Is a Career in Nursing Right for Me?
In the earliest days of their history, nurses were little more than maids; cleaning and dishwashing were primary duties. In the 1800s, however, Florence Nightingale and her volunteers planted the seeds of modern nursing. They provided care to the sick and injured during the Crimean War and forged the way toward modern nursing. Today, nurses are an integral part of patient care. They are nurturers, educators, advocates and caregivers. (Soliant Health)
If you’ve thought about becoming a nurse but are still unsure, this guide is for you. So read on and you’ll find the information you need in order to discover whether a nursing career is right for you.
Daily Activities
While the workday will vary depending on specialization and setting, some basic tasks apply for most nurses. The primary duty is to care for the sick and injured. This may come in the form of dispensing medication, performing lab work, administering tests, educating patients and even providing emotional support. Nurse practitioners can add prescribing medications to the list. (BLS)
Responsibilities
Nurses are expected to make patients comfortable, to nurture them, and to show concern for them. Additionally, a nurse educates patients on leading a healthy lifestyle, encouraging them to make changes that will enhance patient well-being. Finally, a nurse acts as a liaison. He or she interprets information to the patient and communicates concerns to physicians. (Nursing Crib.com)
Setting
Nurses work in a variety of settings. Some of the most common are:
- Doctor’s Offices
- Emergency Departments
- Patient Homes
- Clinics
- Schools
- Military
Specialization
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies nursing specializations into four categories. Nurses can choose to specialize by setting or treatment type, by condition, by organ or body system type, or by population. Of course, any combination of these is also possible, making career paths quite diverse. For example, a nurse may choose to specialize in orthopedics and pediatrics.
Education Requirements
In addition to licensing, the typical education levels in nursing are (Mayo Clinic):
- Licensed Practical Nurse – Certificate or Diploma
- Registered Nurse – Associates or Bachelor’s Degree
- Advanced Practical Nurse – Master’s Degree or Ph.D.
Potential Disadvantages
While nursing can be very rewarding, some may view a few of the requirements as potential disadvantages. Nurses typically spend long hours on their feet and help lift and transfer some patients to beds or wheelchairs. In addition to physical demands, the emotional element of the job can be stressful. While a nurse must be empathetic and show concern, not every case will turn out well, making a certain degree of emotional stamina necessary.
Characteristics of a Successful Nurse
In addition to being skilled in math, science, and human anatomy, successful nurses typically possess certain personal traits. Nursing Link has identified ten of these traits, which include great communication, empathy, flexibility, attention to detail and physical endurance, among others.
Related Occupations
Those interested in working in healthcare may also wish to explore careers as nursing instructors, chiropractors, surgeons, podiatrists, psychiatric aides, or medical assistants. (O*Net)