Posts Tagged ‘Licensed Practical Nurses’

PostHeaderIcon So You Want To Be A Nurse

There are many options available for anyone who is interested to pursue a career in nursing. The demand for healthcare professionals are continuously on the upswing so there is a positive demand for them in the years to come.

The following are some of the options available for anyone who is interested to pursue a career that is related in the medical field that is related in some way to nursing.

Those who cannot do, assist

For those who are still weighing their options whether to pursue a full-fledged career in nursing or to just simply try out at first if nursing is indeed the career for them, there is a short course available for them to study.

Being a CNA or a certified nursing assistant only requires a short period to study. The period usually range from about a month or two or more. After the course, one could immediately start a job as a CNA during which the time spent working allows you the opportunity to see for yourself a glimpse of the nursing world as well as provide you with the income to save and spend for possibly getting into a full fledged nursing program.

Be an LPN or an LVN

A Licensed Practical Nurse or a Licensed Vocational Nurse is a course of study that usually takes about one year to study, complete and finish. The Licensed Practical Nurse or the Licensed Vocational Nurse usually works directly under the physician or a Registered Nurse.

Being a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Licensed Vocational Nurse is also one of the effective means to get into nursing school and be a registered nurse. There are nursing schools that allows Licensed Practical Nurses to take courses and credits in the process of being Registered Nurses. Vocational schools are the ones that usually offer LPN courses. This process of Licensed Practical Nurses studying to become Registered Nurses will continue to increase at the same time that the demand for nurses also increase.

Registered Nurses are on demand

When one is a registered nurse, the options for promotion, education upgrade and job responsibility are a plenty. Usually, the process that went on then with regards to nurses that are studying is this: hospitals used to offer a diploma study course for those willing to study nursing. The course usually lasts three years. During this time, students lived and then worked inside their assigned hospitals. After which, they then take their boards to later become full-fledged Registered Nurses. However, now is different. There are now Associate Degrees in nursing that last for two years.

The BSN advantage

There is a course called Bachelor of Science in Nursing that usually covers most of the theoretical aspect in nursing. Recently, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is being pushed to become at least the minimum requisite for one to be actually called as a professional nurse that currently, academic programs that call from a Registered Nurse background to study Bachelor of Science Nursing degree is being seen as an ideal and sound choice for nurses who want professional advancement,

In summary, the decision to be a nurse rests on you. The choices that are available all depend on how much you are willing to spend your time, effort, energy and money on. It is important though that any decision one makes comes from the heart and the mind and that being a nurse, serving the health care profession, and serving the needs and wants of others is what you want to do, and would be happy doing for the rest of your career life.

PostHeaderIcon Nursing, the Next 10 Years, a Brief Overview

<i>General Outlook for Nurses<i>

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.

<i>Not a Registered Nurse?<i>

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.

<i>RN or BSN?<i>

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.

<i>Considering a Career Switch?<i>

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.

<i>The Future of Nursing<i>

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.

PostHeaderIcon Licensed Practical Nursing Career

Licensed Practical Nurses provide the most amount of direct patient care within the nursing category of healthcare. If you’re interested in a healthcare career dealing directly with patients, becoming an LPN is a rewarding opportunity. Licensed Practical Nurses are mainly responsible for direct patient care. Nurses’ aides and others assist LPNs in some of the duties they perform.  LPNs take their direction from doctors and registered nurses (RNs) and nurse managers.  Typically, an LPN is responsible for taking vitals signs, administering injections, application of bandages and dressings, and the monitoring of patients.  Work duties can also include feeding patients, collecting samples and providing patient hygiene. LPNs work in a variety of settings like hospitals, outpatient facilities, long-term care facilities, clinics and home care. LPNs with many years of experience may supervise nursing aides and assistants.

Nursing jobs are generally in high demand across the country, but LPN positions in hospitals are declining. LPN positions in long term care facilities however, are in as much demand as other nursing categories.  Home healthcare is also another area were LPN’s are in great demand.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor (http:www.bls.gov) the median income for LPNs as £31,440 in 2002. The range was £22,860 to £44,040 based on geographic setting and job knowledge. Contract LPNs made the most money, while doctor’s office nurses made the least on average at £28,710. Nursing jobs offer not only good pay, but also flexible schedules.  Nurses often work only three 12-hour shifts, which allow them four days off.  Nursing candidates are also offered tuition reimbursement and signing bonuses.

To become a nurse, you will need education and a nursing license.  Graduates must complete a state approved practical nursing program and pass a licensing examination. An LPN certificate can be accomplished in less than a year. Some RN students become LPNs after finishing their first year of study. Course work in the LPN program includes physiology, chemistry, obstetrics, pediatrics nutrition, biology, anatomy, first aid and nursing classes. Becoming an LPN is the fastest path to a nursing career. If you have the qualities required to be a nurse and want a well paying job, getting an LPN degree in nursing is a great way to secure your professional future.

Melissa Steele, <a target=”_new” href=”http:www.EducationGuys.comCollege Degrees @ EducationGuys.com Writer.

PostHeaderIcon Nursing Careers in Texas: Finding the Ideal Nursing Opportunity for You

Nursing is a career that offers overflowing and endless personal and professional rewards. Once you choose this profession, you are dedicating your life helping others through your skills that blend scientific knowledge with caring and compassion.

Only few professions get to offer this kind of reward, which is a combination of high tech and high touch. Generally, nursing is one of the nation’s largest when it comes to health care professions. Attesting to this are the registered nurses (RNs) which is now over 2.6 million according to statistics and the new ones which will join the field in the near future.

Nurses are the largest single component of any hospital staff and other health care providers. They deliver their committed service to most of the nation’s nursing homes. They also work in variety of other set-ups such as a travel nurse and other nursing careers in Texas and other locations.

Today, there is obviously a significant shortage of nurses across the country and according to statistics; the need of nurses in years to come will become greater. Among the top reasons are:

• The advancement of health care that greatly helped people to live longer thus, much more elderly people will need care.

• The growing number of people who become sicker.

• More nurses being in demand outside the hospital settings.

• And the current workforce is aging. This is for the reason that more nurses retire thus, more replacement will be needed.

Because of these reasons, student nurses today are guaranteed with outright jobs once they have finished their Bachelor of Nursing degree. They are assured of instant jobs for a securer career in the future.

Among the best opportunities are the nursing careers in Texas. Texas will need up to 138,000 Licensed Practical Nurses, Nurse Aides, and Registered Nurses within the next 10 years. The Bureau of Labor sees nursing as the fastest growing occupation over the next 5 years and will continue to give long-term stable jobs for future generations.

Nursing has always been emotionally rewarding not to mention the good pay also. Now, signup bonuses can reach up to $5,000 and average annual salaries of $42,620. With this huge pay, the service of nurses is just equally compensated. Additionally, special programs and incentives are offered to motivate future nurses, attract people who want to be nurses and remain as nurses.

Skill, compassion, intelligence, and determination – these are the prime qualities of a top nurse. If you posses all these characteristics, you have the power to share it the country’s premier academic medical centers. From OR and ICU to ER and Telemetry, you can surely find the best nursing careers in Texas and get away to a whole new level of achievement.

Below are some of the nursing opportunities you can join.

• Ambulatory Nursing

• Hospital Nursing

• Community Health RNs

• Critical Care

• Emergency Medicines-RN

• Infection Control Practitioner_RN

• Acute Care-RNs

• Research Nursing

• Occupational Health-RNs

• Operating Rooms-RNs

• Pediatric-RNs

• Women’s Health-RNs

• Advanced Practice Nurse

• Nursing Support

• Nurse Faculty

• Nurse Management

There are various other great nursing careers in Texas which you can grab. For easy access to these opportunities, you can search through the internet and pick the best nursing career that suits your needs and satisfies your nursing passion. Find out more about making a living and at same time serving people by making a difference as a nurse in Texas!

PostHeaderIcon Nursing Careers in Texas: Finding the Ideal Nursing Opportunity for

Nursing Careers in Texas: Finding the Ideal Nursing Opportunity for You

Nursing is a career that offers overflowing and endless personal and professional rewards. Once you choose this profession, you are dedicating your life helping others through your skills that blend scientific knowledge with caring and compassion.

Only few professions get to offer this kind of reward, which is a combination of high tech and high touch. Generally, nursing is one of the nations largest when it comes to health care professions. Attesting to this are the registered nurses (RNs) which is now over 2.6 million according to statistics and the new ones which will join the field in the near future.

Nurses are the largest single component of any hospital staff and other health care providers. They deliver their committed service to most of the nations nursing homes. They also work in variety of other set-ups such as a travel nurse and other nursing careers in Texas and other locations.

Today, there is obviously a significant shortage of nurses across the country and according to statistics; the need of nurses in years to come will become greater. Among the top reasons are:

The advancement of health care that greatly helped people to live longer thus, much more elderly people will need care.

The growing number of people who become sicker.

More nurses being in demand outside the hospital settings.

And the current workforce is aging. This is for the reason that more nurses retire thus, more replacement will be needed.

Because of these reasons, student nurses today are guaranteed with outright jobs once they have finished their Bachelor of Nursing degree. They are assured of instant jobs for a securer career in the future.

Among the best opportunities are the nursing careers in Texas. Texas will need up to 138,000 Licensed Practical Nurses, Nurse Aides, and Registered Nurses within the next 10 years. The Bureau of Labor sees nursing as the fastest growing occupation over the next 5 years and will continue to give long-term stable jobs for future generations.

Nursing has always been emotionally rewarding not to mention the good pay also. Now, signup bonuses can reach up to $5,000 and average annual salaries of $42,620. With this huge pay, the service of nurses is just equally compensated. Additionally, special programs and incentives are offered to motivate future nurses, attract people who want to be nurses and remain as nurses.

Skill, compassion, intelligence, and determination these are the prime qualities of a top nurse. If you posses all these characteristics, you have the power to share it the countrys premier academic medical centers. From OR and ICU to ER and Telemetry, you can surely find the best nursing careers in Texas and get away to a whole new level of achievement.

Below are some of the nursing opportunities you can join.

Ambulatory Nursing

Hospital Nursing

Community Health RNs

Critical Care

Emergency Medicines-RN

Infection Control Practitioner_RN

Acute Care-RNs

Research Nursing

Occupational Health-RNs

Operating Rooms-RNs

Pediatric-RNs

Womens Health-RNs

Advanced Practice Nurse

Nursing Support

Nurse Faculty

Nurse Management

There are various other great nursing careers in Texas which you can grab. For easy access to these opportunities, you can search through the internet and pick the best nursing career that suits your needs and satisfies your nursing passion. Find out more about making a living and at same time serving people by making a difference as a nurse in Texas!

PostHeaderIcon Making A Career As A Travel Nurse

Who said traveling and being a nurse cant work together when there are a lot of job opportunities right now for those who experience in the market.

Traveling nurses are given the choice to work closer or farther from their home. If they accept an assignment, they have a chance to work in some of the countrys most prestigious health facilities, earn decent pay with bonuses and enjoy free living expenses.

Nurses who want to be a part of this have to sign up with a travel nursing company. In fact, there are many around and aside from your base pay, you get to have comprehensive insurance, a 401k plan, clinical support, an incentive program and the opportunity to further enhance your education.

To qualify, you must be a graduate from an accredited health care institution in the US or Canada and have a license. You should also have served at least a minimum of 12 months in your specialty.

If you qualify to be a traveling nurse, the company you will be working for will present a number of openings that are currently available. You dont get to sign any long term contract with them since everything is done on a per project basis so iIf you find something you like, you may begin work in less than a week.

You also shouldnt worry about getting a license to work especially if this will be in another state because the company you will be working for normally takes care of that.

Traveling nurses work almost the same hours as a regular nurse. That is about 8 to 10 hours on each shift or 40 hours per week but there are some work 12 hours and work about 36 hours per week.

As for how much you make, this depends where you will be working and your specialty. Resident nurses for example are paid $40 per hour while licensed practical nurses earn a little bit lower. When you accept an assignment, you are usually given a sign on bonus that could reach up to $6,000 which isnt that bad.

The money that you make as a traveling nurse is usually deposited in your current bank account so you dont have to open a new one when you are working in another state. This will enable you to withdraw this at any time using your ATM card for shopping and other things.

It was mentioned earlier that housing as a traveling nurse is free. You will usually be housed in a two bedroom apartment or condo that is close to where you will be working. If you choose to live somewhere else other than what was given, you will get the housing allowance in the form of cash and you will be responsible taking care of the utilities.

If you want to succeed as a traveling nurse, you have to be optimistic, be open-minded and have the ability to learn things quickly. This is because your employer expects you to know what needs to be done since they assume you have already done this in the past.

You can stay as a traveling nurse for as long as you want and your experience will look good on your resume as this will probably make you stand out among other applicants when you want to find a permanent nursing job.