It is challenging to find a profession with greater job security than healthcare. No matter how far the business has come, people will always get sick and need medical professionals. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing anticipated a shortfall of licensed nurses by the year 2021. Despite being right, the Association’s first prediction did not account for the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak. The prevalence of Covid-19 emphasizes the demand for healthcare workers even more.
A career as a nurse is often considerably more attainable for students than a career as a doctor. Medical school is expensive and time-consuming, and many students graduate with significant debt. Although being a nurse needs education, it is not as rigorous as becoming a doctor. The daily patient care is primarily handled by nurses, who play a significant role in the healthcare sector. Nurses have a variety of employment options, some of which need distinct educational backgrounds. Learn more about the many nursing specialties in the sections below.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Patients’ general needs are attended to directly by certified nursing assistants (CNA) while they are receiving treatment. This entails assisting patients in eating and getting dressed and keeping an eye on their vital signs as they receive treatment. CNAs must work under a licensed nurse because, despite their title, they are not technically considered nurses. You must finish a training course that has been approved by the state in order to become a CNA. This can take three to eight weeks to complete, depending on where you live.
Although jobs in nursing homes or residential care facilities are also available, CNAs frequently work in hospital settings. If you enjoy working with the same patients repeatedly, these jobs are advised. If working in healthcare appeals to you yet you do not want to commit to going through a longer program, earning your CNA is an excellent option for you to learn many of the basic nursing skills while also getting a feel for the work. You have the opportunity to observe directly the extra duties associated with different nursing specialties because you are collaborating with nurses who hold higher positions.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Sometimes, licensed vocational nurses (LVN) are used in place of licensed practical nurses (LPN). Regardless of their position, LPNs are in charge of basic patient care. Taking blood pressure, placing an IV, and changing bandages are a few typical LPN tasks. Additionally, LPNs serve as a liaison between patients and doctors, transferring information between the two parties. LPNs are frequently asked to discuss care plans to family members for patients who require additional assistance after being discharged.
Unlike a CNA, becoming an LPN requires a degree. A practical nursing diploma program must be completed as a prerequisite for certification. These programs range in length depending on the state, but they are typically completed over the course of a year. Enroll in a practical nursing program at a community college, technical school, or career center. You must pass the National Council Licensure Examination after receiving your degree (NCLEX-PN). You acquire your state license, which entitles you to employment in your state, after passing your examination.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Since registered nurses (RN) are responsible for the duties that are most frequently connected to the nursing profession, they are sometimes referred to as standard nurses. Among their many responsibilities are gathering and updating patient data, keeping tabs on their well-being, and running diagnostic tests. In addition to developing a treatment plan with doctors, RNs also administer various medications. In certain hospitals, RNs are also in charge of the other medical personnel.
RNs hold a variety of positions due to the wide range of their profession. The nursing specializations for RNs include neonatal, pediatric, psychiatric, and emergency care. A registered nurse (RN) can hold one of two degrees. The first is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, while the second is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) (BSN).
Depending on previous college experience, the length of time it takes to earn your degree varies. With prior medical credits, you can earn a BSN in as little as 18 months, as opposed to the typical three years. Typically, it takes 14 to 18 months to complete an ADN program. Before you may start working after receiving your degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination.
The type of job you seek relies on the degree you choose. Some hospitals only employ BSN-trained nurses or pay a higher beginning salary. Students frequently obtain their ADN in order to begin working as soon as feasible before easing into earning their BSN.
