Nursing, as a healthcare profession, is ideal for those who are sensitive to the needs of the physically or mentally unfit, and wish to provide medical care and attention to such people regardless of age, sex, or status. Here is an overview of the nursing profession.

What do nursing programs cover?

Nursing programs cover a variety of topics, depending on the degree you opt for. More or less, all nursing programs cover the basics of anatomy and physiology, the fundamentals of nursing, microbiology, healthcare systems, community and family health, etc.

What educational paths leadtoward a nursing career?

In the United States, nursing students are required to graduate from an accredited nursing school and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to become a registered nurse. Eligibility requirements for licensure vary by state, so students are encouraged to contact their state’s board of nursing to obtain related details.

Diploma in nursingor hospital diploma: This is the entry-level nursing credential offeredby hospital-based nursing schools. Completion of a nursing diploma enables a student to take the NCLEX-RN.

Associate degree in nursing (ADN): Theassociate’s degree in nursing is a two-year program,and the most common path taken by most students to a nursing career. Most colleges and nursing schools offer this program.After graduation the student is qualified to take the NCLEX-RN. Stevens-Henager College is an example of an accredited college that offers both online and on-ground associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in a variety of fields, such as healthcare, business, information technology, and graphic arts. Stevens-Henager College accreditation is through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and their associate’ degree in nursing program has been accredited by National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN): While many registered nurses choose to enter the healthcare industry right after completing their associate’s degrees, others might prefer to advance their careers to administrative and leadership positions. Such students complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program (either online or on campus) before entering the field.

Where do registered nurses work?

Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare facilities. A registered nurse can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, camps, schools, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory care centers, oralmost any organization that requires medical services.

What do registered nurses (RNs) do?

Registered nurses perform a wide variety of important job functions, including:

·         Collecting a patient’s medical history and recording current symptoms

·         Performing physical exams and running diagnostic tests

·         Interpreting and analyzing results to help determine courses of action

·         Administering treatment and medications, and running patient follow-ups

·         Educating families and communities about illnesses, disease control, proper diet and nutrition, physical therapy, etc.

·         Working alongside other healthcare professionals in order to coordinate care

·         Directing and monitoring the care delivered by licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nurse aides

What are the job outlooks and career prospects for nursing?

The nursing profession is one of the fastest growing healthcare occupations in the United States. Not only do job prospects for nurses seem excellent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but they are also projected to increase by 22 percent between the years 2008 and 2018.

If you wish to spend your life caring for sick people, then nursing can very well make a fine career choice for you. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for registered nurses are expected to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018, making it one of the largest healthcare occupations. Students who wish to be actively involved in the healthcare industry and to help people should consider pursuing a career in nursing. When exploring the route to becoming a nurse, you will find that there are typically two educational paths students can choose between, to become a registered nurse: an associate degree (ADN) in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN),from an accredited college. These programs are offered by a number of well-reputed colleges, and can be delivered eitheronline oron-campus,giving students the freedom to decide how they’d like to pursue their education. 

People with familial or other responsibilities may not be able to attend a traditional brick and mortar college, which makes a college that offers both online and on-campus nursing programs a great option.

There are, of course, other reasons why students choose online nursing programs; in this article we’re going to take a look at some of the advantages of pursuing an online nursing degree.

Quality of education

Flexible work hours, varied job opportunities, attractive salaries, and exceptional work benefits: these are just a few of the advantages of nursing that attract studentsto this profession.As more and more students turn to the nursing profession, a number of accredited colleges that already offeredon-campus nursing programs have started to offer them online as well.These online programs are designed to make it easier for students to pursue an education in the field in concert with their job andfamily responsibilities. These online programs, developed to provide students with all the necessary skills to become a competent registered nurse, are on par with their on-ground counterparts in terms of quality of education;student services and financial aid assistance programs are provided, and the degree is considered valid by most employers.

Stevens-Henager College is a good example of an accredited college that offers both on-ground and on-campus degree programs in nursing at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. These programs can be completed in as fewas 20 to 28 months, depending on the program. Stevens-Henager College accreditationcomes from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the associate degree’s in nursing education (RN) is accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Education at your convenience

Online degree programs make a great option not only for students who have work or family commitments, but also for studentswho can’t afford either the time or the cost of commutingto college daily. These students can save their time and money by studying at home, at thepace that is most comfortable and most convenient for them.

As is true with every other online degree, online nursing programs require a certain amount of self-motivation and discipline, in order to complete assignments and stay up to speed with the program. These are qualities that are appreciated and valued by employers, who are always on the lookout for employees who are competent and driven in their field.

Improvements in technological and communication skills

Online degree programs are conducted via virtual classrooms over the Internet. Colleges make use of latest technologies and software to make these programs more effective. Getting acquainted with these technologies and applications helps students once they start working, because most hospitals and healthcare facilities make use of computer technologies to help staffin their daily tasks.

Interactions with online instructors and students overseasalso help to improve communication skills and broadena student’sknowledge ofsocial, economic, and cultural issues around the world.

A number of aspiring nursing students from all over the world turn to online nursing programs to continue their education or move ahead in their careers. If you wish to be a part of the healthcare industry but are weighed down with other responsibilities, an online nursing program might just be the way to go.