Nursing as a Career
What is Nursing?
Nursing has many definitions, but the essence of nursing is to combine
the art of caring with the science of health care. Nursing places its
focus not only on a particular health problem, but also on the whole patient
and his or her response to treatment. Nursing is a rewarding but highly
technical field. Nurses must know not only the health sciences, but also
how to plan, organize, and educate patients and their families. Students
who wish to prepare for a nursing career should pay particular attention
to math, biology, chemistry, and behavioral and social sciences.
Need for Nurses
According to the latest projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
more than one million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2010.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects a 21% increase in the need for nurses
nationwide from 1998 to 2008.
Getting into Nursing
Entrance requirements for nursing schools vary. All programs may require
one or more of the standardized entrance exams: the "Scholastic Aptitude
Test" (SAT) of the College Entrance Examination Board; the "American
College Test" (ACT) of the American College Testing Program; the
"Pre-Nursing and Guidance Examination" of the National League
for Nursing; and the "Entrance Examination for Schools of Nursing"
of the Psychological Testing Corporation. Each school establishes its
own admission score.
All programs require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must meet the same institutional requirements as students entering colleges or universities. Generally, this means that applicants must have taken courses in English, math, science, and social studies.
Selecting a Program
When selecting a nursing school, the student should choose a school that
is state approved. Only graduates of state-approved programs are eligible
to take the state licensure examination. The National League for Nursing
Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education (CCNE) are national accrediting agencies for nursing education
programs. Graduates from accredited schools are more likely to receive
credit for previous educational experiences when applying for further
study.
Three basic types of nursing education programs prepare students to take the State Board Licensing Examination upon completion of the required courses.
• Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs are generally four academic years in length and are located in colleges and universities. The course of study combines the theory and practice of nursing with general education in the humanities and behavioral, biological, and physical sciences. The BSN program offers students experiences in major settings where health care is delivered. Baccalaureate education is required for entry into a Master's Degree in nursing program that prepares you for leadership, management, and more independent roles, such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, educator, and researcher. A BSN is preferred and often required for military nursing, case management, public health nursing, overseas/development nursing, forensic nursing, and school nursing.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs are generally offered at junior and community colleges and are 2-3 years in length. The ADN program balances content with general studies and nursing education. The program offers a wide variety of clinical nursing experiences and prepares graduates to deliver direct care to patients.
• Diploma Hospital School Nursing programs are 2 to 3 year hospital based programs that prepare you to deliver direct patient care in a variety of environments. Many diploma schools are affiliated with junior colleges where you may also take basic science and English requirements.
Career Opportunities
Upon graduation from a nursing program, you are required to pass the National
Council Licensure Examination to become a Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
Although salaries vary across our region, they are improving steadily.
In Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and in Northern Kentucky a beginning graduate
may earn $38,000 or more, with additional benefit packages adding to the
base salary. Clinical specialty areas such as medical/surgical, obstetrics,
pediatrics, acute care, emergency, psychiatry, cancer nursing, operating,
and recovery rooms are included in many hospitals. There are many opportunities
for nurses to practice in community health centers, long-term care facilities,
nursing homes, mental health settings, and rehabilitation centers.
Because the demand for nurses is so high, it is easy for graduates to find meaningful and rewarding jobs. From hospital practice or government service to research to education, the opportunities are endless. It may sound like a cliché, but nurses touch people's lives everyday. It is one of the most wonderful professions to which one can belong.
Editorial provided by Lisa Spangler Torok, Chairperson, Department of Nursing at Thomas More College, Crestview Hills, Kentucky.
