December 2008

Nurse Training and Education A nurse, also referred to as a registered nurse or RN, must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a special licensing examination before receiving a license. If the nurse wishes to work in another state, he or she may be required to take an examination for that state unless the state is one of eighteen that are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact Agreement. Regardless of the state in which he or she works, the nurse will be periodically required to renew the license. This may involve continuing education.

A nurse may choose to pursue a bachelor degree, an associate degree, or a diploma. A bachelor’s degree takes about four years to earn, while an associate degree or a diploma each require two to three years. Often, a nurse that has earned an associate degree or a diploma will choose to go back to school later in order to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Nurse Job Description The specific duties of a nurse depend upon the work setting as well as his or her area of specialty. Regardless of setting, however, the nurse is responsible for treating patients and educating them about their medical conditions. The nurse is also called upon to provide emotional support to the family of the patient and to maintain records of the patient’s history and symptoms. The nurse may also be responsible for performing diagnostic tests and analyzing the results of these tests.

In order to help treat the patient’s condition, the nurse is also expected to administer medication and certain treatments. He or she is also responsible for following up on the treatment and for teaching the patient and his or her family how to manage the injury or illness.

Nurse Salary and Job Outlook According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for those interested in becoming a nurse are expected to grow faster than the average occupation. In fact, nursing is projected to offer the second greatest number of new jobs through to 2014.

The Bureau reports that the median annual earning for a nurse in 2004 was $52,330. Those working in employment services earned the most, with a median annual salary of $63,170, while a nurse working in nursing care facilities earned the least with a median annual salary of $48,220.

Spotlight: Licensed Practical Nurse Schools
Have you long been interested in a career that would allow you to help other people? Or, perhaps you are simply interested in a launching a career with a solid future that will allow you to earn a very attractive salary. Whether you have always had an interest in medicine or simply want a career that will provide you with stability for now and the future, earning a licensed practical nurse degree may be the right step for you

What Can Becoming an LPN Do for Me?
Obviously, becoming an LPN is a good move if you enjoy medicine and the health field. There are plenty of other reasons to consider attending licensed practical nurse schools and earning a degree, however, as this field offers a number of great benefits. For example, LPNs can earn anywhere between $35,200 and $72,030 per year. In addition, most LPNs have the option to work a flexible schedule and many employers provide childcare services to their employees. If you are looking for a job that offers stability, becoming an nurse is certainly a good idea, as nursing is expected to be the second fastest growing profession over the next several years. In fact, employment opportunities within the field are expected to grow by approximately 27% over the next year or so.

What Will I Have to Do as an LPN?
Your duties as an LPN will vary by employer, but there are several general duties that you will likely be required to perform. Some typical duties performed by LPNs include taking medical histories, analyzing test results, recording symptoms and overseeing rehabilitation visits. Your primary duty as an LPN will be to assist the doctor. Therefore, you must be prepared to provide any type of assistance the doctor may need.

Where Can I Go to Earn an LPN Degree?
If you are interested in becoming an LPN, there are many online schools you can attend. Depending upon where you live, Brown Mackie College http://www.top-colleges.com/s/bmc/route.php?zip=46360&isrc= is a great brick and mortar option for you to consider. If you do not want to attend a brick and mortar school, however, there are also many online licensed practical nurse schools available as well. Some of these include:

· University of Phoenix
· Kaplan University
· Walden University

Regardless of where you attend, you should expect to take courses in areas such as physiology, anatomy, biology, nutrition, obstetrics, chemistry, first aid, pediatrics and more when you attend a licensed practical nurse school. So, if you are interested in the health field and in taking health-related courses, attending a licensed practical nurse school and launching a new career may be just the right step for you to take!