Nursing theory is the term given to the body of wisdom that is used to support nursing practice. In their professional education, nurses will study a range of interconnected subjects which can be applied to the practice setting. This knowledge may come from experiential learning, from formal sources such as nursing research or from non-nursing sources.
Nursing theories provide a framework for nurses to systematize their nursing actions: what to ask, what to observe, what to focus on and what to think about, to develop new and validate current knowledge. They define commonalities of the variables in a stated field of inquiry, guide nursing research and actions, predict practice outcomes, and predict client response.
Nursing theories are used to describe, develop, disseminate, and use previous/present knowledge in nursing. Descriptive theory identifies properties and components of a discipline. They identify meaning and observations and describe what elements exist in that discipline. Explanatory theory identifies how the properties and components relate to each other and accounts for how the discipline functions. Predictive theories predict the relationships between the components of a phenomenon and predict under what conditions it will occur. And, Prescriptive theories address nursing therapeutics and consequences of interventions.
There are generally 4-levels of Nursing Theory: Metatheory is the most abstract and not easily tested. Grand Theory is a conceptual framework that defines broad perspectives for nursing practice. Middle Range Theory is moderately abstract and has a limited number of variables. They can be tested directly. Mid-range is very useful in nursing research and practice. Practice Theory traces the outline for practice. Objectives are set and actions are set to meet the objectives. Four steps in the development of practice theories are: factor isolating, factor relating, situation relating, and situation producing control.
In nursing, theories can also be analyzed by types which are needs, interaction, outcome, and humanistic-focused.
It is interesting to note that 90% of all nursing theories have been generated just in the last 20-years. Many schools encourage students to formulate theories of Nursing as part of their curriculum. In fact the pages of Nursing Science Quarterly are a major mouthpiece for Nursing Theory. Some still argue though that this multiplicity of theory is detrimental to the practice and undermines common vision. Others would say that the nature of the young science is sufficiently far reaching to require such tactics in order to elicit true consensus. It cannot be denied, however, that there is much vanity involved in the formulation of nursing theory.
Nursing theory is essential to the framework of nursing practice. Nursing theory information will assist in guiding individual practice and research methods.
Showing posts with label Student Grants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Student Grants. Show all posts
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Online Nursing Degree Programs in LPN to RN Transition Programs
Any LPN who feels they have established a good base of knowledge and nursing experience may wish to take the next step and become a Registered Nurse (RN). The difference between a LPN and a RN may seem small at first glance, but differ greatly in the education required to achieve each certification, and the opportunities afforded to each down the road are what really makes the difference. Many more options become available to a RN as they gain more experience, ones that will not be offered to a LPN regardless of experience or base knowledge. Without and RN certification, it is increasingly difficult for a LPN-certified nurse to continue to receive promotions or to further their career, especially financially. While the the money may be okay in the beginning of their career, an LPN will want to continue some education program so they can continue to grow in the future.
A LPN to RN transition program is designed for qualified Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to become Registered Nurses with a minimum amount of time and with a little repeat of course content and credits. Graduates of the program are eligible to become RN's after they pass the mandatory exam for all aspiring RNs. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), is a standardized test for all RNs. The exam tests current medical knowledge, nursing competencies, and determines your eligibility to earn a RN license and begin your career as a Registered Nurse. To get the ball rolling and begin your work as a RN make sure you have satisfied all the requirements for the Transition Program.
First you obviously need to be a graduate from a State Board approved nursing program with a GPA of 2.5. You will also need to submit an official transcript of required courses and an interview with on of the program's faculty. Finally you will need to complete the Nursing and Allied Health application and submit it to the Division of Nursing and Allied Health, before the application deadline date for that semester's program. While it may seem daunting to a recently certified LPN, it is highly recommended that they continue on with learning and gaining new certification, and shooting for a RN status will open may doors for them in the future.
Visit the College Network to get more information on LPN to RN online degree programs.
Article from RNCentral.com
A LPN to RN transition program is designed for qualified Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to become Registered Nurses with a minimum amount of time and with a little repeat of course content and credits. Graduates of the program are eligible to become RN's after they pass the mandatory exam for all aspiring RNs. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), is a standardized test for all RNs. The exam tests current medical knowledge, nursing competencies, and determines your eligibility to earn a RN license and begin your career as a Registered Nurse. To get the ball rolling and begin your work as a RN make sure you have satisfied all the requirements for the Transition Program.
First you obviously need to be a graduate from a State Board approved nursing program with a GPA of 2.5. You will also need to submit an official transcript of required courses and an interview with on of the program's faculty. Finally you will need to complete the Nursing and Allied Health application and submit it to the Division of Nursing and Allied Health, before the application deadline date for that semester's program. While it may seem daunting to a recently certified LPN, it is highly recommended that they continue on with learning and gaining new certification, and shooting for a RN status will open may doors for them in the future.
Visit the College Network to get more information on LPN to RN online degree programs.
Article from RNCentral.com
Friday, February 6, 2009
PHEF Reaches Out to Inner City High Schools about Nursing
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation, a foundation to help improve the nursing crisis in Pennsylvania, has embarked on a school tour in Philadelphia to provide information on attaining scholarships and grants to become a nurse.
In conjunction with Independence Blue Cross and Radio One, this school tour is conducted by performing assemblies at various schools and educating students on all the nursing profession has to offer and how they can go about getting money to go to college to become a nurse. So far, PHEF has conducted 9 school tours since September and have another 6 tours scheduled through May.
Radio One radio personality Sixx King, along with Teisha Sor (Radio One marketing) and Chris Napoli (representing PHEF), are providing High School Juniors and Seniors the road map to nursing. "I think it's very important, especially in today's economic climate, to show high school students that there is a path to success", Napoli states. "And the participation and feedback we are getting from the students really does lift the spirit".
If you are a high school in the Philadelphia region and would like the PHEF/Radio One school tour for nursing, contact Chris Napoli @ chris@napolimediainc.com.
In conjunction with Independence Blue Cross and Radio One, this school tour is conducted by performing assemblies at various schools and educating students on all the nursing profession has to offer and how they can go about getting money to go to college to become a nurse. So far, PHEF has conducted 9 school tours since September and have another 6 tours scheduled through May.
Radio One radio personality Sixx King, along with Teisha Sor (Radio One marketing) and Chris Napoli (representing PHEF), are providing High School Juniors and Seniors the road map to nursing. "I think it's very important, especially in today's economic climate, to show high school students that there is a path to success", Napoli states. "And the participation and feedback we are getting from the students really does lift the spirit".
If you are a high school in the Philadelphia region and would like the PHEF/Radio One school tour for nursing, contact Chris Napoli @ chris@napolimediainc.com.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Independence Blue Cross Nurse Scholars Program
Purpose
Independence Blue Cross (IBC) and the Foundation recognize that the shortage of nurses is not limited to direct patient care professionals. The need to increase the number of graduate students who will be qualified to become nurse educators, in order to train the next generation of nurses, is also an important piece of the puzzle in reversing the nursing shortage.
Overview
The IBC Nurse Scholars Program provides financial assistance to graduate nursing students who are pursuing an education that will qualify them to become a nurse educator. The program will underwrite scholarship funding for schools to qualified students attending an accredited graduate nursing program in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties
The Nurse Scholars Program will give nursing students the opportunity to receive grants and scholarships toward their graduate degree directly from the qualified nursing schools they attend. For complete eligibility requirements, contact your school’s nursing department. If you have additional questions, call the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation at 800-377-4502.
Independence Blue Cross (IBC) and the Foundation recognize that the shortage of nurses is not limited to direct patient care professionals. The need to increase the number of graduate students who will be qualified to become nurse educators, in order to train the next generation of nurses, is also an important piece of the puzzle in reversing the nursing shortage.
Overview
The IBC Nurse Scholars Program provides financial assistance to graduate nursing students who are pursuing an education that will qualify them to become a nurse educator. The program will underwrite scholarship funding for schools to qualified students attending an accredited graduate nursing program in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties
The Nurse Scholars Program will give nursing students the opportunity to receive grants and scholarships toward their graduate degree directly from the qualified nursing schools they attend. For complete eligibility requirements, contact your school’s nursing department. If you have additional questions, call the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation at 800-377-4502.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Nursing: The Next 10 Years
By Craig Elliot
General Outlook for Nurses
The outlook for individuals considering entering the nursing field is excellent. Registered nurses, or RN's, make up the largest number of health care workers in the country. In addition, registered nurses will make up one of the fasted growing population of workers in all occupations over the next ten years.
Many registered nurses begin their career in the hospital setting. This allows the nurse to become familiar with various branches of medicine. While there is a demand for hospital nurses, this area of nursing will remain relatively level over the next ten years.
Many healthcare experts predict a surge in demand for registered nurses in the home health care setting. As Americans live longer, have more disposable income, and desire to remain home, nurses that can oversee care and treatment in the home setting will become increasingly valuable.
Another area of nursing that will see a surge in growth is with nurses who continue their education with Master's level work. With the rising cost of healthcare many families are using nurse practitioners and nurse midwives as a replacement for their primary care physician.
Hospitals, also, are realizing the cost saving benefit of highly trained nurses, and many employ nurse anesthetists, clinical nursing specialists, and nurse practitioners to keep their costs under control.
Not a Registered Nurse?
Job prospects for licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, while positive, are not as strong as those of registered nurses. Licensed practical nurses will continue to be in demand, particular in hospital and long term care facilities.
Many licensed practical nurses continue their schooling to become RNs while employed. The responsibilities of an RN are greater, but they also include more opportunities. RNs typically supervise LPN in a clinical setting, and the greater skill level allows the RN more job options.
RN or BSN?
The schooling necessary to become a registered nurse can be completed in anywhere from two to four years. The coursework is very intensive and involves many clinical hours. A program completed in less that four years, however, will leave you with an RN, not a BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing. An RN is fully qualified to do all the duties required of a registered nurse, depending on the state. Obviously, the addition of a bachelor degree has many benefits.
An RN with a bachelor's degree in nursing is at an advantage when administrative positions open up in a hospital or clinical setting. In fact, due to the degree of federal and state oversight on healthcare facilities, many require a BSN for administrative, case management, and supervisory positions.
If you are considering working on your Master's degree, either as a nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, or to teach, you are required to have a bachelor's degree. While not all programs will mandate that your bachelor's must be in nursing, it is certainly helpful.
Considering a Career Switch?
Nursing is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to move into a different career. With the high demand for nurses, many potential employees, particularly hospitals, will pay for most or all of your schooling. Even if you must foot the bills for your education initially, signing bonuses, combined with the near guarantee of a job upon graduation, takes much of the risk out of a career switch.
Another attractive fact concerning the nursing profession is the attractive tuition reimbursement plans offered by many employers. These offers, combined with the flexible shift scheduling available at many hospitals and care facilities make it possible to go from a LPN, to RN, to RN with BSN and on to acquiring a master's in your desired specialty without hefty student loans or a disruption of your income.
The Future of Nursing
Clearly all nursing professions will continue to grow over the next ten years. Nursing is an excellent career choice for those who wish to make a good income, have a flexible schedule, and continue their education. While the hours can be long, and the work physical, a quality nurse should never find themselves without their choice of jobs.
While long hours and the physical demands of the job may scare some people off, many others are attracted to the flexibility, the fast paced environment, and the ability to help others. For those concerned about the rigors of a nursing career, there are many positions available in private doctor's offices, public schools, and other lower stress environments. Nursing, whether in a clinical setting or administrative is a job in great demand.
General Outlook for Nurses
The outlook for individuals considering entering the nursing field is excellent. Registered nurses, or RN's, make up the largest number of health care workers in the country. In addition, registered nurses will make up one of the fasted growing population of workers in all occupations over the next ten years.
Many registered nurses begin their career in the hospital setting. This allows the nurse to become familiar with various branches of medicine. While there is a demand for hospital nurses, this area of nursing will remain relatively level over the next ten years.
Many healthcare experts predict a surge in demand for registered nurses in the home health care setting. As Americans live longer, have more disposable income, and desire to remain home, nurses that can oversee care and treatment in the home setting will become increasingly valuable.
Another area of nursing that will see a surge in growth is with nurses who continue their education with Master's level work. With the rising cost of healthcare many families are using nurse practitioners and nurse midwives as a replacement for their primary care physician.
Hospitals, also, are realizing the cost saving benefit of highly trained nurses, and many employ nurse anesthetists, clinical nursing specialists, and nurse practitioners to keep their costs under control.
Not a Registered Nurse?
Job prospects for licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, while positive, are not as strong as those of registered nurses. Licensed practical nurses will continue to be in demand, particular in hospital and long term care facilities.
Many licensed practical nurses continue their schooling to become RNs while employed. The responsibilities of an RN are greater, but they also include more opportunities. RNs typically supervise LPN in a clinical setting, and the greater skill level allows the RN more job options.
RN or BSN?
The schooling necessary to become a registered nurse can be completed in anywhere from two to four years. The coursework is very intensive and involves many clinical hours. A program completed in less that four years, however, will leave you with an RN, not a BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing. An RN is fully qualified to do all the duties required of a registered nurse, depending on the state. Obviously, the addition of a bachelor degree has many benefits.
An RN with a bachelor's degree in nursing is at an advantage when administrative positions open up in a hospital or clinical setting. In fact, due to the degree of federal and state oversight on healthcare facilities, many require a BSN for administrative, case management, and supervisory positions.
If you are considering working on your Master's degree, either as a nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, or to teach, you are required to have a bachelor's degree. While not all programs will mandate that your bachelor's must be in nursing, it is certainly helpful.
Considering a Career Switch?
Nursing is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to move into a different career. With the high demand for nurses, many potential employees, particularly hospitals, will pay for most or all of your schooling. Even if you must foot the bills for your education initially, signing bonuses, combined with the near guarantee of a job upon graduation, takes much of the risk out of a career switch.
Another attractive fact concerning the nursing profession is the attractive tuition reimbursement plans offered by many employers. These offers, combined with the flexible shift scheduling available at many hospitals and care facilities make it possible to go from a LPN, to RN, to RN with BSN and on to acquiring a master's in your desired specialty without hefty student loans or a disruption of your income.
The Future of Nursing
Clearly all nursing professions will continue to grow over the next ten years. Nursing is an excellent career choice for those who wish to make a good income, have a flexible schedule, and continue their education. While the hours can be long, and the work physical, a quality nurse should never find themselves without their choice of jobs.
While long hours and the physical demands of the job may scare some people off, many others are attracted to the flexibility, the fast paced environment, and the ability to help others. For those concerned about the rigors of a nursing career, there are many positions available in private doctor's offices, public schools, and other lower stress environments. Nursing, whether in a clinical setting or administrative is a job in great demand.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Facts About Nursing Shortage
A report entitled “Projected Supply, Demand, and Shortages of Registered Nurses: 2000-2020” alleged:
Based on what is known about trends in the supply of Registered Nurses and their anticipated demand, nursing shortage is expected to grow relatively slowly until 2010, by which time it will have reached 12 percent. At that point demand will begin to exceed supply at an accelerated rate and by 2015 the shortage, a relatively modest 6 percent in the year 2000, will have almost quadrupled to 20 percent.
American hospitals are in a serious crisis, from large numbers of uninsured patients to spiraling costs, from outlandishly expensive prescription drugs to a severe and dangerous shortage of nurses. Emergency rooms are shutting down, surgeries are delayed and, most disturbing of all, patients are sometimes not getting the critical care they desperately need.
There are many factors behind the nursing shortage. Unlike a generation or two ago, young women with an aptitude for sciences now have a multitude of career opportunities to choose from. Many of the other career choices today involve less stressful and less strenuous work than bedside nursing. Generally speaking, a position with a managed-care company or a pharmaceutical sales job is less physically demanding than nursing.
The need for nurses is often depicted as cyclical in nature. Throughout history, the USA has experienced a series of nursing surpluses and shortages. However, the current nursing shortage has been characterized as being unlike those experienced in the past. Trends of an ageing RN/ Registered Nurse workforce and limited supply to fill the impending vacancies are some of the unique aspects that bring a new dimension to an old problem. Today's nursing shortage will not be resolved by simply returning to the solutions of yesteryear, and strategies to reduce its impact will have to be more creative and focus on the long-term.
The widely publicized nursing shortage in the United States is largely a result of three factors: the aging population of nurses; the aging population in the U.S.; and a shift in healthcare delivery away from doctors, towards skilled nurses. Also are four major contributors to the nursing shortage in the USA: the ageing RN workforce; declining enrolment; changing work climate; and the poor image of nursing.
Solutions to the shortage followed similar themes to the contributing factors and encompassed four main areas: exploring recruitment efforts; exploring retainment efforts; improving the image of nursing; and supporting legislation that helps to rectify the shortage.
As new career options grow for women over the past few decades, and fewer women choose to go into nursing, another shortage begins to emerge. All of these factors point to the fact that the nursing shortage won't be reversed overnight.
Based on what is known about trends in the supply of Registered Nurses and their anticipated demand, nursing shortage is expected to grow relatively slowly until 2010, by which time it will have reached 12 percent. At that point demand will begin to exceed supply at an accelerated rate and by 2015 the shortage, a relatively modest 6 percent in the year 2000, will have almost quadrupled to 20 percent.
American hospitals are in a serious crisis, from large numbers of uninsured patients to spiraling costs, from outlandishly expensive prescription drugs to a severe and dangerous shortage of nurses. Emergency rooms are shutting down, surgeries are delayed and, most disturbing of all, patients are sometimes not getting the critical care they desperately need.
There are many factors behind the nursing shortage. Unlike a generation or two ago, young women with an aptitude for sciences now have a multitude of career opportunities to choose from. Many of the other career choices today involve less stressful and less strenuous work than bedside nursing. Generally speaking, a position with a managed-care company or a pharmaceutical sales job is less physically demanding than nursing.
The need for nurses is often depicted as cyclical in nature. Throughout history, the USA has experienced a series of nursing surpluses and shortages. However, the current nursing shortage has been characterized as being unlike those experienced in the past. Trends of an ageing RN/ Registered Nurse workforce and limited supply to fill the impending vacancies are some of the unique aspects that bring a new dimension to an old problem. Today's nursing shortage will not be resolved by simply returning to the solutions of yesteryear, and strategies to reduce its impact will have to be more creative and focus on the long-term.
The widely publicized nursing shortage in the United States is largely a result of three factors: the aging population of nurses; the aging population in the U.S.; and a shift in healthcare delivery away from doctors, towards skilled nurses. Also are four major contributors to the nursing shortage in the USA: the ageing RN workforce; declining enrolment; changing work climate; and the poor image of nursing.
Solutions to the shortage followed similar themes to the contributing factors and encompassed four main areas: exploring recruitment efforts; exploring retainment efforts; improving the image of nursing; and supporting legislation that helps to rectify the shortage.
As new career options grow for women over the past few decades, and fewer women choose to go into nursing, another shortage begins to emerge. All of these factors point to the fact that the nursing shortage won't be reversed overnight.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Domino Effect of Nursing Educator Shortage
In researching the data concerning the shortage of nurses and nurse educators in the United States, I came across a very interesting article written by Mary Ruff-King.
Mary Ruff-King is a 15-year veteran medical transcriptionist who loves to write articles about medical transcription, nursing, forensics, the health field in general, and other topics of interest. Here article entitled "Is The Nurse Educator Shortage In America Endangering Only Our Healthcare System?" will give you a global perspective about the nursing crisis.
This article is a very well written and I urge all of you to click on the link below and read it.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-The-Nurse-Educator-Shortage-In-America-Endangering-Only-Our-Healthcare-System?&id=729155
Mary Ruff-King is a 15-year veteran medical transcriptionist who loves to write articles about medical transcription, nursing, forensics, the health field in general, and other topics of interest. Here article entitled "Is The Nurse Educator Shortage In America Endangering Only Our Healthcare System?" will give you a global perspective about the nursing crisis.
This article is a very well written and I urge all of you to click on the link below and read it.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-The-Nurse-Educator-Shortage-In-America-Endangering-Only-Our-Healthcare-System?&id=729155
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Nursing Scholarship Programs Funding
Scholarships are financial aids provided on the basis of academic merit awarded to an institution or an individual for the purposes of furthering their education. They are offered by governments, colleges and private, and other outside sources. They are generally awarded based on the financial need, academic achievement, athletic achievement, community involvement, nationality or ethnicity of the individual. Like grants, they do not have to be repaid.
Nursing Scholarships and grants are provided to compensate for the critical shortage of nurses around the globe.
Many Nursing Scholarship Programs provide tuition fees, required fees, other costs including required books, clinical supplies, laboratory expenses, research facilities, etc., and other scholarship benefits. Preference is given to qualified applicants with the greatest financial need who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate nursing program. Nursing scholarships or loans are not only granted to the needy and with the highest grades.
Nursing scholarships are given in exchange to: practicing full time as primary care nurse practitioner in a community, teaching in a nursing school, employment as a nurse administrator in health care agencies, working for the Department of Health, service for a period of 2 years at health care facilities, and/or assist in the area of mental health research.
The major sources of nursing scholarships for students are the state and federal governments. Some are sponsored by individual donors or private organizations. Since they often have more nursing scholarships funds available, more and more federal dollars are used to promote underserved areas for nursing students who can commit to service after graduation in a medically underserved institution or region.
Professional nursing organizations, such as the American Nursing Association (ANA) and other active political voices, and many colleges and universities with nursing program, have built up generous scholarship and grant funds for both undergraduate and graduate nurses because of the lack of funding across public and private sources. These grants are administered to nursing scholarship programs to help shore up flagging nursing programs, provide needed funds for new facilities, and provide money to hire more well-trained nursing faculty.
Nursing scholarship forms can be accessed online or you can obtain copies from schools’ financial aid offices. Requirements must be completed at favorable dates or deadlines. They are in first come first served basis. You can explore the web to be able to find what kinds of nursing scholarship programs are offered. You can also find them in private sector loans, grants and other assistance that your local service organization provides.
Nursing Scholarships and grants are provided to compensate for the critical shortage of nurses around the globe.
Many Nursing Scholarship Programs provide tuition fees, required fees, other costs including required books, clinical supplies, laboratory expenses, research facilities, etc., and other scholarship benefits. Preference is given to qualified applicants with the greatest financial need who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate nursing program. Nursing scholarships or loans are not only granted to the needy and with the highest grades.
Nursing scholarships are given in exchange to: practicing full time as primary care nurse practitioner in a community, teaching in a nursing school, employment as a nurse administrator in health care agencies, working for the Department of Health, service for a period of 2 years at health care facilities, and/or assist in the area of mental health research.
The major sources of nursing scholarships for students are the state and federal governments. Some are sponsored by individual donors or private organizations. Since they often have more nursing scholarships funds available, more and more federal dollars are used to promote underserved areas for nursing students who can commit to service after graduation in a medically underserved institution or region.
Professional nursing organizations, such as the American Nursing Association (ANA) and other active political voices, and many colleges and universities with nursing program, have built up generous scholarship and grant funds for both undergraduate and graduate nurses because of the lack of funding across public and private sources. These grants are administered to nursing scholarship programs to help shore up flagging nursing programs, provide needed funds for new facilities, and provide money to hire more well-trained nursing faculty.
Nursing scholarship forms can be accessed online or you can obtain copies from schools’ financial aid offices. Requirements must be completed at favorable dates or deadlines. They are in first come first served basis. You can explore the web to be able to find what kinds of nursing scholarship programs are offered. You can also find them in private sector loans, grants and other assistance that your local service organization provides.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
U.S. News Adds Registered Nurse as Strong Careers in 2009
U.S. News lists Registered Nurses as one of the top careers in 2009 for a strong outlook and high in job satisfaction.
FROM U.S. NEWS.COM
Overview. There's great unmet demand for nurses, and you'll have lots of options. If you want to work directly with patients, you can specialize in everything from neonatology to hospice care. You can work in a hospital, a doctor's office, or a patient's home. Outside of patient care, options range from nurse informatics (helping nurses get access to computerized information) to legal nurse consulting (helping lawyers assess a claim's validity.)
On the downside, many registered nurses must work nights and weekends, and burnout is a factor, especially in medical/surgical wards, and in critical-care specialties such as surgery, oncology, and emergency medicine. There are potential hazards, too: exposure to people with communicable diseases and back injuries from moving patients.
Something to think about: Studies report large numbers of errors by healthcare providers that endanger or kill patients. This is a career for people who are both caring and extremely attentive to detail—even when stressed.
The article also sites the salary data as well as training information with additional links to other sources of information.
For complete article, visit the link below:
http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/best-careers/2008/12/11/best-careers-2009-registered-nurse.html
FROM U.S. NEWS.COM
Overview. There's great unmet demand for nurses, and you'll have lots of options. If you want to work directly with patients, you can specialize in everything from neonatology to hospice care. You can work in a hospital, a doctor's office, or a patient's home. Outside of patient care, options range from nurse informatics (helping nurses get access to computerized information) to legal nurse consulting (helping lawyers assess a claim's validity.)
On the downside, many registered nurses must work nights and weekends, and burnout is a factor, especially in medical/surgical wards, and in critical-care specialties such as surgery, oncology, and emergency medicine. There are potential hazards, too: exposure to people with communicable diseases and back injuries from moving patients.
Something to think about: Studies report large numbers of errors by healthcare providers that endanger or kill patients. This is a career for people who are both caring and extremely attentive to detail—even when stressed.
The article also sites the salary data as well as training information with additional links to other sources of information.
For complete article, visit the link below:
http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/best-careers/2008/12/11/best-careers-2009-registered-nurse.html
Monday, December 29, 2008
Misericordia University: An 84-year Tradition of Hospitality, Justice, Mercy and Service
By Cynthia Mailloux, PhD, R.N.
Associate Professor
Chair Nursing Dept - Misericordia University
Misericordia University - Description of Program
Misericordia’s nursing program is committed to providing an educational experience which produces competent nurses who are critical thinkers and educated consumers of research. This program prepares its graduates for productive careers in nursing and advocates for life-long learning. As an entry-level professional program, the nursing curriculum reflects a commitment to the relationship between liberal arts and professional studies that enables graduates to adapt to constantly evolving societal and professional needs. The Department of Nursing is committed to the provision of affordable, quality professional education that expresses the founding Sisters' values and attitudes of hospitality, justice, mercy, and service. The overall goal is to develop a competent professional who will provide the highest quality of care to individuals, aggregates, and populations.
The goals/outcomes support the mission of the University and the principles of academic excellence, service leadership, and professional preparation which are components of the Trinity of Learning. Evidence based practice is a strong component of this curriculum which requires students to critically think and problem solve. This curriculum will build on the reputation of the nursing program and continue to provide high quality graduates. The proposed changes are consistent with the program’s mission, goals and educational goals of the university.
Philosophy for Misericordia’s Department of Nursing
The nursing department at Misericordia University supports the mission statement and philosophy of the University. The undergraduate nursing program is based on a complementary relationship between liberal arts and professional studies. The approach to education focuses on critical thinking, as well as on the values and attitudes of justice, mercy, service, and hospitality. Humans are viewed as intellectual, spiritual and creative beings that are in constant interaction with their environments. Human beings have the potential for self-direction based on their developmental level and are characterized by the capacity for emotion, reasoning, and perceiving. The holistic view of humans takes into account the physical structure, mind and spirit of the individual, as well as the environment in which each functions. Humans interact on the basis of respect for each other’s worth and dignity.
The environment as experienced by human beings is multidimensional and dynamic. It can be viewed as encompassing biological, physical, psychological, socio-cultural, political and economic forces. Human beings experience the environment as individuals, families, groups and communities who can be described in terms of micro-systems and macro-systems.
Health is a dynamic sense of wellness, which results from a process of making choices over time. A particular sense of wellness is perceived by individuals and is influenced by their self-esteem, inner sense of meaning, and desire to achieve their highest potential.
Nursing is an art, involved in caring, and a science based on its own theory and research. The nursing process guides nursing practice and involves critical thinking as related to the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of knowing. Ethical and legal issues have a strong impact on the practice of nursing. Professional nursing is a vital, effective health service to the community. The faculty believes that professional nursing is committed to making quality health care available and accessible to all, thus reflecting the commitment to mercy, justice, and service. Professional nursing exerts an influence on, and is influenced by several factors that contribute to the complexity of the health care system. These include: the newly developing patterns of providing services, the roles of other members of the health team, scientific and technological advances, research, and social and economic pressures. Leadership in nursing involves directing and managing client care, as well as collaborating with other health care professionals.
Learning is directed toward the development of values and professional role identification. It is lifelong and involves developmental changes. Learning involves critical thinking, which encompasses analysis and synthesis of knowledge. The faculty believes that learning occurs when the student actively participates in the learning process. Students have the responsibility to achieve their highest potential with the assistance of the faculty who act as facilitators. Teaching, therefore, is a collaborative process in which a student assumes progressive responsibility for personal learning.
Undergraduate education in nursing is built on a strong core of general education requirements and is generic in nature. Included within the undergraduate nursing curriculum are liberal arts and the sciences such as nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and developmental psychology, as well as other pure and behavioral sciences. The undergraduate program prepares nurse generalists who are capable of using nursing research, nursing process, and theories in a variety of settings. Students are prepared for graduate study in nursing.
Graduate education enables professional nurses to realize their creative leadership potential and provides opportunities for collaborative functioning with health professionals and others in effecting change in nursing practice and health care. Specialization occurs on the graduate level which provides for in-depth knowledge and experience in specific clinical and functional areas. Advanced knowledge provides the foundation for effective leadership in nursing. Scientific inquiry is an integral part of graduate education in nursing. Such inquiry provides the basis for acquisition of increased competencies in utilization of research and increased knowledge base in the analysis and synthesis of theories related to the practice of nursing. Graduate education provides the foundation for doctoral study in nursing.
Associate Professor
Chair Nursing Dept - Misericordia University
Misericordia University - Description of Program
Misericordia’s nursing program is committed to providing an educational experience which produces competent nurses who are critical thinkers and educated consumers of research. This program prepares its graduates for productive careers in nursing and advocates for life-long learning. As an entry-level professional program, the nursing curriculum reflects a commitment to the relationship between liberal arts and professional studies that enables graduates to adapt to constantly evolving societal and professional needs. The Department of Nursing is committed to the provision of affordable, quality professional education that expresses the founding Sisters' values and attitudes of hospitality, justice, mercy, and service. The overall goal is to develop a competent professional who will provide the highest quality of care to individuals, aggregates, and populations.
The goals/outcomes support the mission of the University and the principles of academic excellence, service leadership, and professional preparation which are components of the Trinity of Learning. Evidence based practice is a strong component of this curriculum which requires students to critically think and problem solve. This curriculum will build on the reputation of the nursing program and continue to provide high quality graduates. The proposed changes are consistent with the program’s mission, goals and educational goals of the university.
Philosophy for Misericordia’s Department of Nursing
The nursing department at Misericordia University supports the mission statement and philosophy of the University. The undergraduate nursing program is based on a complementary relationship between liberal arts and professional studies. The approach to education focuses on critical thinking, as well as on the values and attitudes of justice, mercy, service, and hospitality. Humans are viewed as intellectual, spiritual and creative beings that are in constant interaction with their environments. Human beings have the potential for self-direction based on their developmental level and are characterized by the capacity for emotion, reasoning, and perceiving. The holistic view of humans takes into account the physical structure, mind and spirit of the individual, as well as the environment in which each functions. Humans interact on the basis of respect for each other’s worth and dignity.
The environment as experienced by human beings is multidimensional and dynamic. It can be viewed as encompassing biological, physical, psychological, socio-cultural, political and economic forces. Human beings experience the environment as individuals, families, groups and communities who can be described in terms of micro-systems and macro-systems.
Health is a dynamic sense of wellness, which results from a process of making choices over time. A particular sense of wellness is perceived by individuals and is influenced by their self-esteem, inner sense of meaning, and desire to achieve their highest potential.
Nursing is an art, involved in caring, and a science based on its own theory and research. The nursing process guides nursing practice and involves critical thinking as related to the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of knowing. Ethical and legal issues have a strong impact on the practice of nursing. Professional nursing is a vital, effective health service to the community. The faculty believes that professional nursing is committed to making quality health care available and accessible to all, thus reflecting the commitment to mercy, justice, and service. Professional nursing exerts an influence on, and is influenced by several factors that contribute to the complexity of the health care system. These include: the newly developing patterns of providing services, the roles of other members of the health team, scientific and technological advances, research, and social and economic pressures. Leadership in nursing involves directing and managing client care, as well as collaborating with other health care professionals.
Learning is directed toward the development of values and professional role identification. It is lifelong and involves developmental changes. Learning involves critical thinking, which encompasses analysis and synthesis of knowledge. The faculty believes that learning occurs when the student actively participates in the learning process. Students have the responsibility to achieve their highest potential with the assistance of the faculty who act as facilitators. Teaching, therefore, is a collaborative process in which a student assumes progressive responsibility for personal learning.
Undergraduate education in nursing is built on a strong core of general education requirements and is generic in nature. Included within the undergraduate nursing curriculum are liberal arts and the sciences such as nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and developmental psychology, as well as other pure and behavioral sciences. The undergraduate program prepares nurse generalists who are capable of using nursing research, nursing process, and theories in a variety of settings. Students are prepared for graduate study in nursing.
Graduate education enables professional nurses to realize their creative leadership potential and provides opportunities for collaborative functioning with health professionals and others in effecting change in nursing practice and health care. Specialization occurs on the graduate level which provides for in-depth knowledge and experience in specific clinical and functional areas. Advanced knowledge provides the foundation for effective leadership in nursing. Scientific inquiry is an integral part of graduate education in nursing. Such inquiry provides the basis for acquisition of increased competencies in utilization of research and increased knowledge base in the analysis and synthesis of theories related to the practice of nursing. Graduate education provides the foundation for doctoral study in nursing.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Is Psychiatric Nursing Your Calling
Are you looking for information on psychiatric nursing? Well, you have come to the right place. Anyone, who is interested in psychiatric nursing, is very much welcome to be part of this challenging yet rewarding profession. With the shortage of nurses in any specialization of nursing, any person who wants to become a nurse is greatly encouraged, especially in psychiatry nursing.
We live in a society where people find it easier to talk about physical illness than psychiatric or mental condition. It is not every day that you meet someone who has interest in psychiatric nursing. So, if you really want to become a psychiatric nurse, then you should know what steps to take in order for you to get started.
The first thing you should is what educational preparation to accomplish in order to gain entry in psychiatric nursing. Just like in any other profession, to become a registered nurse, you must take a nursing program offered in many nursing schools. You can choose either a two-year program leading to an associate degree in nursing, a three-year program for a diploma in nursing, or a four-year college or university leading to a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. All of these options are eligible to take registered nursing licensing examination upon graduation.
To help you finally decide if psychiatric nursing is really your calling, it helps if you do some volunteering works in any institutions where you will have a chance to encounter patients with psychiatric condition. If you still feel that this what you really wanted to do, then you should possess skills, such as good communication and relationships skills, and an extensive foundation in the basic and behavioral science to become a psychiatric nurse. Also, if you want to have a strong foundation in psychiatric nursing, might as well obtain a Master’s Degree in this specialization, just like what most people interested in psychiatric nursing do.
Now, let’s go to the scope of responsibility of a psychiatric nurse. There are actually two levels in clinical practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing or simply psychiatric nursing: basic and advanced. As a basic level nurse, you will work with individuals, groups, and communities, evaluating mental health needs, developing a nursing diagnosis as well as a nursing care plan, and then assessing the nursing care.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses or APRN, on the other hand, have a Master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing, therefore assume a position of either Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner. So, the job of APRNs in psychiatric-mental health nursing includes the duties of basic level nurse, diagnose and treat individuals or families with psychiatric conditions. Also, they act as psychotherapists, educators, consultants, advanced case managers, and administrators.
We live in a society where people find it easier to talk about physical illness than psychiatric or mental condition. It is not every day that you meet someone who has interest in psychiatric nursing. So, if you really want to become a psychiatric nurse, then you should know what steps to take in order for you to get started.
The first thing you should is what educational preparation to accomplish in order to gain entry in psychiatric nursing. Just like in any other profession, to become a registered nurse, you must take a nursing program offered in many nursing schools. You can choose either a two-year program leading to an associate degree in nursing, a three-year program for a diploma in nursing, or a four-year college or university leading to a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. All of these options are eligible to take registered nursing licensing examination upon graduation.
To help you finally decide if psychiatric nursing is really your calling, it helps if you do some volunteering works in any institutions where you will have a chance to encounter patients with psychiatric condition. If you still feel that this what you really wanted to do, then you should possess skills, such as good communication and relationships skills, and an extensive foundation in the basic and behavioral science to become a psychiatric nurse. Also, if you want to have a strong foundation in psychiatric nursing, might as well obtain a Master’s Degree in this specialization, just like what most people interested in psychiatric nursing do.
Now, let’s go to the scope of responsibility of a psychiatric nurse. There are actually two levels in clinical practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing or simply psychiatric nursing: basic and advanced. As a basic level nurse, you will work with individuals, groups, and communities, evaluating mental health needs, developing a nursing diagnosis as well as a nursing care plan, and then assessing the nursing care.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses or APRN, on the other hand, have a Master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing, therefore assume a position of either Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner. So, the job of APRNs in psychiatric-mental health nursing includes the duties of basic level nurse, diagnose and treat individuals or families with psychiatric conditions. Also, they act as psychotherapists, educators, consultants, advanced case managers, and administrators.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Nursing Degree through Internet Access
Earning a nursing degree through internet access in one the convenient ways you can realize your dreams of becoming a nurse. As you must have known, the shortage of nurses in the country resulted to a rise in interest of many people in the field of nursing. And the fact that there is a shortage, your chances of landing on a job are great!
Nursing Degree through internet access is for those who wanted to become a nurse, but cannot attend regular classes in real school environment. If you already have a work at the present, and attending to regular classes is out of the question, you can’t just say bye-bye to your dream just like that. If there’s a wheel, there’s a way! Making your dream come true is just a piece of piece if you have a strong determination. All you need is to have access to the internet. It’s as easy as that! Once you have internet connection, you easily take up some nursing programs online offered by several nursing schools. Now, isn’t that convenient?
Also, it would greatly help you decide whether or not to pursue obtaining nursing degree through internet access or attend a regular class in real schools. Besides the fact that, online nursing degree program can be taken at your own home, the big difference that you have to get used to is access to support tools. You see, getting your nursing degree through internet access takes a lot of commitment from you. You may find studying online boring, but depending on how important getting a degree in nursing to you is, I’m sure you can get the hang of it.
The system of online nursing degree programs lets you finish the course at your own pace, which means that you can study you lesson submit assignments or project when you want it. If you are not comfortable with this arrangement, taking online degree programs may not work for you.
In order for you get started, you should first choose in what specialization to focus. Yes, there are a lot of areas in nursing for you to choose from and all those areas are also need additional nurses. There are associates, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs that are available whatever areas or specialization in nursing you are interested in.
Your inability to attend regular classes at school should not be considered a hindrance in realizing your dream to become a nurse, but a challenge to face in taking a big leap to take advantage of the alternative, which is to take a nursing degree through internet access. There’s always a solution to every problem. Now, you have the solution to yours; just make sure you do your part of the bargain.
Nursing Degree through internet access is for those who wanted to become a nurse, but cannot attend regular classes in real school environment. If you already have a work at the present, and attending to regular classes is out of the question, you can’t just say bye-bye to your dream just like that. If there’s a wheel, there’s a way! Making your dream come true is just a piece of piece if you have a strong determination. All you need is to have access to the internet. It’s as easy as that! Once you have internet connection, you easily take up some nursing programs online offered by several nursing schools. Now, isn’t that convenient?
Also, it would greatly help you decide whether or not to pursue obtaining nursing degree through internet access or attend a regular class in real schools. Besides the fact that, online nursing degree program can be taken at your own home, the big difference that you have to get used to is access to support tools. You see, getting your nursing degree through internet access takes a lot of commitment from you. You may find studying online boring, but depending on how important getting a degree in nursing to you is, I’m sure you can get the hang of it.
The system of online nursing degree programs lets you finish the course at your own pace, which means that you can study you lesson submit assignments or project when you want it. If you are not comfortable with this arrangement, taking online degree programs may not work for you.
In order for you get started, you should first choose in what specialization to focus. Yes, there are a lot of areas in nursing for you to choose from and all those areas are also need additional nurses. There are associates, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs that are available whatever areas or specialization in nursing you are interested in.
Your inability to attend regular classes at school should not be considered a hindrance in realizing your dream to become a nurse, but a challenge to face in taking a big leap to take advantage of the alternative, which is to take a nursing degree through internet access. There’s always a solution to every problem. Now, you have the solution to yours; just make sure you do your part of the bargain.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Nursing Scrubs – Special Clothing
Scrubs came into existence in the 20th century. Scrubs are medical uniforms. Scrubs got its name from the practice of physicians of thoroughly washing or “scrubbing” their hands before performing surgery. Doctors and Surgeons should also wear scrubs during surgery. Nowadays, every people working at hospitals are bound to wear scrubs to avoid any spreading of germs and bacteria.
The traditional starched white uniforms with white cap, white stockings, white socks and fitted dress of nurses has been replaced by nursing scrubs. White clothing was found to reflect light, thus changing their special clothing to green.
Nursing scrubs are usually worn during surgery. Nursing scrubs should be loose-fitting and very comfortable for complete mobility, as nurses move a lot from one place to another, and nurses are required to be alert.
Nursing scrubs are a pair of cotton or cotton/polyester pants with a drawstring, short sleeved, and v-neck top, all of which are the same material. They are made so because cotton is absorbent and reduces bad smell. Cotton nursing scrubs are used for both aesthetic and health reasons. These scrubs are very comfortable to wear and easy to clean. They are also very good in stopping bad smells and body odors. Nursing scrubs should be washed at high temperatures to kill any germs or bacteria.
Traditionally, nursing scrubs are light green, but now they come in different colors and patterns. The light green scrubs first became popular in the 1970s. Many hospitals use a variety of colors to determine different departments. Nursing scrubs have decorated designs and patterns like bears, racecars, clowns or other cartoon characters to help make patients especially children feel at ease.
Nursing scrubs may come in pink or lavender for the delivery department, light blue scrubs for surgical staff, dark blue for the emergency department, light blue green in color worn during surgery. Hospitals can also imprint their logos or hospital names on the scrubs to add a professional touch. Others also require to wear pins or badge together with their scrubs for identification purposes.
Nurses and doctors alike work exceptionally long hours. That’s why their special clothing are expected to keep up with them.
The front-button nursing scrubs are worn by nurses helping inside the operating rooms. These types give them comfort and ease of movement. Sometimes, they are equipped with a waist-length long-sleeved jacket with no lapels.
Nowadays scrubs are not only found in the hospitals but also worn by housewives at home while cooking and washing to avoid stains and what not.
The traditional starched white uniforms with white cap, white stockings, white socks and fitted dress of nurses has been replaced by nursing scrubs. White clothing was found to reflect light, thus changing their special clothing to green.
Nursing scrubs are usually worn during surgery. Nursing scrubs should be loose-fitting and very comfortable for complete mobility, as nurses move a lot from one place to another, and nurses are required to be alert.
Nursing scrubs are a pair of cotton or cotton/polyester pants with a drawstring, short sleeved, and v-neck top, all of which are the same material. They are made so because cotton is absorbent and reduces bad smell. Cotton nursing scrubs are used for both aesthetic and health reasons. These scrubs are very comfortable to wear and easy to clean. They are also very good in stopping bad smells and body odors. Nursing scrubs should be washed at high temperatures to kill any germs or bacteria.
Traditionally, nursing scrubs are light green, but now they come in different colors and patterns. The light green scrubs first became popular in the 1970s. Many hospitals use a variety of colors to determine different departments. Nursing scrubs have decorated designs and patterns like bears, racecars, clowns or other cartoon characters to help make patients especially children feel at ease.
Nursing scrubs may come in pink or lavender for the delivery department, light blue scrubs for surgical staff, dark blue for the emergency department, light blue green in color worn during surgery. Hospitals can also imprint their logos or hospital names on the scrubs to add a professional touch. Others also require to wear pins or badge together with their scrubs for identification purposes.
Nurses and doctors alike work exceptionally long hours. That’s why their special clothing are expected to keep up with them.
The front-button nursing scrubs are worn by nurses helping inside the operating rooms. These types give them comfort and ease of movement. Sometimes, they are equipped with a waist-length long-sleeved jacket with no lapels.
Nowadays scrubs are not only found in the hospitals but also worn by housewives at home while cooking and washing to avoid stains and what not.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Nursing Theory Frameworks
Nursing theory is the term given to the body of knowledge that is used to support nursing practice. In their professional education, nurses will study a range of interconnected subjects which can be applied to the practice setting. This knowledge may be derived from experiential learning, from formal sources such as nursing research or from non-nursing sources.
Nursing theories provide a framework for nurses to systematize their nursing actions: what to ask, what to observe, what to focus on and what to think about, to develop new and validate current knowledge. They define commonalities of the variables in a stated field of inquiry, guide nursing research and actions, predict practice outcomes, and predict client response.
Nursing theories are used to describe, develop, disseminate, and use previous/present knowledge in nursing. Descriptive theory identifies properties and components of a discipline. They identify meaning and observations and describe what elements exist in that discipline. Explanatory theory identifies how the properties and components relate to each other and accounts for how the discipline functions. Predictive theories predict the relationships between the components of a phenomenon and predict under what conditions it will occur. And, Prescriptive theories address nursing therapeutics and consequences of interventions.
There are generally 4-levels of Nursing Theory: Metatheory is the most abstract and not easily tested. Grand Theory is a conceptual framework that defines broad perspectives for nursing practice. Middle Range Theory is moderately abstract and has a limited number of variables. They can be tested directly. Mid-range is very useful in nursing research and practice. Practice Theory traces the outline for practice. Objectives are set and actions are set to meet the objectives. Four steps in the development of practice theories are: factor isolating, factor relating, situation relating, and situation producing control.
In nursing, theories can also be analyzed by types which are needs, interaction, outcome, and humanistic-focused.
It is interesting to note that 90% of all nursing theories have been generated just in the last 20-years. Many schools encourage students to formulate theories of Nursing as part of their curriculum. In fact the pages of Nursing Science Quarterly are a major mouthpiece for Nursing Theory. Some still argue though that this multiplicity of theory is detrimental to the practice and undermines common vision. Others would say that the nature of the young science is sufficiently far reaching to require such tactics in order to elicit true consensus. It cannot be denied, however, that there is much vanity involved in the formulation of nursing theory.
Nursing theory is essential to the framework of nursing practice. Nursing theory information will assist in guiding individual practice and research methods.
Nursing theories provide a framework for nurses to systematize their nursing actions: what to ask, what to observe, what to focus on and what to think about, to develop new and validate current knowledge. They define commonalities of the variables in a stated field of inquiry, guide nursing research and actions, predict practice outcomes, and predict client response.
Nursing theories are used to describe, develop, disseminate, and use previous/present knowledge in nursing. Descriptive theory identifies properties and components of a discipline. They identify meaning and observations and describe what elements exist in that discipline. Explanatory theory identifies how the properties and components relate to each other and accounts for how the discipline functions. Predictive theories predict the relationships between the components of a phenomenon and predict under what conditions it will occur. And, Prescriptive theories address nursing therapeutics and consequences of interventions.
There are generally 4-levels of Nursing Theory: Metatheory is the most abstract and not easily tested. Grand Theory is a conceptual framework that defines broad perspectives for nursing practice. Middle Range Theory is moderately abstract and has a limited number of variables. They can be tested directly. Mid-range is very useful in nursing research and practice. Practice Theory traces the outline for practice. Objectives are set and actions are set to meet the objectives. Four steps in the development of practice theories are: factor isolating, factor relating, situation relating, and situation producing control.
In nursing, theories can also be analyzed by types which are needs, interaction, outcome, and humanistic-focused.
It is interesting to note that 90% of all nursing theories have been generated just in the last 20-years. Many schools encourage students to formulate theories of Nursing as part of their curriculum. In fact the pages of Nursing Science Quarterly are a major mouthpiece for Nursing Theory. Some still argue though that this multiplicity of theory is detrimental to the practice and undermines common vision. Others would say that the nature of the young science is sufficiently far reaching to require such tactics in order to elicit true consensus. It cannot be denied, however, that there is much vanity involved in the formulation of nursing theory.
Nursing theory is essential to the framework of nursing practice. Nursing theory information will assist in guiding individual practice and research methods.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Public Health Nursing
Isn’t it good health one of our priorities in the family among other things? With that in mind, wouldn’t it be very comforting to know also if the community where we live in also promotes public health nursing? Even if your eyebrows meet and your forehead carries a large question mark because you don’t know exactly it means and what it can do to your community, but if you read it between the lines, I’m sure you would say yes right away!
But, what really is public health nursing? For some, the words may sound familiar, while others may find the words confusing. Actually, public health nursing is the practice of upholding and protecting the health of the community by using the knowledge learned from nursing, social, and public health sciences. Given the good intention of public health nursing, it is not surprising to know that you can find public health nursing almost anywhere in the country.
Public health nursing is, in fact, developed to describe its specific roles and to provide a guide for public health nursing practice in the ever growing health care system. However, the public health nursing practice can be affected by certain factors, such as environmental, biological, cultural, economic, social and political aspects of a community. Due to the fact that public health nursing is an integral part of the healthcare system, the former is also responsive to these factors by way of working with the community in promoting health and preventing disease, injury and disability.
As public health nurses, their role is to integrate community health involvement and knowledge about the entire community with personal and clinical understandings of the health and illness experiences of individuals and families within the community. Also, they interpret and express the health and illness experiences of different, usually vulnerable individuals and families in the community to health planners and policy makers and assist members of the community to speak up their problems and hopes.
A public health nursing may be carried out even by only one public health nurse or by a group of public health nurses working together for the same purpose. There could be many activities that public health nurses can do in order to promote good health and protect the health of the entire community. One of the best examples is providing health education, care management and primary care to the people and families, especially those who are members of vulnerable community.
Our world could be a better place to live in if only all the community encourage public health nursing in order to have disease-free and health-conscious family. And since family is the smallest unit of a community, the awareness in promoting health should start within it. This is much easier to achieve through the help of public health nurses, knowing that it only takes one public health nurse to operate a public health nursing.
But, what really is public health nursing? For some, the words may sound familiar, while others may find the words confusing. Actually, public health nursing is the practice of upholding and protecting the health of the community by using the knowledge learned from nursing, social, and public health sciences. Given the good intention of public health nursing, it is not surprising to know that you can find public health nursing almost anywhere in the country.
Public health nursing is, in fact, developed to describe its specific roles and to provide a guide for public health nursing practice in the ever growing health care system. However, the public health nursing practice can be affected by certain factors, such as environmental, biological, cultural, economic, social and political aspects of a community. Due to the fact that public health nursing is an integral part of the healthcare system, the former is also responsive to these factors by way of working with the community in promoting health and preventing disease, injury and disability.
As public health nurses, their role is to integrate community health involvement and knowledge about the entire community with personal and clinical understandings of the health and illness experiences of individuals and families within the community. Also, they interpret and express the health and illness experiences of different, usually vulnerable individuals and families in the community to health planners and policy makers and assist members of the community to speak up their problems and hopes.
A public health nursing may be carried out even by only one public health nurse or by a group of public health nurses working together for the same purpose. There could be many activities that public health nurses can do in order to promote good health and protect the health of the entire community. One of the best examples is providing health education, care management and primary care to the people and families, especially those who are members of vulnerable community.
Our world could be a better place to live in if only all the community encourage public health nursing in order to have disease-free and health-conscious family. And since family is the smallest unit of a community, the awareness in promoting health should start within it. This is much easier to achieve through the help of public health nurses, knowing that it only takes one public health nurse to operate a public health nursing.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Telemetry Nursing
Most people have a lot of nice things to say about nursing. This could be one of the things that made nursing an interesting career option. But, did you know that there are a lot of areas of specialization in the big world of nursing?
Having a career in the field of nursing can take you to a wide selection of various specialization. If you dream of becoming a nurse, then you should start choosing what to specialize on the soonest possible time in order for you to have ample time to consider where to focus on your studies. But if you are a registered nurse already, you may want to put some spice on your career and explore one of the most rewarding specialization in the field of nursing, which is telemetry nursing.
Telemetry nursing is an exciting career as it allows you to use your technical skills and interpersonal skills. There’s no preferred gender to this area of specialization, which means both men and women can be a telemetry nurse. For as long as you have compassion and nursing expertise, which are required if you want to become part of telemetry nursing, you will be good in this area.
Just like in any other career fields, it is expected that you want to know what the telemetry nurses’ jobs are, would you not? Actually, in telemetry nursing, what a telemetry nurse does is connect patients to monitoring devices. These devices are designed and used to monitor the changes in heart rates, breathing rates, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. If there are significant changes or if there are any complaints of discomfort from patients, it’s the responsibility of the telemetry nurse to notify the medical staff in order to develop an immediate action plan.
Even if a telemetry nurse often administers to patients in a hospital or clinical setting, the concern of telemetry nursing does not end in those premises. In fact, it is also the responsibility of the telemetry nurse to educate patients regarding health maintenance and disease prevention as they return to their homes. Promoting and maintaining good health of patients is part of the job of a telemetry nurse that extends beyond the confinement of the hospital, clinics, or any other healthcare institutions.
If telemetry nursing arouse your interest, why not make the right decision now and be part of the challenging and rewarding world of telemetry nursing? Due to the shortage in any area of nursing, you are guaranteed a secured job. As a telemetry nurse, not only you are sure to have a brighter future for your career, you also get the chance to use the skills you are so good at. So, what more can you ask for?
Having a career in the field of nursing can take you to a wide selection of various specialization. If you dream of becoming a nurse, then you should start choosing what to specialize on the soonest possible time in order for you to have ample time to consider where to focus on your studies. But if you are a registered nurse already, you may want to put some spice on your career and explore one of the most rewarding specialization in the field of nursing, which is telemetry nursing.
Telemetry nursing is an exciting career as it allows you to use your technical skills and interpersonal skills. There’s no preferred gender to this area of specialization, which means both men and women can be a telemetry nurse. For as long as you have compassion and nursing expertise, which are required if you want to become part of telemetry nursing, you will be good in this area.
Just like in any other career fields, it is expected that you want to know what the telemetry nurses’ jobs are, would you not? Actually, in telemetry nursing, what a telemetry nurse does is connect patients to monitoring devices. These devices are designed and used to monitor the changes in heart rates, breathing rates, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. If there are significant changes or if there are any complaints of discomfort from patients, it’s the responsibility of the telemetry nurse to notify the medical staff in order to develop an immediate action plan.
Even if a telemetry nurse often administers to patients in a hospital or clinical setting, the concern of telemetry nursing does not end in those premises. In fact, it is also the responsibility of the telemetry nurse to educate patients regarding health maintenance and disease prevention as they return to their homes. Promoting and maintaining good health of patients is part of the job of a telemetry nurse that extends beyond the confinement of the hospital, clinics, or any other healthcare institutions.
If telemetry nursing arouse your interest, why not make the right decision now and be part of the challenging and rewarding world of telemetry nursing? Due to the shortage in any area of nursing, you are guaranteed a secured job. As a telemetry nurse, not only you are sure to have a brighter future for your career, you also get the chance to use the skills you are so good at. So, what more can you ask for?
Friday, December 5, 2008
Pediatric Nursing
Is your fascination with kids keeps you thinking about making a career out of it? Since you have soft spots for children, you are left with several options to choose from when it comes to deciding on what profession to land on. You can be a teacher, a day-care provider, or even a baby-sitter! But because there’s a desperate need for nurses due to the predicted shortage, you my want to reconsider your options and become a pediatric nurse. In pediatric nursing, you are given a chance to work with different children of different ages as well as promoting their health and well being.
To become a pediatric nurse, your educational preparation will require you to take up pediatric nursing program in order for you to gain the skills and knowledge needed to perform your job properly, which is providing care for infants, children and adolescents. Also, you should learn how to comfort and treat patients, assist doctors, examine and refer patients, and instruct parents to do their share of caring and giving support for their children. Do you now have a clearer picture of how important the role of a pediatric nurse in children and parent’s lives?
There are many programs that allow you to focus on caring for children with special needs or you can concentrate on a certain age group like infants or teenagers. The choice is yours to make whatever you prefer. You can also take courses in child development, diagnosis and treatment, and physiology. Or, you may take courses about health promotion, parenting, and disease prevention. If you are interested in healthcare systems and management skills, there are also available courses for you to take up on those areas.
What’s great about pediatric nursing is that you can become a pediatric nurse in as early as two years by completing a two-year master’s degree program offered by some nursing schools. And most of these programs allow you to become a practitioner nurse after graduation, which means you can examine, diagnose, and treat your own patients, while others let you become a clinical nurse specialist. But, if you already have a master’s degree in nursing, all you need to do is complete a postmaster’s degree program leading to certificate in pediatric nursing. Isn’t that a fast way to realizing your dream of having a career that involves children?
Having a degree in pediatric nursing allows you to work in schools, hospitals, clinic, or any other healthcare institutions. Due to the fact that there is a significant shortage of nurses, you’re guaranteed to get a job in no time, provided you have the credentials needed to take the position. Isn’t your fascination with children the reason why you want a career that has something to do with them? Well, this is your big chance and the best part of it is that there are lots of things you can do more than just working with them, you can as well show and provide children what pediatric nurses are known for – care!
To become a pediatric nurse, your educational preparation will require you to take up pediatric nursing program in order for you to gain the skills and knowledge needed to perform your job properly, which is providing care for infants, children and adolescents. Also, you should learn how to comfort and treat patients, assist doctors, examine and refer patients, and instruct parents to do their share of caring and giving support for their children. Do you now have a clearer picture of how important the role of a pediatric nurse in children and parent’s lives?
There are many programs that allow you to focus on caring for children with special needs or you can concentrate on a certain age group like infants or teenagers. The choice is yours to make whatever you prefer. You can also take courses in child development, diagnosis and treatment, and physiology. Or, you may take courses about health promotion, parenting, and disease prevention. If you are interested in healthcare systems and management skills, there are also available courses for you to take up on those areas.
What’s great about pediatric nursing is that you can become a pediatric nurse in as early as two years by completing a two-year master’s degree program offered by some nursing schools. And most of these programs allow you to become a practitioner nurse after graduation, which means you can examine, diagnose, and treat your own patients, while others let you become a clinical nurse specialist. But, if you already have a master’s degree in nursing, all you need to do is complete a postmaster’s degree program leading to certificate in pediatric nursing. Isn’t that a fast way to realizing your dream of having a career that involves children?
Having a degree in pediatric nursing allows you to work in schools, hospitals, clinic, or any other healthcare institutions. Due to the fact that there is a significant shortage of nurses, you’re guaranteed to get a job in no time, provided you have the credentials needed to take the position. Isn’t your fascination with children the reason why you want a career that has something to do with them? Well, this is your big chance and the best part of it is that there are lots of things you can do more than just working with them, you can as well show and provide children what pediatric nurses are known for – care!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
RN to BSN - Career Benefits and Education Options
By: Michael V. Gruber, Mph
he complexities of a changing medical field in technology, advanced information, and facing a growing leadership role among nurses has increased the need for a degree of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing among registered nurses (RN to BSN). This higher level of education takes commitment and dedication and in the following article, we will outline how to achieve these goals.
Advancing your nursing degree – The difference between RN and BSN
Beginning a career in nursing for those who desire an abbreviated education will get an associate’s degree (AD) which usually involves 2-3 years of schooling. A nurse may also follow a diploma program, usually through a hospital, that is also 2-3 years in length before becoming an RN. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Sample Survey, 70% of nurses have AD or diploma level degrees. An RN must also pass all required examinations such as the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses) before practicing with patient contact.
For many nurses looking to advance their careers, a BSN is the natural next step. It is a 4 year program that includes research oriented learning, leadership training, and liberal arts. Many of the students that are enrolled in the BSN program are previous RN’s with associate degrees or diplomas. They are now going back to school with all the hardships involved; financially, time inflexibility, family and other outstanding commitments.
The differences between an RN and BSN are not necessarily clear to the patient who is being treated with basic care. A nurse treating a patient won’t be asked, “excuse me, are you a RN or a BSN?” Yet the differences lie within. The education gained, the additional technical training, and the potential advancement are not immediately recognized by the patient. A nurse with a BSN can review research papers, advocate for the patient, work with leaders in the hospital or medical facility with confidence and advanced management skills. A nurse with an RN may have all these abilities, yet a BSN enhances them and increases advancement opportunities.
Career Opportunities with a BSN
RN’s return to school for a number of reasons, yet many are personal in nature: To become leaders in the nursing industry, advancing their careers, or move to the next level and receive a master’s or doctoral degree.
Management-level nursing requires an advanced degree such as a BSN. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in management, nurses can become anywhere from the assistant head nurse or head nurse, to assistant director, director, and vice president and upwards. Other career opportunities include research, consulting, and teaching. A nurse with a BSN can manage a home health care clinic and ambulatory services, etc. Nurses can also move into the business side of nursing to becoming an manager of an insurance company, pharmaceutical manufacturer, and managed care organization (U.S. Dept. of Labor, 2005).
Salary Benefits of advancing a degree from RN to BSN
Advanced nursing degrees create new career opportunities and justify an increased salary. An RN and a BSN will receive the same salary for the same nursing position, but as the BSN moves through the ranks to a higher position, salaries tend to increase. For example, a promotion to a management position of head nurse with a BSN has a higher salary than being the floor nurse with an RN.
Education Opportunities and Education Cost
In 2004, there were 600 RN to BSN programs in the United States. Many RN's use the tuition reimbursement from their employer as an incentive to go back for the BSN. There are also accelerated BSN programs for those individuals who already attained bachelor or higher degrees and wish to go into nursing. There are more than 165 of these programs in the United States. These programs are 12 to 18 months in length (U.S. Dept. of Labor, 2005). In choosing the appropriate program, it is necessary to choose whether to work in a classroom setting or study through an online RN to BSN program.
The classroom setting has many benefits which include peer contact and live lectures. Sharing experiences with others and learning from other previous like-minded RN’s is a great benefit. The dilemma with classroom education for most nurses is the stringent scheduling and time management needed to attend class and work around an RN’s busy schedule.
An online nursing degree course is the other alternative. It is a way for nurses to work while continuing with their education with flexibility around time commitments. The non-clinical portion of the classroom courses are given online and the clinicals are usually arranged at a medical facility near the nurse’s home. There may be timed lectures or the nurses may do lectures at their own time with assignments being sent to the lecturer by fax or mail on designated due dates. Examinations are usually offered online. Many times the online school follows a semester schedule and has a set start and finish date, though this is not true for all schools. To learn more about online RN to BSN programs, refer to your school of choice and learn what that school offers.
Conclusion
Personal satisfaction, a qualitative factor that can not be measured or quantified, is what many BSN students say is most important about receiving their advanced degree. Our society is advancing in all areas, with technology and intellectual expertise. The information is available and the prerequisites allow many RN's to attain an advanced degree; the determining factor is, we must advance as a society and create leaders in all areas of industry. A BSN gives the degree and knowledge and critical leadership skills for an RN to advance in the world of medicine, business, and personal achievement.
he complexities of a changing medical field in technology, advanced information, and facing a growing leadership role among nurses has increased the need for a degree of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing among registered nurses (RN to BSN). This higher level of education takes commitment and dedication and in the following article, we will outline how to achieve these goals.
Advancing your nursing degree – The difference between RN and BSN
Beginning a career in nursing for those who desire an abbreviated education will get an associate’s degree (AD) which usually involves 2-3 years of schooling. A nurse may also follow a diploma program, usually through a hospital, that is also 2-3 years in length before becoming an RN. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Sample Survey, 70% of nurses have AD or diploma level degrees. An RN must also pass all required examinations such as the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses) before practicing with patient contact.
For many nurses looking to advance their careers, a BSN is the natural next step. It is a 4 year program that includes research oriented learning, leadership training, and liberal arts. Many of the students that are enrolled in the BSN program are previous RN’s with associate degrees or diplomas. They are now going back to school with all the hardships involved; financially, time inflexibility, family and other outstanding commitments.
The differences between an RN and BSN are not necessarily clear to the patient who is being treated with basic care. A nurse treating a patient won’t be asked, “excuse me, are you a RN or a BSN?” Yet the differences lie within. The education gained, the additional technical training, and the potential advancement are not immediately recognized by the patient. A nurse with a BSN can review research papers, advocate for the patient, work with leaders in the hospital or medical facility with confidence and advanced management skills. A nurse with an RN may have all these abilities, yet a BSN enhances them and increases advancement opportunities.
Career Opportunities with a BSN
RN’s return to school for a number of reasons, yet many are personal in nature: To become leaders in the nursing industry, advancing their careers, or move to the next level and receive a master’s or doctoral degree.
Management-level nursing requires an advanced degree such as a BSN. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in management, nurses can become anywhere from the assistant head nurse or head nurse, to assistant director, director, and vice president and upwards. Other career opportunities include research, consulting, and teaching. A nurse with a BSN can manage a home health care clinic and ambulatory services, etc. Nurses can also move into the business side of nursing to becoming an manager of an insurance company, pharmaceutical manufacturer, and managed care organization (U.S. Dept. of Labor, 2005).
Salary Benefits of advancing a degree from RN to BSN
Advanced nursing degrees create new career opportunities and justify an increased salary. An RN and a BSN will receive the same salary for the same nursing position, but as the BSN moves through the ranks to a higher position, salaries tend to increase. For example, a promotion to a management position of head nurse with a BSN has a higher salary than being the floor nurse with an RN.
Education Opportunities and Education Cost
In 2004, there were 600 RN to BSN programs in the United States. Many RN's use the tuition reimbursement from their employer as an incentive to go back for the BSN. There are also accelerated BSN programs for those individuals who already attained bachelor or higher degrees and wish to go into nursing. There are more than 165 of these programs in the United States. These programs are 12 to 18 months in length (U.S. Dept. of Labor, 2005). In choosing the appropriate program, it is necessary to choose whether to work in a classroom setting or study through an online RN to BSN program.
The classroom setting has many benefits which include peer contact and live lectures. Sharing experiences with others and learning from other previous like-minded RN’s is a great benefit. The dilemma with classroom education for most nurses is the stringent scheduling and time management needed to attend class and work around an RN’s busy schedule.
An online nursing degree course is the other alternative. It is a way for nurses to work while continuing with their education with flexibility around time commitments. The non-clinical portion of the classroom courses are given online and the clinicals are usually arranged at a medical facility near the nurse’s home. There may be timed lectures or the nurses may do lectures at their own time with assignments being sent to the lecturer by fax or mail on designated due dates. Examinations are usually offered online. Many times the online school follows a semester schedule and has a set start and finish date, though this is not true for all schools. To learn more about online RN to BSN programs, refer to your school of choice and learn what that school offers.
Conclusion
Personal satisfaction, a qualitative factor that can not be measured or quantified, is what many BSN students say is most important about receiving their advanced degree. Our society is advancing in all areas, with technology and intellectual expertise. The information is available and the prerequisites allow many RN's to attain an advanced degree; the determining factor is, we must advance as a society and create leaders in all areas of industry. A BSN gives the degree and knowledge and critical leadership skills for an RN to advance in the world of medicine, business, and personal achievement.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Nursing Degree through Internet Access
Earning a nursing degree through internet access in one the convenient ways you can realize your dreams of becoming a nurse. As you must have known, the shortage of nurses in the country resulted to a rise in interest of many people in the field of nursing. And the fact that there is a shortage, your chances of landing on a job are great!
Nursing Degree through internet access is for those who wanted to become a nurse, but cannot attend regular classes in real school environment. If you already have a work at the present, and attending to regular classes is out of the question, you can’t just say bye-bye to your dream just like that. If there’s a wheel, there’s a way! Making your dream come true is just a piece of piece if you have a strong determination. All you need is to have access to the internet. It’s as easy as that! Once you have internet connection, you easily take up some nursing programs online offered by several nursing schools. Now, isn’t that convenient?
Also, it would greatly help you decide whether or not to pursue obtaining nursing degree through internet access or attend a regular class in real schools. Besides the fact that, online nursing degree program can be taken at your own home, the big difference that you have to get used to is access to support tools. You see, getting your nursing degree through internet access takes a lot of commitment from you. You may find studying online boring, but depending on how important getting a degree in nursing to you is, I’m sure you can get the hang of it.
The system of online nursing degree programs lets you finish the course at your own pace, which means that you can study you lesson submit assignments or project when you want it. If you are not comfortable with this arrangement, taking online degree programs may not work for you.
In order for you get started, you should first choose in what specialization to focus. Yes, there are a lot of areas in nursing for you to choose from and all those areas are also need additional nurses. There are associates, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs that are available whatever areas or specialization in nursing you are interested in.
Your inability to attend regular classes at school should not be considered a hindrance in realizing your dream to become a nurse, but a challenge to face in taking a big leap to take advantage of the alternative, which is to take a nursing degree through internet access. There’s always a solution to every problem. Now, you have the solution to yours; just make sure you do your part of the bargain.
Nursing Degree through internet access is for those who wanted to become a nurse, but cannot attend regular classes in real school environment. If you already have a work at the present, and attending to regular classes is out of the question, you can’t just say bye-bye to your dream just like that. If there’s a wheel, there’s a way! Making your dream come true is just a piece of piece if you have a strong determination. All you need is to have access to the internet. It’s as easy as that! Once you have internet connection, you easily take up some nursing programs online offered by several nursing schools. Now, isn’t that convenient?
Also, it would greatly help you decide whether or not to pursue obtaining nursing degree through internet access or attend a regular class in real schools. Besides the fact that, online nursing degree program can be taken at your own home, the big difference that you have to get used to is access to support tools. You see, getting your nursing degree through internet access takes a lot of commitment from you. You may find studying online boring, but depending on how important getting a degree in nursing to you is, I’m sure you can get the hang of it.
The system of online nursing degree programs lets you finish the course at your own pace, which means that you can study you lesson submit assignments or project when you want it. If you are not comfortable with this arrangement, taking online degree programs may not work for you.
In order for you get started, you should first choose in what specialization to focus. Yes, there are a lot of areas in nursing for you to choose from and all those areas are also need additional nurses. There are associates, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs that are available whatever areas or specialization in nursing you are interested in.
Your inability to attend regular classes at school should not be considered a hindrance in realizing your dream to become a nurse, but a challenge to face in taking a big leap to take advantage of the alternative, which is to take a nursing degree through internet access. There’s always a solution to every problem. Now, you have the solution to yours; just make sure you do your part of the bargain.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Mental Health Nursing
We are now living in a world where people seem to have an open mind about almost anything. But, why is it that, at some point, certain individuals still find it easier to talk about and accept a person being physically ill than someone who has mental health problems? There could be many reasons behind that life-size question mark on your forehead. To some extent, this could be the result of the impossibility of putting a clear distinction between mental health and illness.
At some point in our lives, we may have experienced episodes of stress, anxiety, anger, depression and any other mental health condition, because those are what make us human. In other words, these mental problems are as common as cough and colds. But, if any of those conditions becomes overwhelming, hard to control, or has been recurring for quite some time, it’s the time that you seek professional help. If you let your condition pass by without getting immediate attention and care, it could lead to a more serious problem, not to mention that it gets in the way of your daily activities.
This is where mental health nursing steps in. Mental health nursing is a very challenging job, I must say. The nurses working in a mental health institutions, whether in a hospital or in a community, show great care for people with mental health condition, assisting patients to overcome their unwell condition or to come to terms with it so that they can continue to live their lives as normal as possible.
Mental health nursing is the kind of profession in which the nurses are likely to be dealing with people from all walks of life with different backgrounds. As their experience broadened and careers develop, they have a choice to specialize in any areas like alcohol and drugs, research, education, or management positions. But the important challenges for mental health nurses are to use their skills and personal strengths in order to help patients come to terms with their problems. Have you noticed that sometimes you tend to feel more comfortable sharing your concerns with nurses than with physicians? That is exactly why mental health nursing exist – fill in the gap between the physician and the patient!
nother challenge that a mental health nurse has to face is to identify if and when a patient may be at risk of harming themselves or other people. Therefore, one of the most important skills that mental health nurses have to learn is recognizing any build-up tension in a patient and resolving it as quickly as possible. What a challenging career mental health nursing indeed! Not a very enticing job, but definitely very rewarding. You must be a people person with great care to people with mental illness to be able to do the job of a mental health nurse.
At some point in our lives, we may have experienced episodes of stress, anxiety, anger, depression and any other mental health condition, because those are what make us human. In other words, these mental problems are as common as cough and colds. But, if any of those conditions becomes overwhelming, hard to control, or has been recurring for quite some time, it’s the time that you seek professional help. If you let your condition pass by without getting immediate attention and care, it could lead to a more serious problem, not to mention that it gets in the way of your daily activities.
This is where mental health nursing steps in. Mental health nursing is a very challenging job, I must say. The nurses working in a mental health institutions, whether in a hospital or in a community, show great care for people with mental health condition, assisting patients to overcome their unwell condition or to come to terms with it so that they can continue to live their lives as normal as possible.
Mental health nursing is the kind of profession in which the nurses are likely to be dealing with people from all walks of life with different backgrounds. As their experience broadened and careers develop, they have a choice to specialize in any areas like alcohol and drugs, research, education, or management positions. But the important challenges for mental health nurses are to use their skills and personal strengths in order to help patients come to terms with their problems. Have you noticed that sometimes you tend to feel more comfortable sharing your concerns with nurses than with physicians? That is exactly why mental health nursing exist – fill in the gap between the physician and the patient!
nother challenge that a mental health nurse has to face is to identify if and when a patient may be at risk of harming themselves or other people. Therefore, one of the most important skills that mental health nurses have to learn is recognizing any build-up tension in a patient and resolving it as quickly as possible. What a challenging career mental health nursing indeed! Not a very enticing job, but definitely very rewarding. You must be a people person with great care to people with mental illness to be able to do the job of a mental health nurse.
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