A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice nurse who holds either a master’s or doctoral degree in a certain area of nursing practice. Clinical nurse specialists are trusted with significant responsibilities and work in a variety of healthcare settings such as emergency units, surgery units, intensive care units (ICUs), critical care units (CCUs), etc.

Jobs and responsibilities of a CNS

 

According to the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS), the three main areas of CNS practice, also known as the “three spheres of influence,” are:

·         Patient (clinical patient care)

·         Nursing personnel (teaching/training nurses and nursing research)

·         Healthcare system (consulting, managing, and supervising)

The typical responsibilities of a CNS are:

·         Examining and assessing patient’s medical condition and suggesting a treatment plan

·         Working with fellow healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurses, to ensure quality patient care

·         Determining treatment procedures and educating the nursing staff about upcoming treatments

·         Allocating the financial resources of an organization

·         Keeping track of patient progress

·         Training nursing staff on various nursing procedures, public health, etc.

Educational requirements to become a CNS

 

In order to become a CNS, the student must first be a registered nurse with at least two years of work experience. The student should then move on to earning a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited college.

Today, a large number of colleges offer a variety of master’s programs that can enable you to become a clinical nurse specialist. Colleges like Stevens-Henager Collegeoffer master’s programs in nursing administration that prepare students to take on various job roles, including clinical nurse. If you wish to find out more about the accreditation of Stevens-Henager College, read a review of the college on the Internet.

Job outlook and salary of a CNS

 

According to Pay Scale, a clinical nurse specialist can earn a salary of up to $58,939, depending on position, location, education, and experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment opportunities for registered nurses should grow by 26 percent between 2010 and 2020, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

Benefits of becoming a clinical nurse specialist

 

Pursuing an education in nursing to become a clinical nurse specialist can have many benefits. Here is a look at some of the benefits of becoming a clinical nurse specialist:

·         Clinical nurse specialists work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, critical care facilities, etc.

·         Critical nurse specialists have the option of choosing their area of specialization. They could choose to work with women’s health nursing, patients with cardiovascular diseases, oncology departments within a hospital, and much more.

·         Some well-reputed schools offer nursing programs both online as well as on-campus, which gives students the flexibility to choose the type of program that is most convenient for them.

·         As mentioned earlier, clinical nurse specialists are in demand, as the healthcare industry will continue to grow over the upcoming years.

·         Being a clinical nurse specialist can bring you added perks and benefits such as: medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacations, retirement benefits, and more.

As is true with any healthcare related job, a career as a clinical nurse specialist can bring you the satisfaction of bringing relief to those in need. 

Most registered nurses who feel the need to advance their careers and acquire new skills earn their master’s degrees in nursing. However, not everyone can afford to give up their current jobs and be completely dedicated to an on-campus program. For such students, an online master’s program in nursing comes as a blessing. Let’s look at some of the other advantages of earning your master’s degree in nursing online.

Study and work simultaneously

 

Today well-reputed, accredited colleges like Stevens-Henager Collegeoffer nursing programs (amongst other healthcare programs) which can be pursued on-campus as well as online. These online programs meet the educational standards set by their on-campus counterparts and provide students with the right training to excel in their jobs. With the flexibility these online programs offer, a student can work and pursue their master’s degree simultaneously. If you wish to find out more about Stevens-Henager College accreditation and student services, read a review of the college online.

More family time

 

Part of being a responsible adult is balancing work responsibilities with familial responsibilities. Although a master’s degree in nursing could help you get higher paying jobs, it might not always be easy juggling the pressures of family commitments with a standard campus education. Studying online gives you freedom to work out a schedule that works best for your program and your family.

Increased interaction with instructors

 

Some students are under the misconception that pursuing a degree online will reduce the level of interaction with instructors. However, the truth is exactly the opposite. While studying online, you will find that it is easier to communicate with your instructors. Not only do you get their undivided attention, but you can also e-mail them at any point of the day and participate in forum discussions and chat-room conversations. You don’t have to worry about having to wait for office hours to contact faculty. Online colleges make their services available 24/7.

Receive constant help

 

Students worry about not getting enough attention or help with their programs from college faculty. However, online students get personalized attention from instructors, faculty members, and advisors who help with the program every step of the way, from enrollment to graduation.

Considerably cheaper

 

Unlike a program at a standard college, an online nursing master’s program can save you precious time and money; for instance, online programs allow you to save on the time and cost of commuting to campus on a daily basis.

If you’re working full time and want to continue your education in nursing, attending a brick and mortar college maybe an impractical decision. With an online degree, you can reach your professional goals while not disrupting your current lifestyle. An online degree is the right option for registered nurses looking to get ahead in their careers.

People who are outgoing and sociablemight enjoy a career as an event planner. Event management is an exciting profession that requires you to organize and supervise a memorable, enjoyable event. If you are someone with good organization skills, a great eye for detail, and are attentive to people’s feelings, event planning is where you might find joy.

How do you becomean event planner? Let’s find out.

What skills do you need to possess to become an event planner?

 

In order to be successful in the event planning field, you’re going to need certain skills and abilities. Here are some of them:

·         High reserves of energy, as it can be a physically demanding job

·         Willingness and motivation to work long and flexible hours

·         Great written and verbal communication skills

·         Strong networking skills

·         Organizational and leadership skills

·         An eye for detail and creativity

·         Patience

·         Good understanding of the marketing and business practices

 

What kind of education is required to become an event planner?

Students who want to enter the event planning profession prefer to get some sort of formal training in the field to give them an edge. Many colleges offer a variety of programs in event planning. Colleges such as Stevens-Henager College offer associate’s degree programs in business management andaccounting with an event planning emphasis, which provides studentswith an understanding of businessand gives them a comprehensive introduction to the event planning field. According to Stevens-Henager student reviews, the associate’s degree program may be completed in as fewas 15 months, giving students the chance to start work that much sooner. You should read a Stevens-Henager student review if you wish to find out more about its programs and services.

Having a degree in event planning is especially useful for graduates who are interested in pursuing corporate events, as it helps if a corporate event planner is familiar with brand image and marketing strategies.

What does an event planner do?

 

Event planners work in a variety of settings. They plan events for hotels, resorts, cruise lines, non-profit organizations, companies, etc. The events they organize range from weddings and birthdays to fashion shows and rallies. Here are some of the tasks an event planner undertakes:

·         Picking a theme and location for the event

·         Choosing invitation designs

·         Arranging food, decorations, and entertainment for guests within an allocated budget

·         Planning for guest transportation

·         Assigning tasks to other members of the planning team and supervising their jobs

 

What are the salaries and job outlook of event planners?

 

Salaries of event planners are greatly dependent on their geographic locations and the market demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), event planners can earn salaries of up to $76,840. The BLSalso predicts a 44 percent increase in employment opportunities from 2010 to2020, which is much faster than the average for most occupations.

Event planning is a million-dollar industry, and it is growing at a rapid rate. How successful you are in the event planning field will greatly depend on how well organized yourevents are and the extent to which you are able to meet marketing goals. So be prepared for some hard work!

A Career in Health Information Management

As the medical industry continues to grow and technology advances, healthcare professionals are turning to new, innovative methods to manage and improve their services. Health information management is the practice of maintaining hospital records, from patient health records to administration function records. Here’s a look at the health information management profession and the educational route to take to get there.

What is a health information manager?

 

Health information managers secure, analyze, and maintain medical records and information with a view to providing quality patient care. They work in accordance with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and information technicians, to ensure that the records are accurate and easily accessible when required.

Having organized medical and administrative records enables healthcare professionals to be prompt in identifying health problems, allocating resources in a way that is most beneficial to a patient. It also helps organizations set the right priorities, identify problems within the system, and work out solutions.

Where do health information managers work?

 

Health information managers are trained in computerized medical administration applications and have an understanding of the workflow of a healthcare facility. Health information managers can find employment in:

·         Public and private hospitals and nursing homes

·         Private physician practices

·         Nursing care facilities

·         Home health care services

What are the educational requirements to enter the health information management field?

 

In order to enter the health information management field a student must at least have a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field. This degree prepares students for jobs such as medical and health services managers, coding data coordinators, health information technologists, clinical information systems technologists, inpatient/outpatient coders, and many more.

In order to gain advancement in the profession, a student can always opt for a master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, public health, health services etc. Many accredited colleges like Stevens-Henager Collegeprovide their students with the option of pursuing their degree online, making it all the more convenient for students with other responsibilities. Review websites shed light upon Stevens-Henager accreditation, student services, financial aid assistance programs, and more.

Though courses may vary with the program, nearly all related bachelor’s degrees cover subjects such as:

·         Accounting

·         Healthcare information systems

·         Medical coding

·         Epidemiology

·         Human resources management

·         Medical terminology, law, and ethics

What is the employment outlook and salary of health information managers?

 

A degree in health information management offers diverse working opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment opportunities for health services managers are expected to increase by 22 percent between 2010 and 2020. Medical and health services managers can earn salaries anywhere between $51,280 and $144,880, depending on position, location, education, and experience, making it an appealing career option for many.

Health information management is a good career path for someone who would like to work in the healthcare industry without having direct contact with patients and who also has an aptitude for management, law, and information technology.

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.