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There are 2.6 million registered nurses in the nation making Nursing the largest health care profession. Nursing is called upon to help provideservices for a variety of reasons:
- Advances in medical technology often require highly specialized nurses to care for patients,
- More people are learning about health promotion (healthy habits to prevent illness) that require the assistance of nurses,
- People are living longer requiring health services for a longer time.
Nursing is a career with unlimited opportunities -- ranging from caring for the very old to the newborn; in settings with high technology like hospital critical care units, and in settings that provide outpatient services like clinics.
Nurses care for patients 24 hours a day and carry out a plan of care for each patient.
- They consult with physicians and other health care team members,
- They perform a variety of complicated skills like: changing dressings, taking blood pressures, giving injections, and working with complex monitors and equipment,
- They also teach patients and families about their health condition,
- They provide emotional support to patients and families.
Nursing offers over 50 different specialties and a variety of settings in which to work:
Critical Care
Pediatrics
Maternal / Child Care
Mental Health Care
Medical: Cardiology, Renal, Diabetes, Gastroenterology, Pulmonary, Oncology, Nephrology, Neurology, Cardiovascular, Rehabilitation, Renal, Rheumatolgy
Surgical: Burn, Cardiovascular, Ear/Nose/Throat, Orthopedics/Sports Medicine, Plastic/Reconstructive, Transplant, Urology, Gynecology, Neuro-surgery, Ophthalmology, Operating Room/Recovery Room, Emergency
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Public/Community Health and Mental Health Agencies
Home Health Care
Physicians Office
Health Maintenance Organizations and Managed Care Companies
Insurance
Occupational Health
Research Centers
Extended Care Facilities
Clinics
Outpatient Surgery Centers
Hospices
Community Schools, Day Care Centers
Military Branches
Independent practice
Schools of Nursing
Senior Centers, Shelters, Churches
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Preparation
In order to provide care to patients, Nursing requires that you have a background in math, the physical sciences, and social sciences.
| High School Courses Required by Most Schools of Nursing |
| English |
4 |
verbal and written communication skills essential. |
| Math |
2 - 4 |
algebra necessary for success in chemistry and medication administration; geometry for problem-solving skills. |
| Science |
2 - 4 |
chemistry essential; biology important; physics recommended; computer science helpful. |
| Social Studies |
3 - 4 |
psychology important; sociology, history, government, economics are all recommended |
| Foreign Language |
2 |
highly recommended; some variation among individual nursing schools. |
Approved Nursing School
Students planning to be a Registered Nurse will attend an approved nursing school to achieve a college degree. Some nurses then attend advanced nursing education programs to achieve their Master's or Doctoral Degree. Graduate degrees prepare nurses to become Clinical Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, College Instructors/Professors, Managers, and Researchers.
Quiz Yourself
| 1. |
There are 2.6 million nurses in the United States. |
T or F |
| 2. |
Nursing is a career for both men and women. |
T or F |
| 3. |
There are only 10 Nursing Schools/Colleges to choose from in the United States. |
T or F |
| 4. |
Math/Science courses are not necessary to be a Registered Nurse. |
T or F |
| 5. |
Strong English skills are essential for a Career in Registered Nursing. |
T or F |
| 6. |
Algebra and Chemistry are required courses to be a Registered Nurse. |
T or F |
| 7. |
Registered Nurses take care of patients of all ages. |
T or F |
| 8. |
Physicians and Registered Nurses do the same things for patients. |
T or F |
| 9. |
Nurses have to keep up with the latest equipment in health care. |
T or F |
| 10. |
To become a Registered Nurse, an individual must attend an approved nursing school/college program and pass a national test. |
T or F |
Answers: 1: T, 2: T, 3: F, 4: F, 5: T, 6: T, 7: T, 8: F, 9: T, 10: T
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