1. Nursing Degree Programs
The nursing profession has been around for a very long time. It is a profession that is considered
more of a calling than just a career. It's also considered a very noble profession that has never had
enough workers. The reason it is considered more of a calling is the fact that at the point of caring for
people you are bound to be required to go an extra mile to help them recover. It is also very likely that
you will become emotionally attached to your patients in the course of your work. The empathy you
have for patients' families will also drain you and sometimes leave you vulnerable to trauma and or
the family members taking advantage of you.
However beyond the passion and caring nature, one requires sound academic qualifications to make
a good nurse. There are various nursing degree programs that will ensure you have the requisite
theoretical and practical training. Unlike earlier years' nursing which was considered a non academic
field that only called for compassion for the sick, today nursing is a very academic intense profession
with programs from certificate, nursing degree programs, masters and doctorate levels.
There are several avenues for joining the nursing profession. One can begin by studying for a nursing
diploma or for a two year nursing associate program both of which concentrate on the technical
aspects of nursing. However today it is more common and advisable - due to market demands - to
pursue a nursing degree program for individuals starting out a career in nursing. A nursing degree
program is also a good option for those with associate nurse qualifications but wish to advance their
knowledge as well as their careers.
Studying for a nursing degree program will open up numerous career opportunities. There is a huge
short fall of nurses in the public institutions. Private medical centers, clinics, schools and not for profit
institutions also need nurses. Nursing degree programs have the advantage of being general or
specialized depending on ones choice. This option makes it easier to chart out a career path in the
area that you are most comfortable in and where one has a keen interest.
The areas of specialization in nursing degree programs include cardiovascular care, pediatric care,
neonatal care, surgery and primary care. In a general nursing class the subjects you expect to learn
include: nursing skills, biological sciences, social studies, clinical theory and research methods.
Nursing degree programs whether general or specialized require a great interest in biological studies
and a passion for clinical studies.
The nursing profession is not for the weak willed. It demands long working hours, passion and will tax
you emotionally. As much as nursing has become a lucrative career the world over due to shortages
of nurses against an ever growing demand, nursing should be for those with an inner motivation to
help patients. Pursuing a nursing degree program is the easier part however working as a
professional nurse requires full dedication. The beauty of it is that it is extremely rewarding with very
visible success results.
RN to BSN Ohio University