Amy Robbins is a travel nurse with 17 years of nursing experience. She holds a B.S. in Nursing from Florida State University. Travel Nurse Aim

Obtaining a nursing degree can be like opening the door to humanity’s most intimate hopes, dreams and sorrows. As a nurse, I have been counselor, mother, friend, hero, teacher, conveyer of good tidings, and bearer of bad. No other profession allows you to interact with someone at the highest point in her life (having a newborn baby) and the lowest (watching the baby pass away due to complications).

Although the pay, benefits and relatively flexible work schedules are certainly reasons to consider a career in nursing, the most rewarding aspect of nursing to me is the interaction I have had with my patients. I have made lifelong friends with many of my patients and their family after helping nurture a loved one back to health. Perhaps the strongest bonds I have made have been with family members I comforted after the loss of a loved one.

I do not mean to say that being a nurse has always resulted in making lifelong friendships. Out of nursing school, I took a job working on a hospital floor where the nurse–patient ratio was extremely low. I felt I was not able to give my patients the care they needed. I constantly thought, “I wish I could have done a better job today.” I did not realize that sometimes the facility you work for will go far in determining how happy you will be as a nurse.

My advice to nursing students: care for patients as if they were a member of your family, and do not work for a facility that puts profits over patients.

If you have the ability to work long hours in a challenging environment but still maintain a caring demeanor, you might be cut out for a career in nursing. This occupation will be growing rapidly in the coming years, and job opportunities will be excellent for trained nurses. We created our site, OnlineNursingClasses.net, to highlight the degree options available to students in this field.

Check out our articles on Licensed Practical Nursing and undergraduate nursing degrees, if you’re new to the nursing field. Have some healthcare experience? Read up on accelerated nursing programs or the available nursing graduate degrees. Feel free to contact us, if you still have questions about nursing education. We’d be happy to help.  

We'd be happy to hear any feedback or questions that you may have.

There are many misconceptions that surround influenza (the flu). Here are some of those myths and explanations of why they're plain false. However, never dismiss seeking medical attention if you are experiencing severe flu symptoms.

1. Getting vaccinated will give you Guillain–Barré syndrome.
   The estimated risk for Guillain–Barré syndrome is at most one per one million people vaccinated. Recent studies show that the risk for this syndrome is 4–7 times higher once you have the flu than after vaccination. Apart from the 1976 flu season, there has been no increased risk relation between the two.
   
   
2. The flu vaccine doesn't work and it can give you the flu.
   The vaccine is almost 100% effective. Because the flu is made from an inactivated virus, it is impossible to get the flu from the vaccine. Some people experience soreness at the vaccination spot, aches, fever, or feel unwell for a day. There is an immediate reaction in rare cases where people are allergic to the vaccine.
   
   
3. You don't need a flu shot every year.
   Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and changing; thus, vaccines change every season to protect against the most recent strain. A person's immune protection from vaccination also declines over time. Getting vaccinated every year protects against both.
   
   
4. Antibiotics are effective against the flu.
   The flu is a virus—most antibiotics are ineffective against it. Most people don't need treatment after the flu, but if there are underlying conditions or severe symptoms, an antiviral medication such as oseltamivir (or Tamiflu) may be prescribed.
   
   
5. "Feed a cold, starve a fever."
   Fluids are necessary when having the flu or the common cold. Poor nutrition will not help alleviate or heal them. It is important to eat enough to fill a normal appetite. People should also drink water, juice, and hot fluids.
   
   
6. You can catch the flu going out in cold weather.
   The only way to get the flu virus is from exposure to it. Flu season coincides with winter so most people assume that exposure to cold weather will give them the flu. However, cold, drafty environments will not give you the flu virus.
   
   
7. You shouldn't be vaccinated if you are pregnant or already ill.
   Pregnant women and sick persons are at higher risk when they get the flu. It recommended for them for them to get vaccinated during flu season. However, if there is a history of a previous allergic reaction to vaccine or eggs, their primary care provider should be consulted before receiving the vaccine.
   
   
8. You don't need a shot for the seasonal flu if you already received the H1N1 vaccine.
   It's not rare for more than one strain of influenza to be present during flu season. Receiving the seasonal flu shot will not protect against the H1N1 strain. It's recommended that, in addition to getting vaccinated for H1N1, a person get vaccinated for the seasonal flu.
   
   
9. The flu is only a bad cold.
   In the U.S., 36,000 people die from influenza and more than 200,000 are hospitalized each year. While it may cause cold symptoms, the flu can be a severe life-threatening disease. Unlike the common cold, the flu is caused by the influenza virus.
   
   
10. Healthy people don't need vaccination.
    While the vaccination is most recommended for persons with chronic illness, healthy persons should get vaccinated too. Children 6 months to 19 years old, pregnant women, and people over age 49 should be vaccinated. Adults who might spread the virus to others susceptible to it—especially those medically unable to receive a vaccination because of allergies, being under 6 months old, etc.—should get vaccinated. This is the reason health-care workers get the vaccine: to protect their patients.

Avoiding the Flu

• Persons 6 months or older should get vaccinated every year. Especially people are at high risk, including those with chronic health conditions. People who care for children younger than 6 months should also get vaccinated.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Preventing the Spread of the Flu at Home, Work, and School

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw it in the trash after use.
• Stay at home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical help.
• Create a "sick room" for someone with the flu to keep them away from high-risk persons in the household.
• Keep surfaces clean.
• Clean linens, dishes, and utensils used by someone who is sick.
• Limit contact with others.

Recovering From the Flu

• Take prescription antiviral drugs if you doctor has prescribed them.
• Stay at home, rest, eat and drink plenty of fluids.
• Always seek medical attention for severe flu symptoms.

Sources:

10 flu myths. (2012) Harvard University.

Caring for Someone with the Flu. (2012). FLU.gov - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

CDC Says "Take 3" Actions to Fight The Flu. (2011) Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Flu myths: Hear what UW Medicine doctors have to say. (2011) University of Washington.

Myths about the flu: get the facts. (2009) Columbia University.

It is a fact of life that accidents happen.  Whether you are engaging in risky activity or just hanging out at home, a first aid kit is essential to have on hand.  Its contents equip you to handle emergencies and injuries alike, but only if it contains the necessary items for situations big and small.  A current and stocked kit should be kept both at home and in the car at all times.  They can be purchased either at your local Red Cross or drugstore or be made at home.  Either way, acquaint yourself with its contents and be prepared with the knowledge to use them.

• First aid manual: Read through your booklet to familiarize yourself with all contents.
• Non-latex gloves (2 pair): Protects from blood and bacteria when treating wounds.
• Antiseptic wipes: To clean wounds.
• Antibiotic ointment: Disinfects wounds and prevents further infection.
• Alcohol wipes: Used to clean items like tweezers or scissors.
• Hydrocortisone cream: Reduces swelling, itching, and redness from bug bites, rash, or allergies.
• Sterile gauze pads of assorted sizes: Ranging from at least 4×4 inches to over 8×10 inches.
• Gauze roller bandage: Between 2 and 4 inches wide; stops bleeding without the need for tape when tied around limbs.
• Adhesive bandages of assorted sizes: For any cut size, applied after cleaning the wound.
• 5-by-9 inch compress dressings: To stanch bleeding.
• Elastic bandage: Curbs swelling in sprains and acts as sling or splint for broken bones.
• Triangular bandage: Sling for broken bones or dislocated shoulders; can also be a tourniquet to stop bleeding.
• Adhesive cloth tape: Keeps gauze in place when treating scrapes, dressing cuts, and other wounds.
• Instant cold compress: Reduces swelling.
• Tweezers: To remove splinters, dirt, glass, etc.
• Scissors: For cutting bandages, clothing, tape, etc.
• Splint: Stabilizes broken bones.
• Safety pins: Holds and secures bandages.
• Thermometer: Measures body temperature.
• Flashlight and extra batteries: Ensure that batteries are fresh.
• Blanket: For warmth.
• Aspirin: Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen for pain, fever, or inflammation.
• Antihistamines: For allergic reactions.
• Prescription medications: Not usually kept in a kit at all times, but should be included, especially when travelling.

A first aid kit container depends on its purpose.  Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or rafting may require different durability and water resistance than one left at home or in the car.  Always make sure it contains the necessary components for your specific activity.  If making your own, choose your container wisely—something durable, lightweight, and easily opened with plenty of room for supplies.  Tackle boxes and craft supply containers work best.  Periodically check expiration dates on medicines and ointments and remember to replace any items used.  With a complete kit, you are prepared for whatever arises.

Article Resources

Anatomy of a First Aid Kit (2012) The American Red Cross.

First Aid Kit (2010) KidsHealth

First-aid Kits United States Department of Labor

The Internet is one of the best things to happen to health information, for healthcare students, professionals, and consumers alike. Whether you’re studying diagnoses for your next quiz or just want to know if you should call in sick or not, these health and medicine directories have a wealth of useful information. Please remember that these sites may contain very useful information, but nothing compares to the care from a doctor or other licensed health care practitioner.

MedlinePlus: Developed by the National Institutes of Health, this site is an excellent choice for professionally-backed, unbiased consumer health information. Search by particular ailments or diseases, or look up medications and supplements.

• Why it’s unique: You can use MedlinePlus with confidence that what you’re reading reflects the latest scientific research and the stance of the medical community.

Hardin MD: This database is an excellent search tool when you have a particular disease or issue in mind. It was created by the Hardin Library for Health Sciences at the University of Iowa.

• Why it’s unique: For clinical health students or those studying medical science, the pictures in this directory can be useful for learning to identify particular diseases.

Web MD: WebMD is a great portal to check out when you’re trying to take better care of yourself, your loved ones, and even your pets. The site covers everything from particular health conditions to emotional disorders and tips for healthier living.

• Why it’s unique: WebMD can be helpful when you’re dealing with low-level health issues (should I call in sick, or head to work?) and need a trusted resource.

DermAtlas: Whether you’re studying medical issues related to skin or dealing with your own skin problems, Johns Hopkins’ DermAtlas is a great resource.

• Why it’s unique: The site’s entries are developed by medical doctors who have authored dermatology textbooks. Each entry includes photos.

University of Maryland MedReference: University of Maryland offers this comprehensive site, with entries that are easy to read but reviewed by medical experts. Look up medical terms, drug interactions, and access health calculators.

• Why it’s unique: This truly consumer-friendly resource even has an iPhone app of its medical dictionary, so you can take it on the go.

Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: This is an online companion to the physical Family Health Guide book. The guide covers useful health information for everyone from infants to the elderly, including first aid care, particular ailments, and cancer risk assessment.

• Why it’s unique: The book-style format of this resource makes it more accessible and easy to use than more comprehensive, dictionary-style health guides.

Health.gov: The federal government’s health portal is an excellent place to start if you’re interested in general, preventative health information that is relevant to you. By entering basic information about yourself, you can find health advice tailored to your situation.

• Why it’s unique: While consumer-oriented, the health.gov site also compiles news of the latest medical and health research findings.

Stanford Health Library: This large aggregator of health information is a useful reference for patients, medical professionals, and health students. Searches for medical conditions or diagnoses yield links to relevant sites, research papers, drug information, and more.

• Why it’s unique: The Stanford Health Library has information science mastered, making it easy to access relevant information even if you didn’t know you were looking for it.

National Adolescent and Young Adult Health Information Center: This is a health research-oriented site, developed by the University of California San Francisco. Check out research and statistics on adolescent health, or view national and state health profiles.

• Why it’s unique: Health care and public policy professionals interested in young adult health will find useful data about care delivery here.

CDC Traveler’s Health Information: In a global society, everyone needs to be aware of health risks when they travel. The Center for Disease Control compiles the latest information, which is useful for consumers as well as travel nurses and physicians.

• Why it’s unique: The CDC is the authority on the health precautions to take while traveling. All travelers should check the site out before their next trip.

Unfortunately, there are many different types of cancer that afflict people every day. Cancer treatment varies by cancer type, cancer stage and, sometimes, location. There is a wealth of information available on the Internet discussing cancers, cancer treatments, coping strategies and other cancer-related issues. The following websites are useful for oncologists, nurses, and members of the general public dealing with cancer.

Diseases

National Cancer Institute: The National Institutes of Health's official cancer website. It provides comprehensive information on all cancer types, including breast cancer, colon and rectal cancer, and melanoma. It also provides treatment information, cancer research news, and cancer statistics.

Breast Cancer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website for breast cancer. It provides basic information on breast cancer, information on breast cancer screening, and breast cancer statistics and research.

Skin Cancer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website for skin cancer. It provides basic information on skin cancer, information on skin cancer prevention, skin cancer statistics and research, and manuals on how schools can maintain a skin-friendly environment.

Colon Cancer: PubMed Health is a website maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Their colon cancer page talks about the causes and risk factors of colon cancer, symptoms, tests, treatment options, and prevention strategies.

Prostate Cancer Foundation: The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an organization that funds and promotes prostate cancer research. Their website provides information on prostate cancer symptoms, treatment options, and information on living with the disease. It also provides the latest prostate cancer news and research findings.

Approved therapies

Drug Development and Approval: The National Cancer's Institute website that provides descriptions of cancer drugs and the NCI drug dictionary. It also provides information on how new cancer treatments are approved.

Targeted Cancer Therapies: The National Cancer's Institute website that discusses targeted cancer therapies, which block the growth and spread of cancer by molecule interference. It talks about how targeted cancer therapies work, how they are developed, and the various types of targeted cancer therapies.

Radiation Therapy: KidsHealth's Radiation Therapy website provides basic information on radiation therapy, including how it is given, common side effects, and what to expect after therapy. Its targeted audience is children and teenage cancer patients.

Cancer Treatment: Mayo Clinic's cancer treatment website discusses cancer treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. It also provides information on Mayo Clinic's cancer clinical trials.

Surgery for Cancer: Provided by Emory University, this website discusses surgery for cancer. It states why it is done, how it works, and its use in combination with radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Coping with cancer

Cancer Support and Coping with Cancer: The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania provides comprehensive information for cancer patients and caregivers on how to cope with cancer. Topics include proper nutrition during cancer treatment, changes to sexuality and fertility, and the challenges of being a caregiver.

Coping with the Diagnosis of Cancer: Stanford University's Clinical Cancer Center provides some practical things on how to deal, and help others deal, with a cancer diagnosis. Tips include learning as much about the disease as possible, resuming normal daily activities, and utilizing local support groups.

CureSearch: Coping with Cancer: The official website for CureSearch for Children's Cancer, a national non-profit that supports and funds children's cancer research. It provides information to parents on getting community support, school support, giving informed consent, and palliative care. 

Coping with Cancer: The Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center provides information on how to deal with a cancer diagnosis, helping children cope, and coping with terminal cancer. It also provides work, insurance, legal, and financial resources.

Nutrition and Coping with Cancer Symptoms: A website provided by the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, it discusses proper nutrition during cancer treatment. There are also links to pages that discuss caring for the caregiver and dealing with fatigue.

Additional Resources

National Cancer Survivors Day: The homepage of National Cancer Survivors Day, an organization that organizes the annual celebration held in communities throughout the world for cancer survivors. It provides information on how to attend and organize an event.

Hospice Care: The American Cancer Society discusses everything related to hospice care. Cancer patients and their caregivers will find information on insurance coverage for hospice care, how to find it, and what questions to ask.

Association of Cancer Online Resources: The Association of Cancer Online Resources offers information on cancer types, treatments, clinical trials information, and cancer resources. It also provides mailing lists for a variety of cancer topics so that people can receive regular updates and connect with others online. 

CancerCare: CancerCare is a website that provides resources and information for people affected by cancer. It has separate pages for patients and survivors, caregivers and loved ones, and health care professionals.

Imerman Angels: Imerman Angels is an organization that matches a person affected by cancer with someone who has successfully fought and survived the same type of cancer for support and guidance. Cancer caregivers are also matched with other caregivers.

There are many benefits to exercise.  The heart, lungs, joints, and muscles all appreciate a good workout and perform much better when in good shape.  Another added perk, one often desired, is weight loss.  The combination of routine exercise and a healthy diet is the best recipe for losing weight and feeling your best.

Exercise plans vary from person to person, making doing your homework very important.  A regimen tailored to your body, taking into account factors such as age, sex, and heredity, is the safest and most effective way to approach fitness.  This will help you to know your limits and get the most out of your workout.

Losing weight does take work: it means reducing the number of calories you take in and increasing physical activity.  Shedding one pound requires the burning of about 3,500 calories.  However, that can be as simple as taking a walk, which is free, convenient, and low-impact on the body.  For example, a half-hour brisk walk each day burns an average of 157–200 calories for the average adult. Taking such a walk every day and eating a healthy diet could help you lose more than 16 pounds (157 × 365 = 57,305 calories) in a year.

If other activities are more your style, the general recommendation is to engage in about 4 hours per week of moderate to vigorous activity.  Beginners should start with 15–30 minute sessions three days a week and gradually increase that routine as the body adapts.

Different Types of Exercise

Your program should include a variety of the four basic fitness elements.  Spend 5–10 minutes before your workout warming up your body by jogging or walking, doing arm circles or knee lifts to get the blood pumping and your muscles ready.  Then, begin a cocktail of the basic components. 

Muscular Strength

Muscular strength is the greatest amount of force your muscle can exert for short periods of time.  Exercising all of the major muscle groups by weight lifting for a minimum of two 20-minute sessions per week will help build muscle and bone while reducing the risk of injury. It also increases metabolism to help maintain weight and blood sugar levels.

Muscular Endurance

Muscular endurance is your muscle’s ability to exert force repeatedly over an extended period of time before tiring.  Doing sit ups, pushups and various weight training exercises for a minimum of three times a week for 30 minutes will improve balance and the functioning of joints.

Cardiorespiratory Endurance

Cardiorespiratory endurance uses large muscle groups to sustain dynamic exercise over a period of time, increasing breathing and heart rate while they deliver oxygen to the body.  At least 20 minutes of cardio exercises three times a week strengthens the heart, lungs, and circulatory system while burning calories and fat.  Cardio activities include running, swimming, cycling, hiking, martial arts, dancing, or a brisk walk. 

Flexibility

Flexibility exercises involve stretching the muscles and the body’s tissue to prevent injury, enhance range of motion, and reducing stiffness.  This should be done slowly, without bouncing, at least 10–12 minutes every day during warm up and cool down.  Extended activities that focus on flexibility include yoga, ballet, Pilates, and Tai Chi.              

Follow Through

As it turns out, the only way to see results from exercise is to keep doing it. Starting is usually the hardest part.  Remember to be careful not to push yourself too hard or too fast out of impatience.  A lifestyle overhaul does not happen overnight, so do not be discouraged if results are slow.  Habits are created over time and it takes diligence, consistency, and patience to change them.  Establishing a regimen and shedding weight is not only about numbers on a scale, but improving how you feel, which is a reward all its own. 

Article Sources

Fitness Fundamentals (2012) The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

Exercise and Weight Control (2012) The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

Exercise for Weight Loss (2011) Mayo Clinic

Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight (2011) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Aim for a Healthy Weight (2005) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

A certified nursing assistant, also known as a patient care technician, provides care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse. Nursing assistants are employed by hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, assisted living institutions and occasionally private individuals to provide personal cares such as bathing or feeding patients. They may help patients in and out of bed or help to comb a patient's hair or brush his or her teeth. They may also have to lift and carry patients, so a certified nursing assistant has to be strong enough for this task. In certain settings, a nursing assistant may be responsible for assisting in physical therapy and ensuring that a patient gets plenty of exercise. They must also provide emotional support and help patients who may be confused or disoriented.

In most health care settings, it is the certified nursing assistants that take vital signs and answer patient distress calls. This may mean performing tasks such as emptying bedpans or changing soiled linens, so those who would not be comfortable in such situations would most likely not be cut out for work as a nursing assistant.  They must also document any and all problems that may arise for patients such as signs of mental or physical deterioration and report to the registered nurse in charge. Certified nursing assistants are also usually responsible for keeping storerooms tidy and fully stocked and making sure that patients' rooms are kept clean.  

It should be mentioned that a certified nursing assistant should not function as a nurse. Although a nursing assistant can take vital signs and assist in certain medical procedures, they cannot perform many of the duties usually assigned to nurses. Ultimately, certified nursing assistants report to nurses, which means that the job requires a certain degree of humility and ability to work well with others. It does provide great experience to someone who is interested in a career in nursing, and it can provide valuable insight into what working in the health care field might entail.  

Most states require certified nursing assistants to have high school diplomas or GEDs in addition to certification. The training required to become a certified nursing assistant generally lasts six to twelve weeks and can be received from community colleges or technical schools across the country. In addition to the educational requirements, most states require an internship or other hands-on experience before a certification exam may be taken.

Sources:

"Patient Care Technician."  Nursing School

Certified Nursing Assistant Job Description

Experts agree that pursuing a career in nursing is one of the best options for students. After graduating from a nursing degree program, students will have plenty of job opportunities that offer them higher than average earnings and careers that give them the opportunity to help people all over the country and all over the world. 

Potential Earnings for Registered Nurses

Nurses earn an average of $62,450 per year. Wages range, however, from $43,410 to more than $92,240 annually. Those who work at general hospitals and emergency rooms make more than those who work in long term care facilities, and those who have supervisory titles earn the most. The amount of experience a nurse has is the main factor in determining where on the pay scale a nurse falls, but geographic location and cost of living is a major factor as well. (BLS)

Employment Projections for Registered Nurses

Nursing is one of the largest professions in the United States. Registered Nurses work in schools, long term care facilities, hospitals, and all types of clinics, in all geographic areas in the country. Because of the high need, there has been a shortage of qualified nurses for many years, and the situation is growing more and more desperate with each passing year. It has gotten to the point that the United States government has implemented a funding program through which the federal government pays for a student's tuition, and provides a monthly stipend to undergraduates (almost unheard of in any other major), in exchange for two years of service at an underserved, high year hospital in a low income area. 

As the US population grows, there will be even greater demand for qualified nurses. Because the goal of the recent health care law is to open health care coverage to more and more people, the demand for nurses will only increase even further. Specialized nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners, who can perform a greater scope of duties for patients and can therefore save hospitals times and money, will be in especially high demand and will have excellent employment prospects. Furthermore, the US population is aging. The largest generation in American history is reaching retirement age, which is also the age at which people need more health care services, so Registered Nurses who have geriatric experience and skills and the ability to work in long term care facilities, will have no difficulty finding new employment opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics that by 2018, the nursing profession will have grown by about 22% since 2008, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations. (BLS)

A licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse is a health care professional who is qualified to provide beside care to patients. They generally report to registered nurses, physicians and doctors, but they have greater autonomy than a certified nursing assistant. Some of the duties of a licensed practical nurse include assisting patients with their personal hygiene, administering medications, and record vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure. A licensed practical nurse may also be responsible for taking samples for testing as well as keeping accurate records on a patient's progress. An experienced LPN may also supervise other nurses and aides.

Most people who work as licensed practical nurses may do so in general health care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Some do work in more specialized settings, however. An LPN who works in a nursing home may help to develop patients' care plans, while one who works in a physician's office may help to schedule appointments and perform other important clerical duties. Those who work in home health care with an individual patient may prepare meals or assist with housekeeping while teaching the patient's family members how to best care for the injured, sick or disabled patient.

A licensed practical nurse should be prepared to work 40 hours a week or more, and in situations that require 24-hour care a nurse may be expected to work nights and weekends. Most LPNs spend much of their day on their feet and must be called upon to help move or transfer disabled or completely immobile patients. An LPN must obviously be in decent shape and be strong enough to physically support a human being. They must also be able to handle the stress associated with dealing with confused, agitated or uncooperative patients. As with many careers in health care, LPNs may be regularly exposed to hazardous chemicals or infectious diseases, so this is something to keep in mind if you are interested in pursuing a career in health care.

Working as a licensed practical nurse is obviously not easy, but it can be very rewarding. If you can handle the physical and emotional stress that comes from working long hours with dependent patients, you may find that it feels good to help someone in need, especially someone who cannot help or take care of himself.

Source:

"Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses." Bureau of Labor Statistics

"Advanced Practice Nurse" or APN is a title that enables one to perform a large number of nursing and medical duties, including ones that were once assigned to doctors.  An APN can write prescriptions, assist medical professionals and provide care to patients. Some certifications that fall under the APN blanket include nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife and clinical nurse specialist. APNs are able to have their own practices, but most of them collaborate with physicians.

Becoming an advanced practice nurse generally requires one to be a registered nurse who is pursuing a higher education in nursing, usually a PhD or Master's of Science. It generally takes between six and eight years of total education to receive these advanced degrees. Registered nurses are generally better suited for most APN programs due to their field experience, although it is possible to enter a program without first becoming a registered nurse. Many feel that becoming a registered nurse should always be a prerequisite for an APN program as it allows students to receive first-hand nursing experience and see if it really is the best career path for them.

The prerequisites of most advanced practice nurse programs include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minimum of one year of acute care nursing experience. Some schools offer a combined BSN and MSN program, allowing students to pursue both degrees without taking time off to work as a registered nurse. These BSN/MSN programs have very strict requirements, and students must usually maintain at least a 3.0 GPA throughout the undergraduate portion to remain in the program. Students who manage to make it through these combined programs generally do very well on their APN certification exams despite their lack of work experience as registered nurses.

Once students have made it through the program and completed their APN certification exams, they are licensed to work as advanced practice nurses in any number of health care environments throughout the U.S. APNs work in hospitals, physician clinics, assisted living and in nursing homes. Some open their own practices, although relatively few APNs follow that path. They are able to treat acute and chronic illnesses and pain as well as providing preventative health care measues such as physicals and immunizations. APNs generally have greater autonomy and more flexible work schedules than most nurses.

Advanced nurse programs have become increasingly popular among registered nurses and nursing students. However, relatively few nurses actually work as APNs. Of the 2.2 million nurses employed throughout the United States, only nine percent are certified APNs.

Source:

Online Nursing Degree Guide

Registered Nurses have some of the most difficult and most rewarding careers in America. They work everywhere, and have a huge network of other dedicated professionals around the country. Nurses work directly will all types of patients, and therefore need to have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people of all backgrounds. 

Where Registered Nurses Work

Registered Nurses can work just about anywhere. Some organizations send nurses to work overseas in areas where there are high health needs and few people with the skills to serve. RNs are in particularly high demand in underserved inner-city areas and remote rural locations. 

Most public schools have a Registered Nurse on campus. They see students who have a wide array of health concerns, ranging from headaches and flus to pregnancies and addiction issues. Therefore, they need to be prepared for just about anything, and have a thorough understanding of adolescent psychology and development. Some Registered Nurses are on contracts with school districts, rather than individual schools, and should be prepared to work at a few different locations. 

Long term care facilities of all types hire Registered Nurses for those people who need round-the-clock medical care. Nursing homes, for example, house elderly people who have a wide range of health issues, from alzheimers to terminal cancer. These nurses are able to build long term bonds with patients, but should be prepared to suffer loss of these relationships on a regular basis. 

Of course, most Registered Nurses work in the most recognizable health care facilities such as hospitals and clinics. Nurses meet with patients, just as dcotors do, and give medical advice, as well as minor treatments. They assist doctors in any medical tasks that need doing. Large hospitals may employ dozens of nurses to cover the round-the-clock medical needs of their communities. Some hospital nurses work in long term wards, while others have hectic jobs in the emergency room. 

What Registered Nurses Do

The job description of a nurse will depend largely on where he or she works. Even then, two nurses in the same hospital may have very different jobs. In general, a nurse sees a patient who is enquring about a medical problem, often before a doctor does. He or she answers any questions that the patient has about treatment, recovery, and nutrition, and can perform simple medical tasks like drawing blood and checking blood pressure. Nurses also help educate the public about general health and nutrition. (American Society of Registered Nurses)

Clinical Nurse Specialists are specialized care nurses. In order to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist, one must first become a Registered Nurse. The most common way of achieving this nowadays is to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing, although there are appropriate alternate training programs and associate's degrees that can lead to the same career path. One must then become certified as an RN. Then, preferably with a few years of experience, a person can apply to a masters in nursing program. After graduating with a Masters In Nursing, an RN may become a clinical nurse specialist in the area of his or her choosing. 

Where Clinical Nurse Specialists Work

Where a clinical nurse specialist works depends on his or her specialization. An emergency room specialist will, obviously, work in an emergency room. A rehabiliation specialist will work either in a long term rehabilitation facility or a hospital's long term recovery center. However, most clinical nurse specialists work in the same places as Registered Nurses - in hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, and even in schools. Because a person usually chooses a specialization that he or she already has work experience with, it is common for a person who becomes a clinical nurse specialist to stay in the environment they are already in and pursue promotions or other opportunities. 

What Clinical Nurse Specialists Do

Clinical nurse specialists can choose to concentrate in almost any area of health, and their day-to-day responsibilities will depend on the specialization they choose. For example, a clinical nurse specialist may choose to work with a certain population, such as the elderly. In that case, he or she will probably work in a long-term care facility and will be responsible for administering medications and facilitating physical therapy sessions. Another clinical nurse specialist may specialize in a certain medical setting, such as emergency room nursing. Therefore, he or she will probably be the leader of a team of emergency room nurses. 

Specializing in a certain subset of medicine is popular for clinical nurse specialists. For example, some may concentrate their studies in oncology, and will work with recovering cancer patients and assist doctors who also specialize in oncology. Rehabilitation is a popular option for students who are seeking masters degrees in nursing, and a clinical nurse specialist who has a degree with a concentration in rehabilitation will go on to work at a facility that caters to those who are recovering from an illness, injury, or abuse problem. They need to understand phyiscal therapy principles and the mental challenges of the recovery process. (American Nurses Association)

Nurse Practitioners are some of the highest earning Registered Nurses. As of now, the majority of Nurse Practitioners hold masters in nursing degrees, and have completed further training to fulfill the duties that are expected of them in their new roles. However, this practice is being slowly phased out, and Nurse Practitioners are expected to participate in even more rigorous nursing education programs. In fact, the level of education they have is comparable to that of physicians. 

Where Nurse Practitioners Work

Nurse Practitioners work in many places. More and more health care professionals are seeking the services of Nurse Practitioners because they can perform so many of the same day-to-day duties as a doctor, including such things as prescribing medications and performing the occasional simple medical procedure, but at a much lower salary. As of now, NPs must work under the advisement of a licensed medical professional, but within a given setting Nurse Practitioners may have a great deal of freedom. They work in hospitals, clinics, long term facilities, and anywhere else that employs medical professionals. 

What Nurse Practitioners Do

Nurse practitioners generally specialize in either family practice, adult practice, women's health, pediatrics, acute care, and geriatrics. Their job duties will depend on which specialization they choose and which environment they choose to work in. For example, a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in geriatrics may work in a hospital, where he or she will see many patients each day who have a wide array of health care issues, and often only enter hospitals long term during the final days of their lives. A geriatric specialist who works in a long term care facility will develop relationships with people over the course of several years, and will participate in activities like physical therapy and counseling. 

Women's Health practitioners may be qualified to perform exams, such as mammograms, and interpret the results to explain any problems and offer treatment options. In some cases, the Nurse Practitioner may be able to prosribe the medications and perform any simple procedures him or herself, without the need to ever involve a doctor. Family health Nurse Practitioners perform many well-child exams, and deal with simple health problems like ear infections and flus. Pediatric NPs work with children, as well, from infancy through the teen years. Virtually any health problem may come across their path, so they need to be prepared for just about anything. Some NPs specialize further in children's health care and work as neonatal nurses, helping educate new mothers in how to care for their newborn children. (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners)

Nursing is one of the most popular career paths in the health care industry, and with good reason. Nurses command decent salaries and have more autonomy than they've had in the past, and landing a job as a nurse usually doesn't require as much schooling as becoming a doctor or a physician. However, no career is perfect for everyone, and nursing is no different. Nurses work long hours in stressful environments, and it is not uncommon for nurses to burn out over time. Fortunately, the education required for a nursing degree as well as nursing experience can be applied to several different careers in the health care field.

One thing to remember is that although a degree in nursing or work experience as a nurse will definitely help you in these careers, many of them still require at least two years of further education. Most of this education can be completed at a trade school or technical college, although many employers prefer to hire those with Bachelor's degrees. Still, chances are that at least one of these careers will appeal to you if you are interested in health care.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants work in hospitals and clinics to provide assistance to doctors, nurses and physicians. Some of the duties of a medical assistant include bookkeeping, coordinating schedules and managing patient files in addition to providing care to patients. It is an easier career to obtain than nursing, mainly because students can become certified medical assistants after one year. Some hospitals and clinics may hire medical assistants who aren't certified, but job prospects are far better for those who have gone through a certification program.

Patient Care Technician

While medical assistants often spend more time with paperwork than with patients, the opposite is true for patient care technicians. Also called nursing assistants, a patient care technician works directly with patients under the supevision of a registered nurse to provide physical and emotional care. Duties include feeding, grooming and recording the vital signs of patients. Students can be licensed as patient care technicians after completing a six-to-twelve week course and completing the necessary internships and licensing exams.

Surgical Technician

Surgical technicians are the ones who prepare operating rooms for surgical procedures. They make sure that the room is sterile, and they ensure that all the necessary surgical instruments are accounted for.  They also assist surgeons in the operation of certain equipment and place sterile dressing on the patient after the surgery is complete. Surgical technician certification programs generally take one to two years to complete and are offered at many community and technical colleges.

Ultrasound Technician

An ultrasound technician uses specialized equipment to take images of organs by directing sound waves into tissue. This is most often associated with monitoring pregnant women, but ultrasound is also used to diagnose serious illnesses such as cancer or heart disease. This career path is definitely more specialized than the others on the list, and it requires more training and education. Becoming an ultrasound technician generally requires at least an associate's degree, which can be earned at a community or technical college.

Health care is a very diverse field, and the education that applies to a nursing degree can apply to many different careers. Even if you decide that nursing isn't for you, it isn't too late to change your focus and switch to a different health care career.

Source:

"Medical Careers."  Nursing School

For some nursing scholarships, the only requirement is that a person be a full-time nursing student in an accredited program. Many others look at academic achievement and award scholarships on the basis of grades and community involvement. Minority students (and men) will find scholarships that are specifically geared toward funding their nursing degrees. Age restrictions or income restrictions may apply to some scholarship programs. 

Where to Find Nursing Scholarships

Perhaps the best resource for nursing scholarships is the independent school that a student attends. Nearly every major college and university in the United States that features a School of Nursing will also offer some scholarship opportunities to students at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. A student who is enrolled in such a program should find out from their counselors or program directors what scholarships they are eligible for and how to apply for them. At large universities, these scholarships can be very competitive, while other schools offer scholarships to a large percentage of their top students.

There are many scholarship search engines on the web, and many of these allow students to search for nursing scholarships in particular. Of course, any general scholarship that students earn for their education can also be applied to a nursing program, whether it be at the community college, undergraduate, or graduate degree level. Applying for these scholarships is time consuming and can sometimes seem fruitless, but it can also be a good source of funding for students. 

For graduate nursing studies, a person's employer might have scholarship opportunities available. For example, a long term care facility that employs a large number of nurses could help their nurses pursue masters degrees that allow them to become nurse practitioners. A certified nursing assistant might also find scholarship opportunities through his or her employer to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Many professional organizations in nursing also have scholarship programs. The National Students of Nursing Association has an annual scholarship fund in addition to a fellowship program. (NSNA) The federal government also has a nursing scholarship program, which it instigated to help meet the growing need for qualified nurses. In exchange for tuition, books, fees, and a monthly stipend to cover the cost of their education, nursing students must commit two years of service to a low-income, high need area in the United States. Several hundred applicants are accepted to this program every year. This program is run by the Health Resources and Services Administration. (HRSA)

Even students who live at home and attend a public university in their state will need to find some way to fund the skyrocketing tuition at America's post-secondary schools. With the additional costs of books, room and board, and university fees, students are finding it very difficult to afford a degree. Ideally, students will be able to pay for their education with the help of scholarship money, contributions from parents, and personal savings and earnings while enrolled. Realistically, scholarships are competitive, even parents who spend years saving for their child's education can't afford private tuition, and students find that what they make while pursuing a full-time degree barely covers the cost of living. Therefore, students turn to other resources to get the money they need for school.

Grants 

Federal grants are available to students who qualify. Generally, to qualify for a federal Pell grant, a student must come from a low-income family (exact income restrictions depend on the size of the family and any major expenses that family may have to deal with). Both part-time and full-time students can qualify for a Pell grant, and both private and public universities accept them. Most of the time, Pell grants are mostly restricted to undergraduate education, but occasionally a student is granted a Pell grant to fund their postgraduate study. The maximum Pell grant is $5,500 per academic year. Students do not have to repay a Pell grant. (Pell)

Work Study

Work study programs place students in jobs (usually on or near their college campus) while enrolled. This allows them to earn a small income at an organization that will work around their college schedule. Graduates who participate in work study will also have professional experience and references to help them as they move forward in their professional careers. Some nursing student might be able to find work study jobs that are in hospitals or clinics. Most schools base work study qualifications on student income.

Stafford Loans

Most students in the United States will have to take out student loans at some point in their academic career. The best loan option for most students is the federally funded Stafford Student Loan. With a fixed interest rate of 3.4%, they are the best education loan deal out there, and students do not need to have any borrowing history to qualify. Students may take out up to about $20,000 per academic year. Most students only turn to private loans when they have gaps in funding that they need to fill in. (Stafford Loans)

In years past, a Registered Nurse rarely held a bachelor's degree. Completing a nursing training program that led to a certificate or a diploma, and then successfully passing a licensing exam, was all that was necessary to begin a lifelong career as a nurse in a clinic or hospital. This was also at a time when nursing was considered one of the few acceptable professions for women, and finding a woman in a higher education environment was still rare. Today, these programs are being phased out, but some women and men may still find that they are an option, especially in smaller communities where there are no nearby university or college preperatory programs. 

Earning and Using a Diploma in Nursing

Most diploma programs in nursing are based in hopsitals. The amount of time students spend studying nursing in a traditional academic format is relatively limited, though there will certainly still be some reading and examination requirements to ensure that nursing students are mastering all the fundamentals that will then be tested on the NCLEX-RN examination. For the most part, students who are participating in hospital-based nursing preparation programs will concentrate on developing and practicing essential nursing skills under the guidance of a licensed and experienced nursing professional. They will begin working with patients almost immediately after entering the program, so that when they start working full-time they will already have clocked an extensive amount of experience.

The standards are changing, and most employers look to hire nurses who have bachelor's degrees in nursing. Those who hold diplomas may still find some opportunities, and as of yet they are still eligible to take the qualifying exam and earn a license. Students are generally encouraged to enroll in a degree program, but graduates of these programs will technically enjoy the same standing as full-time college graduates, meaning they can work in all types of nursing settings.

The Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate

The CNA certificate is different from the certificate in nursing. It may take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete, but graduates of these programs are not eligible to sit for a nursing exam. The program to become a certified nursing assistant may take place at a community college or a medical setting, much like the diploma in nursing. CNA's usually assist people who have severe mental or physical disabilities, or the elderly, in handling their everyday difficulties. They are not qualified to work in hospital settings or provide any actual care beyond the administering of medication and assist with basic physical therapy exercises. (BLS)

The Bachelor's Degree in nursing is currently the most popular type of nursing degree, and it is growing in popularity. More and more schools are offering these four-year degree programs to train students for careers that used to consist of only one year of training, a testament to how important nurses have become in our everyday lives. There is and has been for years a high demand for qualified nurses to work in hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities, and schools. As the United States population continues to grow and age, this demand will only increase, and many are concerned about the lack of qualified professionals in the field. Earning a bachelor's degree in nursing is a good way to guarantee job security, as anyone who has this credential, along with a license and some experience, will have little to no difficulty finding a challenging but secure career. 

Completing the Bachelor's in Nursing Degree

Like any other bachelor's degree, the bachelor's degree in nursing requires four years to complete. Students will take a number of general education requirements that help them become more well-rounded professionals, including communication-based classes like English and a foreign language, mathematics courses in college algebra and (possibly) calculus, humanities classes like history, political science, and women's studies, and a number of general science classes. Some experts believe it is these classes that separates a bachelor's degree in nursing from an associate's degree in nursing, and graduates will have the benefit of a full-time undergraduate education, comparable to that of a student from any other discipline. 

While enrolled in the bachelor's degree program, students will take classes that explore principles of nursing, theories of health care, public health, and global health. They will learn what the role of a nurse in today's medical community is, and learn about disease prevention and nutrition, as well as general anatomy, development, and basic health care. Nursing students at the bachelor's degree level nearly always complete an internship or apprenticeship as part of their program, getting as much experience in the field as possible.

Using the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

As soon as they graduate, students who have earned undergraduate degrees in nursing are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN exam, and many students will take a test preparation course during their last semester of college. As soon as they have obtained their license, students are able to begin working as registered nurses at hospitals and all other types of health care facilities. They are also eligible to apply to a masters degree program in nursing. (NCLEX)

The masters in nursing is growing in popularity year after year. People in the nursing profession are constantly seeking opportunities to develop further professionally, find more opportunities in their field, and become leaders in the public health movement. A masters degree in nursing can be the perfect stepping stone for an advanced career in nursing, leading to promising and fulfilling careers. 

Earning a Master's Degree in Nursing

The masters degree in nursing generally requires a two-year, full-time commitment. The majority of students pursuing these degrees are already full-time professionals in the nursing industry, but many find that their employers are willing to work with them, providing scheduling flexibility and even - occasionally - financial assistance, so that they may complete their advanced degrees, especially if they have dedicated several years to the same position. It is possible to apply to a nursing masters degree program immediately after completing a bachelor's degree, but this is generally discouraged. A person who has only an associate's degree or diploma in nursing can not apply to a masters degree program. 

While earning a master's degree in nursing, students will take courses in Nursing Theories, learning about the history of the profession and the practices and theories that govern it. They will learn about the fundamentals of public health, including how the health care system works and how it can be improved, and how diseases are spread and prevented. They may be able to tailor their program to suit their professional interests by taking courses like Neonatal Care, Caring for the Aging, and Nurse Midwifery. A person who plans on becoming a Nurse Practitioner should study pharmacology and more advanced medical treatments and techniques than the average nursing student. Many masters degree programs allow students to select a specialization- anything from nursing informatics to nurse midwifery. There are many masters of nursing programs that can be completed entirely online. (American Association of Colleges and Nursing)

Using a Master's Degree in Nursing

The masters degree in nursing can be used for several types of careers in nursing, such as nursing administration. Many long term care facilities hire nurses who have completed postgraduate degrees to run their nursing departments, as do many hospitals. An individual with a masters degree in nursing and the appropriate license may also qualify for a career as a Nurse Practitioner (an advanced practice nurse who has responsibilities beyond those of a typical nurse), a Nurse Midwife, a Clinical Nurse Specialist, or a Nurse Anasthetist, who assists an anesthesiologist while a patient undergoes surgeries and other procedures.