If you are an aspiring healthcare professional and are looking to carve a niche in the industry, a Bachelor’s of Sciences in Health Sciences (BS of Health Sciences) degree might be a great educational choice. Here’s an overview of theBS in Health Sciences degree, along with potential careers for graduates with this degree.

Nature of the degree

A BS in Health Sciences covers a variety of courses pertaining to several healthcare careers and includes a study of physical and life sciences, legal and ethical aspects of healthcare, health promotion, and disease prevention. One of the prerequisites for admission into a BS of Health Sciences program is that the student should be a graduate of an associate’s degree program in any health science program such as nursing education, surgical technology, respiratory therapy, medical assisting, etc.

Skills you learn in a BS of Health Sciences program

To be successful in anyhealthcare career, a person should possess certain skill sets. A BS in Health Sciences degree program will help students to:

·         Learn how to maintain information, records,and activity charts within the organization.

·         Learn how todiagnose and treat basic medical problems.

·         Become aware of the current issues in healthcare (such as prevention and management of health problems) along with other financial issues (such as medical insurance) that apply to the industry.

·         Learnthe legal and ethical aspects of healthcare administration.

·         Develop an understanding of the social, cultural, psychological, and ethical issues that are likely to affect the all-around well-being of a community.

Employment opportunities 

A BS in Health Sciences prepares a student for employment opportunities within hospitals but also a number of other facilities, such as:

·         Long-term care facilities

·         Local and state health departments

·         Biotechnology research

·         Public relations

·         Medical laboratories

·         Pharmaceutical companies

·         Nutrition and health counseling

·         Public health agencies

Career prospects for a BS in Health Sciences

A graduate of a BS in Health Sciences degree program can pursue a variety of healthcare professions such as:

·         Health education

·         Occupational therapy

·         Health informatics

·         Medical assisting

·         Healthcare administration

·         Dental hygiene

·         Physical therapy

·         Emergency medical services

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2008 through 2018 the healthcare industry will generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs, making it one of the largest industries in the country.

Where should you start?

If you have decided on a BS in Health Sciences, research accredited colleges that offer on-ground or online (depending on your needs) programs in health sciences. A good place to start your research would be to read up on student reviews, as they can provide you with a fairly good idea of what you should expect from the college in terms of experiences both good and bad. Stevens-Henager College, which offers an online BS in Health Sciences (amongst other healthcare degrees), also offers financial aid assistance programs, student services, and more. For more information on the services the school provides to students, check out student reviews of Stevens-Henager. Read a student review of Stevens-Henager here to help you decide if the schoolfits your requirements.

Finally, a career in healthcare, although challenging, can be not only very rewarding but also very respectable. If you are passionate about helping people, the right education and medical training can take you one step closer tomaking it happen.  

 
There are thousands of colleges to choose from today. But how can you tell which college will provide the best environment for you to grow in?Here are a few pointers to help you kick-start your search for thecollege that will suit you best.

Introspection

Before you apply to any college, you must spend some time in introspection. Ask yourself a few important questions: What are your interests and your passions? What learning environments are you likely to thrive in? Reflect on thethings that make you happy, what you can see yourself doing in the long run, and especially what you are absolutely not cut out for.

College wish list

Write down the things that you think youwant from a college. These things could include anything from location and student body diversity to assistance in financial aid and student services. It is important that you consider every aspect of a college, and then ask yourself which of these aspects are conducive to your academic success. Which of these aspects will make you fit right into a college and make you feel comfortable?No matter how trivial you think these things might be, they will help you understand your needs better and will bring you that much closer to narrowing down your choice.

Seek counseling

When deciding on a college, it is always advisable to seek professional help. It is, after all, an investment in your future—a decision that is going to affect your life in a big way. A guidance or career counselor will educate you about your options based on your interests, goals, motivations, and the financial aspectsof a college education.

Read student reviews

While searching for colleges, you want to know what past and current students have to say about their experiences. Short of directly speaking to the students, review websites are your next best option. These websites hold student reviews and testimonials, whichcan give you a pretty good idea about what the college has to offer its students and where it’s lacking.But keep in mind that most people use the Internet as a place to vent their anger and frustrations, so try to look for unbiased, informative reviews and make a note of repetitive complaints.

Testimonials

While student reviews are most likely to be informative, student testimonials focus on actual experiences students have had with a particular college. You might find interesting aspects of college life that might not be advertised on college websites or talked about otherwise, but could greatly influence your decision to apply to the college. Take for example Stevens-Henager College. The college offers online and on-campus degree programs in healthcare, business, information technology, and graphic arts,and almost all Stevens-Henager College testimonials speak about the quality of education students have received, which ultimately played a big role in shaping their careers.

While you might think that picking a college is merely a matter of looking at college rankings and only pursuing the Ivy League, you should also realize that many other factors go into finding the right college for you. Hopefully, the points discussed in this article will give you some direction in your search for the ideal college. 

 
It is an accepted belief that a college degree can lead you to better, more fulfilling jobs. What most people don’t realize, though, is that college is not just about higher education; it’s about experiences and lessons that last a lifetime. In other words, a college education can give you more than just the potential of better pay. Let’s find out how.

Inculcates self-discipline

You might not realize it right away, but college teaches youthe art of self-discipline. You learn how to be more organized about your time, keep a check on your activities, and stay focused on the tasks at hand. In other words, you will come to realize the importance of work before play. Incidentally, these very same skills are much sought after by potential employers.

Creates responsible, aware citizens

Most people are focused on going to college to get a good job with a high salary and forget that an education can also broaden your scope of knowledge and teach you how to critically analyze situations in order to make well-informed decisions.After all, educated minds DO make the best decisions.

Promotes originality and inventiveness.

College is where you start to test your wings, and explore who you truly are. While trying to find your place in society, you become more aware of your interests,strengths, and weaknesses. This leads to takingchances and making bolder decisions, paving the way for innovation and creativity. College education is not just instrumental in finding you a job, but is also a journey to self-discovery.

A chance to be great at what you love

College students go into college thinking about which programs will get them high-paying jobs rather than focusing on what might actually interest them and bring them happiness in the long run. As a result, there’s always that one person who’s unhappy with their job despite a great salary and financial security.This is not to say that you should entirely ignore job prospects, but choosing a degree program based solely on job prospects while ignoring your interests and skills could very well lead you to a job that might not bring you the inner satisfaction and happiness you crave. College gives you a chance to excel at what you love, so tread wisely.

So where should you start?

Start by discovering your interests. Take a good, hard look at what you might be cut out for and explore your options. It is helpful to speak to an education counselor as well. Most colleges today have counseling centers, where professionals help you figure out your goals and aptitudes. Other than the college’s official website, college reviews are a good way to find out about the student services offered.

You might also benefit from the assistance that a college like Stevens-Henager College has to offer. Stevens-Henager aims to help its students every step of the way, from applying to a program to graduation. According to reviews of Stevens-Henager, financial planners and admissions consultants work to simplify the admission process for you. Take a look at a Stevens-Henager review to see how students have benefited from such free student services.

In conclusion, the true value of a college education is not quantifiable by financial returns. College is an extremely personal and rewarding experience, and when making a decision about what program to choose, you must be sure to take your interests and passions into consideration. 

 
Nursing makes a fine career choice for someone who wishes to work in the healthcare industry and serve people who need the kind of medical care and attention that a nurse can provide. The three educational routes a student can take to becoming a nurse are a diploma in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In this article, we will discuss the ways in which an associate’s degree in nursing can benefit you.

Enter workforce sooner

An associate’s degree is a two-year academic degree offered by both community and four-year colleges. One of the main reasons for a student to opt for an associate’s degree in nursing is the fact that the degree generally only takes two years to complete, as opposed to the standard four years of a bachelor’s degree program. This gives students the advantage of being able to join the workforce that much sooner. Thismeans you can complete your degree within two years and start working on building your experience in the field immediately.

Saves money and time

Compared to a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree is comparatively easier to afford. It is more popular among healthcare students becauseit isthe most convenient choice,considering the smaller tuition andthe smaller amount of timeit takes to complete it.

Flexibility: final goal or stepping stone

One of the biggest attractions of an associate’s degree in nursing is its flexibility. Most students prefer to join the workforce straight after completing their degree in order to gain work experience before they revisit the idea of further education. Others consider an associate’s degree to be their final educational goal, after which they will continue progress professionally by working and gaining more experience in the field. The decision is the student’s entirely.

Smaller commitment

An associate’s degree in nursing is a smaller commitment than a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing. Some students know they want to work in the healthcare industry, but are unsure of whether they are cut out for a career in nursing. These students can test the waters by opting for an associate’s program in nursing to see if they’re cut out for the career.

On what basis should you choose an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program?

The following factors play an important role when choosing a college topursue an associate’s degree in nursing. These are:

 Accreditation: Before applying to a college, make sure it has been accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Also, look into the specific specialized accreditation for the college’s nursing program.

For instance, Stevens-Henager College has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. According to Stevens-Henager reviews, the college’s associate’s degree in nursing education has been accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). You can read a Stevens-Henager review here to find out more and if the college meets your needs.

 Course outline: Get a better understanding of what the program covers,so you can make a well-informed decision.

 Faculty qualifications: Find out about the educational qualifications of the professors who will be teaching you.


 Student services: Ask the college about thefree student services offered to those who choose to attend the college. This could include financial planners, career services, online support, etc. 

An associate’s degree in nursing will prepare you with all the necessary skills necessary to pursue entry-level jobs in various healthcare institutions. Should you want to move on to managerial and leadership positions, you can always choose to go back to school and pursue a bachelor’s nursing degree.

Specialty clinics

Rehabilitation centers

Education and payscale

In order to be a critical care nurse practitioner, a student must first hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and should be a registered nurse. Students can then move on to earning a master’s degree (either online or on-campus) in a nursing discipline, preferably one that will teach them the necessary skills to become a critical care nurse practitioner.

A good place to start your research forthe right master’s nursing program would be to read student reviews. These usually give you a good idea about what acollege has to offer its students.Colleges like Stevens-Henager College offer a variety of master’s degree programs that prepare a student for various nursing job roles, among them acute care nursing. Reviews of Stevens-Henager Collegehighlight its free student services, FAFSA help program, and much more. Read a Stevens-Henager College review to find out more about the college.

According to Pay Scale, acute care nurse practitioners can earn salaries ranging anywhere between $67,486 and $103,957, depending on education, experience, and location.If you want to contribute to  society by helping people in need, consider becoming a critical care nurse practitioner and making a difference. 

 
Surgical technologists, also known as scrubs, surgical technicians, or operating room technicians, assist surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgical staff during surgeries. In this article we’ll take a look at the education required, the career opportunities, and the job prospects of surgical technicians.

Job roles and responsibilities

The primary role of a surgical technologist is to ensure that the operating room is safe and sterile, that the equipment functions properly, and that the operation proceeds smoothly and effectively. But a surgical technologisthasa number of otherresponsibilities as well.

·         Surgical technologists get the operating room ready for surgery by preparing sterile dressings, setting up surgical instruments and sterile drapes, and ensuring everything is working properly.

·         They are expected to keep count of the instruments used during surgery, such as the number of scalpels, needles, blades, sponges, etc.

·         They are responsible for handling the necessary equipment used during a surgery, including scrubsand medications.

·         They prepare patients for surgery by cleaning and disinfecting the area where the incision will be made during surgery and covering the patient with sterile drapes.

·         They keep track of the patient’s vital signs while the surgery is taking place.

·         They assist in surgeries with tasks such as closing incisions or cutting sutures when necessary.

·         They help train new surgical technologists and circulating registered nurses (RNs).

Educational requirements

Surgical technology is a healthcare profession that requires practical hands-on training in order to gain the essential skills to be successful in this field. This program is offered by a number of colleges, both vocational and private, all over the United States. A student shouldpursue an education in this field from a surgical technology program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Institutionally, the college should also be accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).

If you’re looking for a well-reputed, accredited college that can offer you a career-focused program, you might want to consider Stevens-Henager College. The college’s surgical technology program is accredited by CAAHEP and the institution is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which is recognized by the USDE. To gain a better understanding of student experiences, financial aid assistance programs, etc., take a look at some Stevens-Henager College reviews

As is true with any college review, a Stevens-Henager college review will answer your questions about the programs they offer and enlighten you about other offerings.   

Employment prospects and salary outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of surgical technologistsis expected to increase between 2008 and 2018 by 25 percent; this figure is likely to increase with the growing population. Pay Scale states that surgical technologists can earn salaries anywhere between $27,303 and $54,741, depending on education, experience, and location.

A career in the healthcare industry generally has a number of perks and benefits, such as health insurance (medical, dental, and life insurance), child care benefits, retirement programs, and much more. And although surgical technology can be a demanding job, most professionals vouch for their work being satisfying and rewarding.

Surgery departments

·         Oncology departments

·         Specialty clinics

·         Rehabilitation centers

Education and payscale

In order to be a critical care nurse practitioner, a student must first hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and should be a registered nurse. Students can then move on to earning a master’s degree (either online or on-campus) in a nursing discipline, preferably one that will teach them the necessary skills to become a critical care nurse practitioner.

A good place to start your research forthe right master’s nursing program would be to read student reviews. These usually give you a good idea about what acollege has to offer its students.Colleges like Stevens-Henager College offer a variety of master’s degree programs that prepare a student for various nursing job roles, among them acute care nursing. Reviews of Stevens-Henager Collegehighlight its free student services, FAFSA help program, and much more. Read a Stevens-Henager College review to find out more about the college.

According to Pay Scale, acute care nurse practitioners can earn salaries ranging anywhere between $67,486 and $103,957, depending on education, experience, and location.If you want to contribute to  society by helping people in need, consider becoming a critical care nurse practitioner and making a difference.

 

 
Nursing can be anemotionally challengingjob that can test your patience, grit, and determination. But most professionalsin the field will agree that it is a job that can bring you immense satisfaction. With the right education and training,registered nurses can continue to advance professionally and can work in a variety of healthcare settings. In this article, we’ll take a look at the careers of acute care nurse practitioners and what you can do to become one.

Acute care nurse practitioners provide nursing care in various types of healthcare institutions to patients suffering from serious illnesses.These nurses not only care for patients and provide emotional support to their families, but they also assist doctors in medical procedures and keep a close watch on patient recovery. Let’s take a look at the factors that make this profession a fulfilling one. 

What you will do?

Acute care nurse practitioners undertake a number of responsibilities in a healthcare institution. They are responsible for providing medical attention to patients and emotional support to patients’families. Acute care nurse practitioners typically:

·         Assess and manage acutely ill patients in various hospital settings such as the trauma unit, intensive care unit, emergency departments, specialty clinics,etc.

·         Assess patients’ current health status and diagnose health problems

·         Treat medical conditions by prescribing medication and maintaining a record of patient responses

·         Manage total patient carefrom admission to discharge

·         Are able to perform emergency medical procedures such as basic and advanced cardiac life support, defibrillation, intubation, and other stabilizing maneuvers when necessary

Where will you work?

As mentioned earlier, acute care nurse practitionerscan work in a variety of healthcare facilities. These include:

·         Intensive care units

·         Home health care

·         Trauma units

·         Neurology departments

·         Emergency departments

·         Long-term care facilities

·         Surgery departments

·         Oncology departments

·         Specialty clinics

·         Rehabilitation centers

Education and payscale

In order to be a critical care nurse practitioner, a student must first hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and should be a registered nurse. Students can then move on to earning a master’s degree (either online or on-campus) in a nursing discipline, preferably one that will teach them the necessary skills to become a critical care nurse practitioner.

A good place to start your research forthe right master’s nursing program would be to read student reviews. These usually give you a good idea about what acollege has to offer its students.Colleges like Stevens-Henager College offer a variety of master’s degree programs that prepare a student for various nursing job roles, among them acute care nursing. Reviews of Stevens-Henager Collegehighlight its free student services, FAFSA help program, and much more. Read a Stevens-Henager College review to find out more about the college.

According to Pay Scale, acute care nurse practitioners can earn salaries ranging anywhere between $67,486 and $103,957, depending on education, experience, and location.If you want to contribute to  society by helping people in need, consider becoming a critical care nurse practitioner and making a difference. 

 
Finding a job after finishing college is one of the biggest concerns students are facing today. College education can be expensive,so you’re bound to wonder whichcareers will make a college degree investment truly worth it.

Here is a list of a few careers that are likely to stay in demand for the decade.

Nursing

Nurses perform a number of functions to provide optimal care to medically unfit patients. The demand for nurses is likely to increase by 26 percent by 2020, with up to 711,900 jobs opening up. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job prospects will be better for registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).

Degree to consider: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, followed by a master’s degree

Physical and occupational therapy

Physical therapists help people with injuries and illnesses regain or improve their movement. They work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and nursing care facilities. The demand for physical therapists is likely to increase by 39 percent by 2020, with up to 77,400 job opportunities opening up between 2010 and 2020.

Degree to consider: Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy

Occupational therapists, on the other hand, help patients with injuries, disabilities, and illnesses recover and develop the skills they need for day-to-day living. The employment opportunities for occupational therapists are expected to increase by 33 percent, much faster than the average for most occupations.

Degree to consider: Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy

Computer software engineers and programmers

A software engineer is responsible for developing and modifying computer applications software with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. A study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that computer software engineers held about 394,800 jobs in 2008, a figure that has increased consistently since then and will continue to do so as time passes.

Degree to consider: Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science

Computer programmers, on the other hand, write code to create software programs. This means that they turn the program designs created by software engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.

Degree to consider: Bachelor’s in Computer Programming

Accountants and auditors

Accountants and auditors examine and prepare financial records to ensure they are accurate. Accountants and auditors are needed by firms of every size at every point in their business, and so it is one of the few occupations relatively unaffected by the economic downturn. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 190,700 job opportunities opening up for accountants and auditors through the year 2020. 

Degree to consider: Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting

Healthcare administrator

A career in healthcare administration makes a great choice for those who have an aptitude for business and also want to be involved in the healthcare industry. Typically, healthcare administrators look after the daily functions of an entire healthcare facility or a department within the facility, depending on their level of education and expertise.

Degree to consider: Bachelor’s of Science in Healthcare Administration

Where should you study?

Depending on your requirements for a college, you can narrow down your search based on geographic location, duration of program, student services, financial aid assistance programs, tutoring and advising, and more. Once you find a college toyour liking, read up on student reviews, look up the college with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for any complaints registered against it, and take it from there. An example of a well-reputed college that offers a number of in-demand programs is Stevens-Henager College. Everything you might want to know about the college, from reviews to complaints about Stevens-Henager College, can be found online easily to help you make a well-informed decision about your education.

If you’re going to invest in a college education, consider investing in a program those canyield maximum results! 
 
A nurse’s role isn’t only limited to providing medical relief to those in need, but extends to providing the patient’s family with emotional support as well aseducating them about various medical conditions.Another extension of this profession is educating other nurses. Such nurses are called nursing educators. Let’s take a look at the path to becoming a nursing educator and the functions a nurse educator performs.

Whatis a nurse educator?

A nurse educator is an experienced registered nurse (RN) who provides theoretical and practical training tonew and in-training RNsand other nursing students to prepare them to undertake their responsibilities as nursing care professionals in heathcare institutions.

What do nurse educators do?

Nurse educators are primarily responsible for strengthening a nursing workforce and mentoring student nurses. Some of their roles include:

Creating the curricula for various educational programs and teaching it to registered nurses and student nurses.

Assessing the impact of the curricula through student progress and making the necessary changes to improve it.

Advising students and providing them with constructive criticism as they go throughtheir learning processes.

Nurse educators can also:

Travel as speakers at nursing conferences and conduct seminars and workshops to present new concepts or techniques in nursing education.

Participate in policymaking and grant writing procedures in healthcare facilities.

Where do they work?

While registered nurses typically work in healthcare facilities, nurse educators can work in the following settings:

·         Colleges and universities for higher education

·         Community or junior colleges

·         Hospitals and nursing homes

·         Hospital-based nursing programs

·         Teaching hospitals

·         Community health agencies

·         Home-care nursing agencies

·         Long-term care facilities

·         Technical schools

What are the education requirements?

Registered nurses(RNs) with a bachelor’s degree and a few years of working experience can enroll in a master’s degree program in nursing education. These programs are offered at traditional brick and mortar colleges or online. There are colleges like Stevens-Henager Collegethat offer both online and on-campus programs in a variety of healthcare occupations (as well as business, information technology, and graphic arts programs). Before enrolling, make sure the college you chooseis accredited by a reputed accrediting body. For instance, accreditation of Stevens-Henager College is through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Students can always move on to earning their doctorates in later years if they feel the need for continuing professional advancement.

Jobs and salary

According to Pay Scale, nurse educators can earn salaries anywhere between $47,133 to $92,679, depending on education, experience, and location. The overall job opportunities for nurse educators are likely to be very good,with the U.S. Bureau of Labor estimating a 26 percent growth in employment of registered nurses from 2010 through 2020.

Nurse educators mentor and prepare the future generation of registered nurses.With growing demands for nurse educators and the job security the profession can offer, why wouldn’t you want to consider this as a career option?
 
Advanced practice psychiatric nurses provide mental healthcare to patients with psychiatric disorders or substance abuse problems. Theycarry out mental health assessments, conduct psychotherapy, and prescribe medications for treatment of their patients’ psychiatric disorders. In this article, we will look atthe career of an advanced practice psychiatric nurse, and the education necessary to pursue it.

Where do advanced practice psychiatric nurses work?

Advanced practice psychiatric nurses can choose to provide services to patients of all ages or to patients of a certain age group, like children, adolescents, or adults. They work in various healthcare settings,including substance abuse centers, rehabilitation and recovery programs, mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, and schools.

What do advanced practice psychiatric nurses do?

Advanced practice psychiatric nurses perform diverse functions and roles based on their skills, knowledge, and abilities. Here are a few:

·         Assess patients’mental health statuses based on complaints and symptoms

·         Document patients’ medical histories

·         Diagnose patients’ psychiatric conditions

·         Conduct psychotherapy for patients with mental disorders, and patients’ families.

·         Monitor patients’ medication usage and their outcomes

·         Work alongside other facility staff,such as psychologists, nursing staff, and psychiatrists

What skills must advanced practice psychiatric nurses possess?

Every advanced psychiatric practice nurse must possess certain skills and character attributes and qualities, such as:

Sensitivity: To give undivided attention to a patient while not being judgmental, and to ask questions that are appropriate.

Critical thinking: To assess,using logic and reasoning, a patient’s mental condition and suggest a treatment plan.

Instruction and coordination skills: To teach the nursing staff and coordinate with the rest of the staff within the facility to come up with an effective treatment plan.

Clarity of speech: To communicate ideas and opinions clearly and effectively.

What are the educational requirements to become an advanced practice psychiatric nurse?

A master’s degree is required to become an advanced practice nurse. Most colleges that offer healthcare degrees offer advanced practice psychiatric nurse programs, and require students to have some experience working in healthcare as well as an undergraduate college degree, like a bachelor’s degree. Colleges like Stevens-Henager College offer programs such as a Master’s of Science in Nursing Administration, which prepares students for various nursing jobs such as advanced practice psychiatric nurse, clinical nurse specialists, acute care nurses, health services managers, etc.Stevens-Henager College accreditation is through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).  

What are thewages and salaries of an advanced practice psychiatric nurse?

According to Pay Scale, an advanced practice psychiatric nursecan earn a salary anywhere between $60,958 and $116,560, depending on experience, education, position, and location.

There is an ever-increasing need for registered nurses in the healthcare industry. If you have what it takes to comfort and care for people and assist them in theirrecovery, look into thenursing profession today. 

 
Critical care nurses are registered nurses who work to provide optimal care forpatients who are critically ill, andmake use of their specialized skills and knowledge to do so. Let’s take a deeper look atthe critical care nursing profession, including the educational requirements, job roles, and practice settings for critical care nurses in the healthcare industry.

Where do critical care nurses work?
 
Critical care nurses work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities such as nursing homes, outpatient surgery centers, flight units, etc.They can alsopursueemployment in:

·         Hospital emergency units

·         Intensive care units

·         Trauma units

·         Oncology or cardiac care units

·         Pediatric ICUs

·         Neonatal ICUs

·         Progressive care units

·         Post-operative care units

·         High dependency units

What do critical care nurses do?
 
The most important function of a critical care nurse is to be the patient’s advocate. Every decision the critical care nurse makesmust keep the best interests of the patients and their families at heart. Critical care nurses assess complex cases and are responsible for patients’ medication and treatment. They fulfill a variety of roles, such as nurse educators, nurse practitioners, nurse researchers, nurse managers, and clinical nurse specialists as well as bedside nurses.

What are the educational requirements to become a critical care nurse?

In order to become a critical care nurse, the student must be a registered nurse, and havecompleted an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in nursing from an accredited university. The student should then enroll in a master’s degree program, in order to develop the necessary specialized skills required for this position. These degrees can now be pursued online through accredited colleges, so you have the option of pursuing higher education without giving up your current work or family responsibilities.

If you’re wondering which college can offer you an online degree, you might want to consider Stevens-Henager College. Stevens-Henager is an example of an accredited college that offers both online and on-campus degree programs in healthcare (plus degrees inother fields such as business, information technology, and graphic arts). The college’s Master’s of Science in Nursing Administration prepares you for a variety of jobs in the nursing profession, such as medical and health services managers, advanced nurse specialists, critical care nurses, etc. Stevens-Henager College accreditation is through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).

What are the job prospects and salaries of critical care nurses?
 
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing profession is supposed to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018, with registered nurses constituting the largest healthcare occupation. Pay Scale states that registered nurses can earn salaries anywhere between $68,227 to $98,762, depending on years of experience, educational level, and position within a healthcare setting.

Critical care nurses keep pace with technological advances and upcoming trends in the nursing profession, and work tirelessly to provide quality care for critically ill patients, keeping their best interests at heart.   

    Author

    Raymond Gutierrezz

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