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Registered Nurses are dedicated
to high quality care of the patient. The job is very
demanding, but well worth the effort. Higher education
helps nurses advance in their career. Although an RN
has much higher responsibility levels than a Licensed
Practical Nurse, the career can become stunted without
a higher degree. Seeking a BSN (Bachelor of Science
in Nursing) or an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing),
can make a huge difference in the opportunities available.
Getting a BSN or MSN makes perfect sense for those who
want to move up the ladder or specialize in a particular
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What type of nurse can you become?
Nursing Assistant - A nursing assistant
helps the nurse in charge care for the patient. A nursing
assistant can find jobs in the hospital, nursing homes and
hospice, to name a few. Nursing assistants hold an important
role in caring for the patient. It is a rewarding way to help
others with minimal education in the healthcare field. A nursing
assistant generally takes care of tasks to free up the RN
for other more difficult tasks. Duties might include things
like bathing, feeding and changing dressings for a patient.
This is the lowest paid nursing position.
Licensed Practical Nurse - An LPN is charged
with duties such as taking vital signs, assist with bathing
and dressing patients, giving routine lab tests and recording
patient information such as food intake. An LPN makes a great
deal more money than the average nursing assistant makes and
is sometimes in charge over the nursing assistant. An LPN
usually works in a hospital setting. Advancement opportunities
are limited for an LPN.
Registered Nurse - Registered Nurses make
about $25 an hour to start. The education level often determines
the exact pay rate. Registered Nurses are charged with dispensing
medications, giving shots and IV's to the patient, keeping
close records on patient progress and changes. They report
to the doctor or head nurse when necessary.
Learn more about the difference
between a RN and a LPN.
How do you reach higher?
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Climbing
the ladder of nursing success requires seeking higher education.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing helps advancement possibilities.
The college program for receiving a BSN is four years. Upon
receiving a BSN, the nurse is able to work in nearly any setting.
For instance, nurses with a BSN are able to work in law offices,
insurance companies, psychiatric units and home care. As with
everything else, the higher the education, the higher the
pay.
Master of Science in Nursing - As with a
BSN, an MSN has even more advancement opportunities. A Master
of Science in nursing generally allows the nurse to have a
specialty field in which they work. Positions that might require
an MSN are clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist and
nurse midwife. Specializing in a particular field allows more
control over the lifetime of the career. Healthcare education
is essential to the best possible career options.
View a comprehensive directory of online
nursing schools offering BSN and MSN programs
What if I don't have time for college?
Making time for college is essential if the goal is to advance
in nursing. Life can make that very difficult though. Many
people seeking college degrees in today's world have families
to care for and have to work while working towards an advanced
degree. Technology has made it much easier to earn a degree
though. Why? It is because people can now work towards a degree
directly from home. Universities have seen the great need
for people who have limited time available. The possibilities
are limitless for anyone wishing to seek a college education.
Online
degrees are becoming more and more popular because of
the convenience they provide.
Universities, such as the University of Phoenix, will go
to great lengths to ensure the best possible experience for
students. They will work with you from start to finish. They
work diligently to help find funding for your education. They
are there to answer any questions you might have about the
program. They help set up the proper course load. Best of
all, online universities give the support necessary to successfully
complete the nursing program you have chosen. Be certain that
you choose an accredited college while making the decision.
Whether you are already a nurse and want to further advance
your career or just starting out, online colleges can help
you realize your dream. Take the first step today. Make contact
with an online
college or university. You can't get there unless you
take the first step.
For more information on accredited nursing schools, visit
the Nursing
Schools directory today.
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