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A career in nursing can be a rewarding career path in the healthcare field, and nursing careers and jobs currently account for nearly 2.5 million jobs in the health industry. From ambulatory care to intravenous therapy, registered nurses and nurse specialists who have completed nursing training are in high demand, and the field continues to be an attractive career choice for thousands of medical and healthcare students.
A nursing program completed in either an offline or online setting gives students the skills, experience and training they need to complete a nursing diploma program, pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, or get started on a nursing training program with an Associate's in Nursing (ADN) program.
What Does a Nursing Education Offer?
A nursing education offers prospective registered nurses a chance to develop key skills and experience for a career in the healthcare field. Registered nurses are often required to with patients and families to help them manage their illness, promote general health education, conduct health screenings and perform diagnostic tests. A formal nursing education provides students with the skills they need to work in different healthcare settings, treat patients, address medical conditions and provide support for all types of patients. Well-developed communication skills, the ability to work in a high-stress setting, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities are essential skills for success in this diverse field.
Students who complete their four-year nursing education requirements may choose to specialize in a particular field of nursing. Common specializations for registered nurses include:
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Emergency or trauma nurses
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Transport nurses
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Holistic nurses
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Psychiatric-mental health nurses
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Critical care nurses
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Diabetes management nurses
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HIV/AIDS nurses
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Developmental disabilities nurses
Nursing College and Training Requirements
Attending nursing college, either at a physical location or online sets the foundation for a rewarding career in the healthcare field. Nursing training is a combination of education, professional skills, work experience and hands-on learning, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is typically completed in four years. Students who wish to accelerate their nursing training can take advanced classes and pursue accelerated programs so that they can complete all requirements within a two to three-year timeframe. Nursing schools allow students to pursue an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), Diploma in Nursing, or a Master's Degree in Nursing (MDN).
Nursing Training – Key Skills and Characteristics of Successful Nurses
In addition to completing educational requirements and obtaining necessary work experience in the field, a student completing a nursing training program is responsible for building essential skills and characteristics that can help them work in a variety of settings and manage the needs of patients. Some of the fundamental skills needed for success in this field include:
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Strong communication skills
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Ability to interactive effectively with different types of patients
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Strong organization skills
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Ability to work in high-stress settings and handle situations under pressure
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Ability to supervise nurses' aids and other staff members
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Ability to assess patient's condition and address the needs of a patient
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Developing treatment plans
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Supervising licensed practical nurses
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Administering medication as needed
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Working with different physicians and departments within a healthcare organization
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Performing routine tasks under the supervision of medical staff members
Job Prospects and Advancement Opportunities with a Career in Nursing
The job market looks promising for students who complete a nursing education either online or offline, and the Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports a steady job growth for this field through 2016. Registered nurses who have completed nursing college and related education programs can pursue a rewarding career in employment services, general medical and surgical hospitals, home health care services and physicians offices.
Nursing careers may also lead to job opportunities in related health fields as a:
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Emergency medical technician
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Physical therapy
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Cardiovascular technologist
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Nursing aide
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Physicians assistant
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Dental hygienist
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Athletic or personal trainer
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Certified nurse midwife
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Nurse anesthetist
Nursing Degrees with an Online Nursing Education
Completing a nursing education online is a convenient way to finish a degree program while working or taking care of a family. Online nursing education programs are designed with web-based learning systems and deliver content and curriculum modules over the Internet. Students who choose to complete a nursing education through this option can still enjoy the benefits of a solid education and professional degree, and will need to sit for the national licensing examination in order to become a registered nurse.
An online nursing education offers several benefits for non-traditional students, and may be a valuable opportunity for students who wish to take classes on a part-time basis. A nursing education online allows a student to:
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Interact with professors and fellow students via e-mail and teleconferencing
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Engage in online tutorials and assessments
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Participate in discussion forums and webinars
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Maintain personal and professional commitments while completing a degree
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Obtain an accredited, professional degree
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