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Nursing Is Fast Growing Occupation!
Written by Natasha Bright   
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 08:30
The American Nursing Association defines its profession as: "the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities; prevention of illness and injury; alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human responses; and advocacy in health care for individuals, families, communities, and populations." What should also be noted is in keeping to that definition, the job has evolved into a multi-faceted profession with many possibilities for its practitioners.
by NatashaBright


The American Nursing Association defines its profession as: "the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities; prevention of illness and injury; alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human responses; and advocacy in health care for individuals, families, communities, and populations." What should also be noted is in keeping to that definition, the job has evolved into a multi-faceted profession with many possibilities for its practitioners.

These days, there are as many types of nurses as there are letters in the alphabet. Still, the Registered Nurse (RN) reigns supreme. According to a 2008 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the RN is the largest healthcare occupation at 2.6 million. They are also the fastest growing occupation, with 581,000 additional nurses needed by 2018. The average salary of a certified RN is $60,000, with more advance degree nurses (ADNs) earning over $90,000. With numbers like this, it's easy to see why registered nursing is one of the most popular fields taken at online scholarships.

Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of educational programs qualify for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. Individuals considering a career in nursing should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of enrolling in each type of education program. Advancement opportunities may be more limited for diploma holders compared to RNs who obtain a BSN or higher. For more informantion on nursing college, check the web.

It should be noted that individuals who undergo the bachelor's degree program receive more training in areas such as communication, leadership, and critical thinking, all of which are becoming more important as nursing practice becomes more complex. Additionally, bachelor's degree programs offer more clinical experience in nonhospital settings. A bachelor's or higher degree is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching.

Advanced practice nurses (ADN) can either work inside an organization in management positions or go independent with their own practices. There are four main types of ADNs: clinical nurse specialists, direct patient care and expert consultations in one of many nursing specialties; nurse anesthetists, anesthetists provide anesthesia and related care; nurse-midwives, who do primary care to women, including gynecological exams, assistance in labor/delivery and nurse practitioners, who serve as primary and specialty care providers, providing a blend of nursing and healthcare services. All four types of advanced practice nurses require at least a master's degree.

Often called advanced practice nurses (ADN), these types of nurses can either work inside an organization in management positions or go independent with their own practices. There are four main types of ADNs: clinical nurse specialists, direct patient care and expert consultations in one of many nursing specialties; nurse anesthetists, anesthetists provide anesthesia and related care; nurse-midwives, who do primary care to women, including gynecological exams, assistance in labor/delivery and nurse practitioners, who serve as primary and specialty care providers, providing a blend of nursing and healthcare services. All four types of advanced practice nurses require at least a master's degree. If you are looking for more information on college grants and scholarships, you can research the internet.

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