Should I become a nurse? Is registered nursing the right career choice for me? If you find yourself pondering these very important questions, keep reading to learn if you should become a registered nurse.
INTRODUCTION TO NURSING & ITS HISTORY
Nursing has been around since the dawn of time. The ancient Egyptians were known to practice nursing, and it is thought that they may have been the first to develop a system of medical care. Nursing continued to grow in popularity throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and by the 1700s, it had reached its peak in popularity.
During the 1800s, nursing underwent a rapid transformation to a more defined profession. This transformation was largely due to the work of Florence Nightingale and other early nursing pioneers.
Florence Nightingale is one of the most well-known and respected nurses of all time. Born in 1820 in London, England, she began her nursing career in 1854. Nightingale is credited with establishing the principles of modern nursing, and she is also known for her contributions to the field of epidemiology. She is credited with helping to change the way nurses are treated and trained, founding the Nightingale School of nursing, her book Notes on Nursing, and for her work during the Crimean War. Nightingale’s work during the war helped to improve the care that was being provided to wounded soldiers, and her efforts ultimately led to the creation of the modern day nursing profession.
Since the early days of nursing, the nursing profession has undergone many changes. Today, nursing is a vital part of the healthcare system, and it is an important profession.
THE ROLE OF NURSING IN THE MEDICAL FIELD
Nursing is a critical role in the medical field. Nurses provide comprehensive care to patients, including helping to administer treatments and monitor their health. Nurses also play an important role in educating patients and their families about their health and well-being.
A registered nurse is a type of nurse who has completed an accredited nursing program and has been licensed to practice. Registered nurses typically work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other places where patients are receiving care. They are responsible for providing care to patients, recording information about the patients’ conditions and treatments, and providing guidance and support to the patients and their families.
THE BASICS OF NURSING: ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PHARMACOLOGY, AND NURSING PRACTICE
Nursing anatomy and physiology is an important and integral part of nursing. The basics of nursing anatomy and physiology include the structure and function of the body’s organs and systems, as well as the role of pharmacology in nursing.
Nursing anatomy and physiology begins with an understanding of the body’s basic structure. Each body part is connected to other parts by structures like muscles, veins, and arteries. The body’s organs are located in specific areas and carry out specific functions.
Nursing pharmacology is the study of the effects of drugs on the body. Drugs can be used to treat a variety of health conditions, and they can also be used to prevent or manage disease. Pharmacology is an important part of nursing, because it helps nurses understand the effects of drugs on the body and how to best manage them.
NURSING CARE PLANS AND PROCEDURES
One of the most important aspects of nursing care is keeping track of the patient’s health and well-being. This requires a lot of documentation, including care plans and procedures.
Care plans are a helpful way to track the patient’s progress and to make sure that their needs are being met. They should be updated regularly, and should include information about the patient’s condition, medications, and any other treatments that are being used.
Procedures are a way to ensure that the patient’s care is consistent and standardized. They should be done as often as necessary to keep the patient safe and comfortable.
NURSING ETHICS
Nursing ethics is the application of principles of professional ethics to the nursing profession. It is a way to ensure that nurses maintain the high standards of care that they are responsible for, and that they comply with the laws and regulations that govern the nursing profession.
Nursing ethics principles include the principles of beneficence and justice, which dictate that nurses should act in the best interests of their patients, and the principle of autonomy, which dictates that nurses should have the freedom to make choices that are in the best interest of their patients. Nurses are also expected to adhere to the code of ethics of their professional organization, and to honor the principles of patient confidentiality.
THE NURSING WORKFORCE
The nursing workforce is constantly changing as new nurses enter the field and others retire. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of nurses in the U.S. workforce will grow by nearly 20% through 2024, but demand for nurses is outpacing the number of new nurses who are entering the field.
The BLS predicts that the number of registered nurses (RNs) will grow by 17%, while the number of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) will grow by 18%. The number of nurse anesthetists is projected to grow by almost 30%, which is likely due to the increasing popularity of medical procedures that require anesthetics.
Overall, the nursing workforce continues to be in high demand as projected growth continues at a healthy pace.
HOW MUCH MONEY CAN A REGISTERED NURSE MAKE IN A YEAR?
Registered nurses are in high demand due to the increasing aging population and the need for round-the-clock care. The median annual income for registered nurses was $72,920 in 2017, and is expected to grow to $82,670 by 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Registered nurses are known to work in hospitals, nursing homes, or other health care facilities. They typically have at minimum an associate degree in nursing, and must pass a licensing exam to become a registered nurse. Registered nurses work various schedule types including a standard 40-hour week, or three 12-hour shifts, totalling 36 hours a week. Nurses may work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
RN TO BSN PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The RN to BSN program is designed to provide registered nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to transition to a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Students in the RN to BSN program typically complete the program in three years, and may be eligible to receive a degree from a variety of institutions.
The RN to BSN program is divided into two parts: pre-RN and RN-BSN. The pre-RN program is designed to provide students with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the RN to BSN program. In the RN-BSN program, students will complete coursework in nursing, public health, leadership, research, and education.
FUTURE NURSING CAREERS
The nursing profession is one that is in high demand and will continue to be in demand in the future. There are many different types of nursing careers that are available to those who are interested in pursuing them. Below are 23 of the most common nursing careers in no particular order:
- Palliative Care/Hospice Nurse
- Medical Surgical Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Labor and Delivery Nurse
- Postpartum Nurse
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- Intensive Care Nurse
- Cardiovascular Intensive Care Nurse
- Trauma Nurse
- Flight Nurse
- School Nurse
- Clinical Instructor
- Clinic Nurse
- Outpatient Procedure Nurse
- Ambulatory Surgical Nurse
- Surgical Nurse
- Nurse Administrator
- Nurse Manager
- Nurse Leader
- Home Health Care Nurse
- Emergency Room Nurse
- Triage Nurse
- Telehealth Nurse
- And Many More
CONCLUSION
It takes years of dedication and hard work to become a nurse. From prerequisite undergrad coursework, pre-admission tests, strenuous nursing course curriculum and scheduling, clinical hours, exams, and then licensure testing and barriers to entry into the workforce as a new grad with minimal experience. Those who can overcome these various obstacles prove themselves to be both determined and resilient. Simultaneously, nurses are both in demand and striving toward better compensation for the both physically and mentally straining work required of them. After all you have learned, would you still consider becoming a nurse professional? This is a question only the individual can answer for their personal reasons but hopefully with more knowledge and things to consider.
REFERENCES
https://www.bls.gov/
The History of Nursing Profession in Ancient Egyptian Society. November 2019. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences 11:100174. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2019.100174.
