1. By: Cortney Shaver Nursing

2. A nurse treats and educates patients. They educate the public about various medical conditions and provide support if necessary. The nurse records the patients’ medical history and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results. Nurses operate medical equipment, administer treatment and medications, and help with the follow-up after the patient has left and rehabilitation. Nurses may also handle health screenings, immunization clinics, blood drives, and health care related seminars. Nurses have a broad range of specialties they can be involved in. They can assist in surgeries or work with children in pediatrics. They have the option of only working with doctors who specialize with one organ or system of the body, such as cardiac or cancer treatments. Nature of Work

3. There is worldwide shortage of nurses. One reason why the shortage has occurred is due to the environment in which nurses practice. Nurses are overloaded and are cross trained to work multiple jobs. They work under physical overload with the long work hours and the different patient handling. Although nurses are overloaded, they can perform their given tasks effectively. Working Conditions

4. Doctor’s Offices Hospitals Schools Home Health Agencies Long-term Care Facilities Laboratories Research Institutions Employment Services Outpatient Care Centers Employment

5. There are three major types of nursing degrees: Bachelor of Science(BSN), Associate Degree in Nursing(ADN), and Licensed Practical Nurse(LPN). A BSN usually takes four years at a university. AND is offered at community colleges and takes 2-3 years to complete. LPN is offered at community colleges and usually takes 1-2 years to complete. Once you complete the BSN program, you can continue with Master’s work to further your education to become clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners. All four advanced practice nursing specialties require at least a master’s degree. Most programs include about 2 years of full-time study and require a BSN degree for entry; some programs require at least 1 to 2 years of clinical experience as an RN for admission. There is also education requirements that you must meet each year to keep current with your license. Training, Qualifications, and Advancement

6. Job opportunities are expected to be excellent but do vary by employment and geographical location. registered nurse employment is expected to grow much faster than the average of all occupations through the year 2016. Growth will be driven by technological advances in patient care, which permit a greater number of health problems to be treated, and by an increasing emphasis on preventative care. Employment is expected to grow slowly in hospitals than in most other health care industries. Job Outlook

7. The projected growth rates for registered nurses in the industries with the highest employment of these workers are as follows: Office of physicians 39% Home health care services 39% Outpatient care 34% Employment services 27% General medical and surgical hospitals 22% Nursing care facilities 20% Job Outlook Cont.

8. Earnings

9. Physical Therapists Respiratory Therapists Nurse Aides Physicians and Surgeons Emergency Medical Technicians Radiation Therapists Dental Hygienists Surgical Technologists Occupational Therapists Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Related Occupations

10. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursing http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm#nature Sources