What will I do in this job?
If you plan to go into nursing, you will work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. You will also be an advocate and health educator for patients, families, and communities.
Nurses have many responsibilities which include:
- observing, assessing, and recording symptoms, reactions, and progress
- assisting physicians during treatments and examinations
- administering medications
- assisting in convalescence and rehabilitation
- developing and managing nursing care plans
- instructing patients and their families in proper care
- helping individuals to improve or maintain their health status
While State laws govern the tasks nurses may perform, it is usually the work setting, which determines their day-to-day job duties.
Do I need a special license?
If you want to become a nurse you will need to take the National Licensing Examination, and a State License is required.
What type of education do I need?
Associate degree nursing is offered by junior and community colleges, requires 2 years
In all states, students must graduate from a nursing program and pass a national licensing examination to obtain a nursing license. Licenses must be periodically renewed. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and other behavioral sciences, and nursing. Course work includes liberal arts classes.
Will I find a job?
Employment of A.D.N.s is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2006. Faster than average growth will be driven by technological advances in patient care, with an increasing emphasis on primary care. A large number of new nurses will be employed in home health; long-term care and ambulatory care settings.
How much will I make?
$34,430-$49,070 (1998) |
