Nursing is considered the largest profession for health care. Different paths of education are now available for helping nurses to follow a specific line of expertise.
The job description of a nurse is to take care of patients and try to alleviate their suffering. They should also educate the families of the patient about caring and wellness. A nurse should record the medical history of the patient and monitor the symptoms. If any diagnostic tests and procedures are being carried out, the nurse will help assists the doctors. The nurse may require operating certain medical machineries and also administering the right doses of medication and treat the patient accordingly.
Nurses take up jobs in Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Community Health Clinics. This is a noble profession and there is a shortage of nurses as well as nurse instructors at this time. There is a lot of competition in this field and therefore it is necessary to get good grades when you complete high school. Here are a few tips on how to become a nurse.
1. Qualifying to be a Nurse
You can attend universities or community colleges to become a nurse. Online programs are also available where you can get a certificate as an accredited nurse. Depending on whether you wish to further your career, you can opt for a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree. BSN (Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing) takes longer than ADN Associates Degree in Nursing) and you spend less money when you take the latter option.
Nurses have to learn subjects such as Anatomy, Chemistry, Psychology, Nutrition, Microbiology and Behavioral Science. They have to get classroom training as well as get hands-on training in clinics or hospitals.
2. Nursing specialties
There is a wide option available for you when you decide to take up nursing. You can concentrate on Pediatrics, Critical Care, Adult Health, Community Health, Maternal Health or Psychiatric Nursing. Each specialty has its own plus and minus points. Go through the list and study each one before you make an informed decision.
Student nurses should graduate from approved nursing programs and get an accredited license after passing the (NCLEX)-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Nurses can get more than one degree to get into the profession. The other option is to complete a Diploma Program in a Hospital
3. Study the State Laws
Initially a nurse would have to sit for an additional license exam if they planned to work in a particular state. The Nurse Licensure Compact Agreement now permits nurses to work in another state without having to obtain an additional license.
4. Get Hired
Check out the Career Center to look for jobs and network with others to find out job possibilities. Try to spend time in the nursing unit where you plan to take up a job to see if the working methods and standards are agreeable. Since nurses are in short demand you can take your time to select the job of your choice.
5. Be patient and caring
A nurse should have a compassionate and pleasant disposition when dealing with patients. Since the job involves working around the clock, it is necessary to be able to be stable emotionally. A nurse has to attend to sick people as well as injured people. They help mothers give birth to children as well as take care of the sick and dying. They should not feel emotionally attached to their patients as this will not help them survive this profession for long. It is not always easy to be kind or to empathize when one is overworked.
6. Learn to adapt to situations
This is important as each patient is different and when one is stressed out, it is very essential to be able to adapt and remain flexible. Some patients may require your attention more than others as they are worried about their condition. They expect the nurse to allay their fears and reassure them of their wellness. Patients begin to depend on a nurse and it is necessary to gain their confidence.
7. Empathize and be compassionate
This quality is very important when nurses are attending to patients especially when they are in the ICU or is a hospice. Nurses should have a genuine feeling of empathy and take care of their patients in a caring manner. You may have to explain things to the families of the patients who seek you out regularly. It is important to be patient and reassure them that you are doing your best for their loved one.
8. Taking care of accident cases or elderly patients
This is a demanding task and the nurses have to develop good bedside manners. They have to bathe, dress and help patients in and out of beds. They have to smile and display a congenial attitude though they may be tired and want to get back and rest. You may spend as much time as a doctor on the floor and you have to be alert at all times.
9. Improve your communication skills
You will need to communicate with the doctors and patients on a daily basis. It is necessary to be clear and precise. The families of the patient will also ask you many questions and you should be able to reply immediately.
10. Act professionally
Do not cross the line when you are talking to the patient, doctor or the families of the patient. You should maintain a professional attitude and learn to prioritize their needs. Nurses have to work in difficult situations where they are constantly exposed to machines and patients seeking their help. Nurses have to show tenderness and yet be firm and tough when required to handle the patients.
11. Scope of jobs
Once you gain experience you can take up positions of responsibility or take up advanced studies to become a doctor. You have the option of running a nurse-led clinic or developing your career in specific pathways. Some nurses take up jobs as a nurse in residential homes or in voluntary organizations. You can also work in the military or the pharmaceutical industry.
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