tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51714432572644455492011-12-19T07:16:07.007-08:00There is no more secure and stable career out there today than being a nurse. Find out all about how you can earn a nursing degree, including doing it online, and start your nursing career today!College Writernoreply@blogger.comBlogger261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-75501205985065568562007-10-25T10:45:00.000-07:002007-10-25T10:46:32.971-07:00<p>Acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal remedies: these alternative therapies for illness and health issues continue to grow in popularity. According to the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (part of the National Institute for Health), four out of ten Americans will use some form of alternative medicine in the coming year. The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of people worldwide use herbal medicines and other alternative therapies to combat illness. There is no doubt that Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is here to stay, and if you are considering becoming a nurse, you’ll want to know about the various therapies.</p> <p>Nursing programs and nursing schools have recognized this trend and are changing their curriculum to acknowledge CAM. Even accelerated nursing programs now offer some courses. Some top nursing programs also offer training in the field. If you are considering nursing school, here is more information about CAM to help you better evaluate the curriculum of your chosen nursing program.</p><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/nurses-and-cam">Read more here...</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-7550120598506556856?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-56745638424304276182007-10-25T10:37:00.001-07:002007-10-25T10:44:35.054-07:00It’s often said, “Americans want the best healthcare someone else will pay for.” Yet as health care costs spiral out of control, individual Americans are paying more and more out of pocket for their health care, as employees have to contribute more to their health insurance costs, and co-pays and deductibles rise. As benefits decrease, patients, employers, and insurance companies are all searching for ways to combat this economic crisis.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is Consumerism?</span><br /><br />We have moved as a nation from being “patients” receiving health care to being “consumers.” Americans, of course, have long been savvy consumers of services—consumerism has been on the upswing across all sectors, including health care. Consumerism is defined as “a movement seeking to protect the rights of consumers by requiring such practices as honest packaging, labeling, and advertising, fair pricing, and improved safety standards." Consumerism in health care is based on the idea that individuals—not doctors or insurance companies—should have greater control over the decisions about their health care.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/nurses-cope-with-consumerism-trend"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more here...</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-5674563842430427618?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-6026866034627892422007-08-21T13:22:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:23:02.161-07:00<p>Cecily Johnson (Albuquerque, NM) has been a Labor and Delivery nurse for thirty-four years. As a young single mother, she’d been working as a nurse’s aide when she saw the importance and value of being a nurse. “It’s a truly wonderful profession,” she said, “And it paid well enough to support me and my son.”</p><p><br /></p> <p>She chose to focus on Labor & Delivery early on. “It’s just so amazing--you work with someone all day, watching them work and struggle to bring the baby into the world and suddenly, the baby is there and perfect and fine and the parents are just so happy and excited. It’s such a great joy.”</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/labor-of-love-a-nurses-story"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-602686603462789242?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-40419746415313657772007-08-21T13:21:00.001-07:002007-08-21T13:22:19.311-07:00RaeAnn Conroy didn’t know she wanted to be a nurse. “I honestly didn't know what else to do with my life,” She says. “No way I could handle sitting in an office or at a desk for eight hours a day, and both my parents are teachers, so that was out.” But after taking some time in the job world and then reviewing her options at her local community college, she realized that nursing was the best option for her. “Nursing is based in science enough to be interesting, and allows me to talk to people all day long,” she says.<br /><br /><p>After finishing nursing school, she began working as an orthopedic nurse and is currently taking continuing education courses and working the required hours needed to complete her Orthopedic Certification.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/orthopedic-nurse"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-4041974641531365777?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-11121480266128033912007-08-21T13:19:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:20:49.762-07:00<p>Linda chose nursing because she’s always loved heath and science. “I’m fascinated with how the human body works,” she says. “I was planning on being a physician’s assistant but after working as a nurses aide I realized how much I loved interacting with patients.” After coming to this realization, Linda transfered from pre-med into a BSN program.</p><p><br /></p> <p>The nursing shortage also influenced Linda’s decision.“I love that I can get a job anytime, anywhere. I love that I have a flexible schedule where I make a great wage and can stay home with my kids during the week. I love that nurses can work full time or part time, days or nights~whatever works for their family life."</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/nursing-intensive-caregiving"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-1112148026612803391?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-43879399280865807212007-08-21T13:18:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:19:42.567-07:00<p>Why Nursing Is Better</p><p><br /></p> <p>So you’re a nurse. You’ve spent three years in nursing school, you’ve done two years of clinical residency, you are hard at work in your chosen field and now people are asking you “Why didn’t you just go to medical school?”</p><p><br /></p> <p>Jo, head nurse of a neurology department, says it best:</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/nurse-or-md-why-nursing-is-better"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-4387939928086580721?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-13681539855791552812007-08-21T13:17:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:18:49.903-07:00<p>Working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit requires a special kind of person. The lives of tiny babies fighting for life are in the hands of the NICU nurses, and these nurses also become the support team for the parents of the babies.</p><p><br /></p> <p>Kathy, a NICU nurse, has a BSN degree and has been a nurse for over seventeen years. Kathy knew she wanted to be a nurse since she was a girl. “Originally, I wanted to be a Labor and Delivery nurse and then become a Certified Nurse Midwife. I ended up starting in pediatrics with the intention of switching to Labor and Delivery but I never did. After twelve years of general pediatrics, I’ve spent the past five years working in the NICU, which I love and will most likely retire from.”</p><p><br /></p> <p>When asked why she loves nursing, Kathy gushes. “I love that I use my brain and my hands in my work; it's intellectually as well as physically challenging. I enjoy being someone parents can rely on in a time of crisis. I'm right there at the bedside helping new families transition from having a critically ill newborn to being able to bring baby home, and that's pretty neat.”</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/stories-from-the-nicu"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-1368153985579155281?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-61992055827935103272007-08-21T13:13:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:17:26.366-07:00<p>“I've always been interested in the human body and how it works and my mother is a nurse, so I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a nurse,” says new nurse Amy Belanger. She’s been working as a nurse for just a year. Amy is a Registered Nurse and has certifications in Neonatal Resuscitation, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.</p><p><br /></p> <p>But Amy went one step further, and also trained to be an Emergency Medical Technical. “I mainly work as a Nurse on a medical-surgical unit in a local community hospital but also pick up shifts in the Emergency Room. I work as an Emergency Medical Technician for the Fire Department ambulance in my town,” she states. In her small town in Massachusetts, that makes her twice the hero.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/lifesaver-nurse-and-emt"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-6199205582793510327?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-5029518816041866262007-08-21T13:11:00.002-07:002007-08-21T13:12:55.540-07:00<p>Everyone is discussing the nursing shortage, and how desperately those with nursing skills are needed throughout the country. Nursing programs are attempting to produce enough new nurses to fill that shortage, but who is teaching these fresh young faces? Nurse educators—and the next area anticipating a shortage in the field of nursing is right there in the nursing school.</p> <p><br /></p><p>So what do Nursing Educators do? They combine their clinical expertise with a passion for teaching, and turn that into a rich and rewarding career. These nurses, who work both in the classroom and the practice setting, are responsible for preparing and mentoring current and future generations of nurses. Nurse educators play a pivotal role in strengthening the nursing workforce, serving as role models and providing leadership. Without Nurse Educators, well, there will be no new nurses.</p> <p><br /></p><p>Being a Nurse Educator is a big responsibility, since they are responsible for designing, implementing, evaluating and revising academic and continuing education programs for nurses. These include formal academic programs that lead to a degree or certificate, or more informal continuing education programs designed to meet individual learning needs.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/creating-the-next-generation-of-nurses-the-nursing-educator"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-502951881604186626?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-5820458592996633562007-08-21T13:11:00.001-07:002007-08-21T13:11:45.317-07:00<p>What is the salary for a BSN? According to Salary.com surveys, the typical industry-wide salary range for a Registered Nurse (RN) is roughly $48,919 to more than $67,000 annually. Exact salaries will depend on a variety of factors, including years on the job and geographic location.</p><p><br /></p> <p>In general, the more education and experience an RN has, the better his or her rate of pay. RNs with a diploma or an associate degree can move up on the pay scale by enrolling in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/what-is-the-salary-for-a-bsn"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-582045859299663356?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-75415343757916776722007-08-21T13:09:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:10:45.113-07:00<p>According to Salary.com surveys, the typical industry-wide salary range for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is roughly $31,496 to $43,323 annually. Exact nursing salaries will depend on a variety of factors, including years on the job and geographic location.</p><p><br /></p> <p>For example, LPNs in the Boston, Massachusetts area can expect to earn salaries between $35,483 and $48,848 – a top end that’s more than $5000 higher than the national average.</p><p><br /></p> <p>At the same time, LPNs employed in Yamhill, Oregon can expect to earn roughly the national average of $31,000 to start, with a range up to more than $45,000 annually.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/lpn-salary-range"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-7541534375791677672?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-24074137278198095372007-08-21T13:08:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:09:37.040-07:00<p> Although attorneys have comprehensive training in the law, they do not always understand complicated medical matters. A registered nurse who uses extensive clinical knowledge and experience to consult on health-care cases is called a <strong>legal nurse consultant</strong> (LNC).</p><p><br /></p> <p> An LNC provides a variety of services, including performing research, educating lawyers on medical facts and their relevance to a case, summarizing dense medical literature, examining and organizing records, and interviewing witnesses and finding experts. Types of cases an LNC might work on are workers’ compensation, malpractice, negligence, criminal, fraud, product liability, and personal injury. Sometimes, an LNC testifies as an expert witness in court.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/legal-nurse-consultant"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-2407413727819809537?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-42764337813799992762007-08-21T13:07:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:08:22.481-07:00<p> Distance education programs, especially those delivered online, have grown in number and popularity. Given this trend, many schools have begun offering advanced degrees online, including the <strong>Master of Science in Nursing</strong> (M.S.N.). For busy RNs who work while pursuing a degree, enrolling in an online M.S.N. program can be convenient. Students can complete their course work at their own pace but within a specified time frame.</p><p><br /></p> In general, an online M.S.N. curriculum requires students to choose a specialization and complete a series of nursing courses, clinical work, research, and a thesis or final project. Most programs do not require students to live on campus, although a short visit, such as for an orientation, may be necessary. Most online classes are structured much like a traditional class, with lectures, discussions, and assignments.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/msn-Online"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-4276433781379999276?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-69779176343184109342007-08-21T13:05:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:07:12.955-07:00<p> A graduate degree certainly helps nurses get ahead in their careers, but a dual degree can give them a competitive edge. A <strong>Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration</strong> (M.S.N./M.B.A.) program combines nursing with business courses, which enables students to better serve in a range of health-care management positions, especially in executive roles.</p><p><br /></p> Many universities offer the M.S.N./M.B.A. jointly through their business and nursing schools. Students earn both degrees simultaneously, enrolling in business classes such as labor relations, finance, management, and accounting, while refining their nursing knowledge and skills in M.S.N. courses and clinical work.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/mba-and-msn"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-6977917634318410934?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-54678337917760561032007-08-21T13:04:00.002-07:002007-08-21T13:05:45.121-07:00<p> The <strong>Master of Science in Nursing</strong> (M.S.N.) offers nurses further specialization in a specific field, allowing them to advance their careers. With a graduate degree, a nurse is well qualified to serve in a leadership role at a health-care facility or as a member of a university faculty.</p><p><br /></p> <p>The M.S.N. curriculum helps nurses hone their research, communication, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills. Students must take about forty credits beyond their undergraduate degree, depending on the program. In general, the M.S.N. requires students to complete a series of nursing courses, clinical work, and research. Many programs entail the writing and defense of a thesis, while others require a final project. Students’ program of study centers on their area of interest. The M.S.N. usually takes between eighteen and twenty-four months of full-time study to finish, but many institutions offer part-time options.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/msn-master-of-science-in-nursing"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-5467833791776056103?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-20797497783527551852007-08-21T13:04:00.001-07:002007-08-21T13:04:56.934-07:00<p> Graduate study in nursing prepares students in a variety of specializations, helping nurses move into leadership roles at health-care facilities or into positions on university faculties. The <strong>Master of Science in Nursing</strong> (M.S.N.) degree allows students to focus on one area of interest, which can be classified in one of four categories—the age of treated patients, the work setting or kind of care provided, diseases or medical conditions, and organs or organ systems.</p><p><br /></p> <p>In general, students take around 40 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree to obtain the master’s, depending on the program. An M.S.N. curriculum usually requires students to complete a series of nursing classes, clinical work, and research. The content of the program of study centers on a student’s area of interest. In many programs, the student must write and defend a thesis or complete a final project. The full-time student can complete the M.S.N. in eighteen to twenty-four months.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/bsn-to-msn"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-2079749778352755185?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-37701212744475092282007-08-21T13:03:00.001-07:002007-08-21T13:04:06.577-07:00To advance their careers, make more money, or simply learn more about a particular field, RNs can pursue graduate studies. The <strong>Master of Science in Nursing</strong>(M.S.N.) degree gives nurses further specialization in a specific field. Specializations are divided into four general categories—the work setting or kind of care provided, diseases or medical conditions, organs or organ systems, and the age of treated patients.<br /><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/rn-to-msn"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-3770121274447509228?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-5548489117678690492007-08-21T13:01:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:02:52.022-07:00<p>The <strong>Bachelor of Science in Nursing</strong> (<strong>B.S.N.</strong>) helps students with no prior experience obtain licensure and gives current RNs an opportunity to expand their careers.</p><p><br /></p> <p>Many RN positions, especially those with supervisory roles, require applicants to have a B.S.N. Students without nursing experience can complete the degree in four years, while RNs can get credit for previous education and experience, allowing them to finish their degree programs in less time.</p><p><br /></p> <p>In the first and second years, students complete general education requirements, including classes in the liberal arts and sciences. In their third and fourth years, students enroll in nursing courses and complete clinical work. Students receive practical training through the clinical component, which includes a set minimum number of hours working in a health-care facility.</p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/bsn-bachelor-of-science-in-nursing"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-554848911767869049?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-35808778446057879042007-08-21T13:00:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:01:55.958-07:00<p>With the growing popularity of distance education programs, many institutions have begun offering the <strong>Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) for RNs online</strong>. Course work is completed through <strong>online classes</strong>, usually at the student’s pace but within a specific time frame.</p><p><br /></p> <p>An arrangement for the clinical portion of the curriculum is often made with a facility in proximity to the student’s home. No accredited B.S.N. program allows students to complete clinical work online.</p><p><br /></p> <p>For busy RNs who continue to work while advancing their e<span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif" alt="Link" border="0" /></span>ducation, enrolling in an <strong>online B.S.N. program</strong> can be a convenient option. Online classes are most often set up much like a traditional class, with lectures, discussions, and assignments. Most have their own Web site, where students can download lecture notes and assignments and chat with other students.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/rn-to-bsn-online"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-3580877844605787904?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-85079673833873620552007-08-21T12:59:00.000-07:002007-08-21T13:00:41.126-07:00<p>In general, the more education and experience an RN has, the better his or her rate of pay. RNs with a diploma or an associate degree can move up on the pay scale by enrolling in a <strong>Bachelor of Science in Nursing</strong> (<strong>B.S.N.</strong>) program.</p><p><br /></p> <p>Many RNs receive their training through associate degree or diploma programs, which typically last between two and three years. Besides basic training in the sciences and in nursing skills, RNs in these programs receive hands-on training, with little to no advanced theory or research.</p><p><br /></p> <p>Offered at many colleges and universities, the B.S.N. is usually a four-year program. RNs, however, can earn credit for course work already completed and through related work experience, which can decrease the time it takes to acquire the degree.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/rn-to-bsn"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-8507967383387362055?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-41634692716131622852007-08-21T12:58:00.000-07:002007-08-21T12:59:28.922-07:00<p> <strong>Registered nurses</strong> (RNs) work in conjunction with other health-care professionals to provide complete care to patients. As the health-care provider responsible for patients’ well-being, an RN assesses patients and develops care plans. In addition, an RN educates both patients and the public on various medical conditions, provides support and/or advice to patients’ families, and helps with follow-up care or rehabilitation. Other RN duties can include running medical machinery, performing laboratory tests and analyzing the results, and administering medication. Many RNs supervise nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses (LPNs)/vocational practical nurses (VPNs).</p><p><br /></p> <p>Specializations are divided into four general categories—the kind of care provided or work setting, diseases or medical conditions, organs or organ systems, and the age of treated patients. Highly skilled RNs with graduate education can become advanced practice nurses (APNs) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Types of APNs are certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), certified nurse midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and nurse practitioner (NP).</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/rn-registered-nurse"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-4163469271613162285?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-50987516108173675482007-08-21T12:56:00.000-07:002007-08-21T12:57:11.764-07:00<p>A <strong>licensed practical nurse</strong> (LPN), known as a <strong>vocational practical nurse</strong> (VPN) in California and Texas, works with registered nurses (RNs) and medical doctors to care for patients of all ages.</p><p><br /></p> <p>An LPN provides routine care, including checking temperature and blood pressure; helps patients perform routine activities, such as eating, bathing, and dressing; and administers medication (in certain states). </p> <p><br /></p><p>Other LPN duties include applying dressings, changing catheters, treating bedsores, collecting specimens for laboratory tests, and devising care plans. An LPN must carefully monitor patients and report any changes or adverse reactions to medications to the supervising RN or physician. </p> <p><br /></p><p>Usually, an LPN can perform an array of medical procedures—from first aid to minor surgery—but can do so only under the supervision of a physician or an RN. Some LPNs supervise orderlies or nursing assistants.</p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/licensed-practical-nurse-vocational-practical-nurse"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more..</span></a>.<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-5098751610817367548?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-36341089269883018982007-08-21T12:55:00.000-07:002007-08-21T12:56:18.981-07:00<p> A <strong>certified nursing assistant</strong> (CNA) works with registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to care for patients in a variety of settings. CNAs help people with their daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, and eating, and provide routine care, such as checking vital signs. This allows the supervising nurse to have more time to give patients the specialized care they require.</p><p><br /></p> <p> A CNA must have a keen sense of observation and report to the supervising nurse any changes in a patient’s condition. In addition, a CNA should have enough physical strength to be able to move patients, for example, into a wheelchair. In an emergency, a CNA must be able to remain calm and respond appropriately. Other qualities in a typical CNA include patience, compassion, and strong communication skills.</p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/nursing-assistant-certificate"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-3634108926988301898?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-80514879669113312862007-08-21T12:54:00.000-07:002007-08-21T12:55:08.615-07:00<p>Carole A. Anderson, Ph.D., RN, FAAN<br />Vice Provost for Academic Administration<br />The Ohio State University</p><p><br /></p> <p>Nurses are in high demand with all levels of education and experience, but there is no doubt that the nursing profession needs more nurses educated at the doctoral level—primarily as faculty and researchers. The national shortage of faculty will soon be critical, impacting educational programs and their ability to educate future generations of nurses.</p><p><br /></p> <p>Currently, only about half of nursing faculty possess a doctorate degree. With many advances being made in the treatment of chronic illnesses, there is also a continuing need for research that assists patients in living with their illness. This research requires individual investigators who are prepared on the doctoral level.</p><p><br /></p> <p>One reason there is a lack of nurses prepared at the doctoral level often because nurses have more interruptions in their careers. Many in the profession are women who work as nurses while fulfilling other responsibilities. As a result, many pursue their education on a part-time basis. Also, the nursing profession traditionally has viewed clinical experience as being a prerequisite to graduate education. This career path results in fewer individuals completing the doctorate early stage in their career, thereby decreasing their chances of becoming academics, researchers, and administrators. Happily, to help reverse this trend, many nursing schools have developed programs that admit students into graduate programs directly from undergraduate or master’s programs.</p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/nurse-phd"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-8051487966911331286?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-75667847257373760942007-08-21T12:52:00.000-07:002007-08-21T12:53:56.937-07:00Nursing education and nursing students have changed. Not only is the nursing student far more likely to be a man than fifty years ago, but students also tend to be mature, employed individuals who have complex family responsibilities, and they may also often live or work some distance from the universities where they’d like to study. Online learning has stepped in to fill this gap. <p><br /></p><p>Rapid advances in health-care knowledge and technology have increased the demand for nurses with graduate degrees—nurses that are often already working in the field and don’t have time for traditional classes.</p><p> Universities are addressing these changing needs by using advanced technologies such as the Internet. This enables universities to reach beyond the traditional classrooms to deliver an education to students located in different, non-centralized locations.</p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/online-learning-for-nurses"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-7566784725737376094?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5171443257264445549.post-78570243863773358812007-08-21T12:48:00.000-07:002007-08-21T12:52:24.763-07:00<p>You’ve determined that you want to be a nurse, and are ready to consider nursing school. But how to begin? We’re here to help. Below you’ll find the Who, Why, What, Where and How of earning your college degree.</p><p><br /></p> <p><strong>Who</strong></p> <p><br /></p><p>You, of course, that’s who. What made you consider nursing? Do you have a specialty in mind? Take some time to consider things. What do you do well when it comes to school? Were you strong in the sciences? Do you have any experience observing nurses work? Are you prepared for the realities of a nursing career? </p> <p><br /></p><p>Also, consider nursing school itself. What were your strengths and weaknesses when you were in school? Are you comfortable in a classroom, or do you prefer hanging out online? How do you feel about writing papers, memorizing, and taking notes during lectures?</p><p><br /></p> <p>All of these are important factors to consider before moving forward. A good exercise is to sit down and write down answers to the questions above. Nursing school is challenging, and knowing your strengths and weaknesses before you go in is key. Take the time to really dig deep and understand yourself before taking the next step.</p><p><a href="http://www.nursingprograms.com/where-do-i-start"><span style="font-style: italic;">Read more...</span></a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5171443257264445549-7857024386377335881?l=nursingprograms.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>College Writernoreply@blogger.com1