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So You Want To Be a Nurse?

A nurse is a professional care giver. They often have to be advocates for patient’s rights, educate people in good health practices, help eliminate pain, and ease suffering. A nurse carries an enormous amount of responsibility in regards to the care and treatment of his or her patients. Nursing is one of the most venerable and rewarding careers available today. However, it can at times be one of the most frustrating and thankless as well. Being a nurse takes a very special person that can balance the act of caring with the science of healthcare.

If you are thinking that there may be a Nurse job in your future, there are a few things to consider before you begin your education. There are many different types of nursing jobs and there are also many different ways to categorize them. The best thing to do is familiarize yourself with each type of Nursing specialty so that you’ll know which path to take when you decide to begin your Nursing career. The Nursing specialty you choose will basically be determined by which educational curriculum you pursue and which certifications you choose to obtain. The level of your education and certification will help you differentiate between the levels of Nursing in which you may practice (LVN, RN, or MSN;) and which type of specialty you choose practice in (ICU, ER, Labor and Delivery, and many others.)

Each Nursing specialty will allow you to focus on a particular segment of the population such as Obsterics or Gynecology, Pediatrics (children), or Geriatrics (care for the Elderly). Some nurses may decide to focus their work on a particular skillset such as Surgery, Emergency Room, or Oncology. Still, others will decide on a Nurse Job based on location such as becoming a school nurse, flight nurse, hospice nurse, or clinical nurse.

The combination of your education, certifications, and experience will ultimately allow you to choose a proper career path. Therefore, it is important to have a game plan and decided what your specialty will be before you invest the time and money to obtain your nursing degree and license.

A career in Nursing can inspire a lifetime of learning and growth, and can be rewarding both emotionally and intellectually. However nursing is one of the most emotionally and physically demanding jobs there is. Choosing a career in Nursing may be a difficult decision, but ultimately it is important to remember that Nursing is one of the few jobs where you can make a difference in someone’s life every day.

Jesse Dugan has contributed to several blogs and sites in the medical and nursing field. Follow him @JesseDugan.