People considering a career in the medical field that can be finished in a relatively short time often pursue a career in nursing. Because the medical field is one that is always full of jobs and opportunities, many people learn how to become a nurse to get their career off to a good start. When working as a nurse a person can expect to make a better than average paycheck, have good benefits and go home feeling as if they have made a difference in the world upon finishing each day.
There are numerous avenues an interested individual can pursue when considering colleges for obtaining a degree in nursing. One of the most important things for them to decide is what rank of nursing they want to pursue. This is important when wanting to learn how to be a nurse. There are three stages of non-specific nursing degrees, the beginning position is to become a CNA, the second an LPN, the third is an RN degree. These three abbreviations are ones to become familiar with before signing up for nursing courses. The first being a CNA, which is a Certified Nursing Assistant, this position entails doing a lot of the personal care involved with patients.
While all nurses to some degree have to assist patients with personal care, the CNA is responsible for taking blood pressure readings, assisting patients with body waste, bathing patients and other harder tasks. This position is not for the weak backed or weak hearted person, it is by far the hardest nursing job on the market and a CNA will work hard for their money. A lot of people start out as a CNA to get their foot into the medical field, which is a great idea for many because it is an efficient way to get a job faster than taking the LPN or RN courses. This course does not make one a nurse however, and is simply a job that requires assisting the nurses with full patient care.
The second position in the nursing field is an LPN, which a Licensed Practical Nurse. A nurse with this degree is required to do a lot more than a Certified Nursing Assistant, with considerably higher pay and longer education requirements. This degree is typically sought after by many because it can take half of the time to complete the courses that are required when taking the RN courses. This course of study is much harder and entails a lot more education pertaining to the human anatomy. Many people will pursue this degree and then further their education with a degree as an RN.
At last, the RN stands for a Registered Nurse. This is a highly paid position that requires extensive education and though the job may not require as much attention to patient care it does require a highly educated individual. The RN generally is as close to being a doctor as one can get besides becoming a Physician’s Assistant. An RN is a highly respected position in the nursing field and rightfully so, the course material can be extremely difficult and takes a lot longer to complete. While each nursing position requires the individual to be licensed and pass state testing, the requirements for an RN license are very difficult in that an RN has the authority to administer prescribed medications.
Not only does the RN administer the medications, he/she is also responsible for making sure patients are getting appropriate doses of their medications. Because there is a lot more room for error and because of medical malpractice suits, RN’s must be of the highest quality regardless of whom they work for. Though this position is hard to accomplish, it is by far not impossible with the right attitude and dedication.
To begin learning how to become a nurse one must decide first where they can attend school, when and how to pay for it. Many courses for nursing are available online, financial aid is available in most states, and some of these degrees can be obtained online through accredited colleges. Before enrolling in any nursing program it is essential to make sure they offer the education materials required to pass the final test required by each state to become licensed to practice. Each state requires different degrees to offer curriculum that passes their state required standards for nursing.
When deciding to pursue a degree in nursing the possibilities remain endless because one can become a pediatric nurse, respiratory nurse, or an oncology nurse, and the list could go on. There are numerous fields for which a nurse can branch into so this career choice is absolutely one of the best available in the medical field. To make a difference in the quality of care given to people while receiving medical attention is certainly a job worth appreciation. Nursing is a tough job, it requires a lot of giving, so the next time the opportunity arises be sure to let a nurse know how appreciated they are. Medical care would not be what it is today without the dedication of hard working nurses.
