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A nursing career is entry into a profession that is focused on advocacy in the care of individuals, families, and communities in attaining, maintaining, and recovering optimal health and functioning. Modern definitions of nursing describe it as a science and an art that focuses on promoting quality of life as defined by populations, communities, families, and individuals, throughout their life experiences from birth through the end of life.
The actual authority for a nursing career is based upon a social contract that delineates professional rights and responsibilities as well as mechanisms for public accountability. In almost all countries, nursing practice is defined and governed by law, and entrance to the profession is regulated at national or state level.
The primary aim of the nursing community worldwide is for its professionals to ensure quality care for all, while maintaining their credentials, code of ethics, standards, and competencies, and continuing their education. There are a number of educational paths to a nursing career, which vary greatly worldwide, but all involve extensive study of nursing theory and practice and training in clinical skills.
Nurses take care of individuals who are healthy and ill, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, and who have physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, social, and spiritual needs. The profession combines physical science, social science, nursing theory, and technology in caring for those individuals.
In order to work in a nursing career, all nurses hold one or more credentials depending on their scope of practice and education. A Licensed practical nurse(LPN) (also referred to as a Licensed vocational nurse, Registered practical nurse, Enrolled nurse, and State enrolled nurse) works under a Registered nurse. A Registered nurse (RN) provides scientific, psychological, and technological knowledge in the care of patients and families in many health care settings. ($30,000-$50,000/yr base). Registered nurses may also earn additional credentials or degrees enabling them to work under different titles such as:
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)- Provides primary care and specialized advanced nursing services to patients and families. Principle types of APRNs include: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) ($40,000-$65,000/yr+)
- Nurse Educator - Utilizes educational methodologies to present current information in patient care settings, universities, and communities. Types of nurse educators include: Clinical Instructor, College/University Professor, Staff Development Specialist, and Patient Education Specialist($30,000-$75,000/yr+)
- Nurse Administrator - Coordinates the use of human, financial, and technological resources to provide patient care. ($40,000-$90,000/yr+)
- Nurse Researcher - Utilizes statistical methodologies to discover or establish facts, principles or relationships. ($40,000-$75,000/yr+)
There is no profession which offers as many opportunities for diversified roles as does nursing. Nurses may follow their personal and professional interests by working with any group of people, in any setting, at any time. Some nurses follow the traditional role of working in a hospital setting. Within the hospital setting, nurses may work in areas including:
Critical Care; Emergency; Maternal/Child Care; Medical: Cardiology, Diabetes, Gastroenterology, Gerontology, Nephrology, Neurology, Oncology, Pulmonary, Rehabilitation, Renal, Rheumatology, Urology; Operating Room/Recovery Room; Pediatrics; Psychiatric/Mental Health; Surgical: Burn, Cardiovascular, Ear/Nose/Throat, Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, Plastic Reconstructive, Transplant
Others may work in non-hospital settings including:
Public/Community Health; Mental Health Agencies; Home Health Care; Physician's 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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