health checks, provide medicines, supply patients with health and wellness advice, and supervise other medical professionals. Nursing students also gain hands-on clinical experience in the fundamental, intermediate and advanced levels in their program.

The following is the list of examples of classes students frequently encounter in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in nursing.

Medical-Surgical Nursing Course
This course provides a broad study of nursing practice which is focused on adult patients. The training covers the management of disorders in most major systems of the body including respiratory system, nerve, bone and joint and kidney disorders. Students also learn methods for taking care of patients going through surgery.

Mental Health Nursing Course
Patients with psychological disorders or mental illness require unique nursing care. Students within this course learn how to identify issues in mental health and develop both medicinal and psychotherapeutic treatment plans.

Health Promotion Course
A registered nurse role doesn’t just deal with patients but additionally, they are also required to promote wellness through healthy living. They will be providing info on diet and disease prevention that registered nurses can pass on to patients and also to groups of patients.

Nursing Pharmacology Course
Pharmacology courses acquaint nursing students about drugs and medicines that they’ll encounter throughout their profession. Students find out about drug classifications and effects, in addition to techniques in administration.

Once you finish the RN classes and the program requirements, you will be ready to take the NCLEX, get your license and start working as a registered nurse.