Important Things You Need To Know About Becoming A Nurse Practitioner

A Nurse Practitioner is vital to the heath care system. You will learn who they work for and what they do on a regular basis. They are registered nurse men and women who have gone through extensive training and graduate level higher education. After earning registered nurse status, they then go back to school and work toward a doctorate or graduate degree in a specialized area.

These over achievers are found all over the health care system, in public and private facilities, schools, correctional facilities, nursing facilities, hospital wards, and countless other medical facilities. Dependent on where they practice, they may work independently or along side of a licensed physician.

Many people may be surprised to learn that they can write prescriptions, place an order for and read the results of diagnostic tests, administer treatment for medical conditions, conduct annual and sick exams. They have a lot of duties and responsibilities that are similar to a doctor.

Practitioners work in all the different specialized areas of health care. They work in pediatrics, general medicine, geriatric care, mental health, and quite a number of other areas. They cover the entire spectrum of age groups. Different than physicians, a practitioner will train and practice only in a specialized area. They are board certified in this specialty by their state Board of Nursing.

Also, as a midwife, practitioners perform the normal functions of an obstetrician and gynecologist for pregnancy cases. They are happy to handle all the way from prenatal care through maternity care. They are not authorized or licensed to perform cesarean section delivery procedures, but will assist. They can handle regular office visits for a pap smear and other standard procedures. They typically will not take on high risk patient situations, however some may get involved in higher risk situations based on their attending physicians instructions and comfort level.

A high demand area is known as a nurse anesthetist. They typically work with an anesthesiologist. They have the capability to administer anesthesia for surgical procedures and pain management. They can provide a needs assessment, determine risks and administer the proper dosage for the patient.

The regulations for practitioners fluctuate from state to state. As a result, depending on where you reside, your job or capabilities may change slightly. The big variables are the medications being prescribed and the type of procedures that require a physician present. For a practitioner to work in any state, they must first be licensed. Most states make getting a license easy, usually by paying a fee and transferring it from one state to another.

Everyone has a different idea of what path to take for a medical career. There are those that go to directly to medical school to become a doctor, while others get into nursing and then make the decision to go back to school and become a practitioner. You can see what makes this profession so great, You all start out in a nursing role, learn how to care for patients, then move onto treating them. They employ a holistic approach to medicine, and treat almost all facets of a patient, from the physical, emotional and psychological aspects. This is only some of the items that make the Nurse Practitioner occupation a wonderful choice.

What Is A Nurse Practitioner And What Do They Do?

What exactly is a nurse practitioner, primarily where do they work and what do they do. They have taken the time to go through high level and advanced training, including graduate level education. After working as an RN for a period of time, these folks typically venture back to the classroom to earn a graduate or doctoral degree in their chosen specialized area.

These people are found in all parts of the medical system, within both private and public clinics, school districts, correctional facilities, nursing facilities, hospitals, and countless other medical facilities. Depending on the state that they practice, these folks are able to work by themselves or with a licensed physician.

Many people may be surprised to learn that they can write prescriptions, place an order for and read the results of diagnostic tests, treat medical conditions, and take care of checkups and wellness examinations. They have a lot of duties and responsibilities that are similar to a doctor.

They can be found in many specialties and fields. They are found in pediatrics, general family practice, geriatrics, mental health, including several additional areas of the industry. There are generally no limits on the age of patients that they can treat. All practitioners train and practice within a specialized area. The end result is they become board certified within their specialty by their state Board of Nursing.

They are also midwife’s, and as such, they will perform the functions of obstetricians and gynecologist during pregnancies. These capable people are used to managing the delivery process, as well as prenatal and maternity care. A physician will perform cesarean deliveries, but practitioners will assist. They can also handle visits for pap smears and exams. They generally do not handle high-risk patients, but some may depending on their relationship with a collaborating physician.

A high demand area is known as a nurse anesthetist. They will work along side and under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist. They are able to administer an anesthesia for procedures and to minimize pain. They can provide a needs assessment, determine risks and administer the proper dosage for the patient.

Each state has their own rules and regulations regarding how practitioners can practice. Therefore, from state to state the laws change and so does the practitioners job. The big variables are the medications being prescribed and the type of procedures that require a physician present. Practitioners must have a license in any state they practice in. Most of the state only require a small fee to transfer your license from another state.

Everyone has their own path to a medical career. Certain people chose to go directly to medical school and become a doctor, while others get into nursing and then make the decision to go back to school and become a practitioner. Hopefully you can see what makes this segment of the profession so appealing, It’s a great career path, first you become a nurse and learn how to care for patients, then are able to provide treatments. They apply a holistic methodology, treating each element of your patient, the physical, emotional, and psychological. These are just a few of the reasons that make being a Nurse Practitioner great.

All The Reasons Why You Should Look At Becoming A Nurse Practitioner

People often wonder what’s great about being a Nurse Practitioner, and there are many reasons why this is true. They have taken the time to go through high level and advanced training, including graduate level education. The normal path is to start out as an RN and then venture back to school to earn a higher level degree and complete advanced training in their field of choice. 

These men and women are scattered all around the health care system, all over public and private clinic facilities, schools, prisons, nursing facilities, hospital wards, including many other places. Dependent on where they practice, they can work independently or in collaboration with a licensed physician. 

Some of the things that people may not be aware of are that these professionals have the ability to write certain prescriptions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, treat medical conditions, and perform standard physical examinations. They do many of the things on a daily basis that a doctor does. 

They can be found in many specialties and fields. They can work in pediatrics, general medicine, caring for the elderly, mental health, and several additional fields. They provide the needed care for people in all age ranges. Practitioners educate, train and practice within an area of specialization. The end result is they become board certified within their specialty by their state Board of Nursing. 

As a midwife, practitioners perform the normal functions of an obstetrician and gynecologist for pregnancy cases. They can handle prenatal care, delivery, and maternity care. They don’t do cesarean deliveries, but assist in the process. They are able to take care of a pap smear and normal examination. It’s not normal for them to handle high-risk patient situations, there are some situations that warrant involvement which depends on their relationship with the participating physician. 

A very popular and in demand field is know as a nurse anesthetist. They will work along side and under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist. They administer anesthesia during surgery and procedures, and for pain management. They can determine the need for anesthesia, what the risks are to the patient and then administer the proper dosage. 

All states are not the same with regard to how practitioners can practice and what they can do. This varies from state to state, so what can be done in one state may not be legal in another state. The most common things that have restrictions are the type of medication that can be prescribed and the need for a physician to be present on certain procedures. For a practitioner to work in any state, they must first be licensed. It’s easy to obtain a license in most of the states, they simply require a filing fee to get started. 

Everyone has a different idea of what path to take for a medical career. Some people go straight to medical school and become a doctor, while others get into nursing and then make the decision to go back to school and become a practitioner. That is what is so great about this profession, It’s a great career path, first you become a nurse and learn how to care for patients, then are able to provide treatments. They employ a holistic approach to medicine, and treat almost all facets of a patient, the psychological, emotional and physical. This is just a few things about what’s great about being a Nurse Practitioner.

What You Should Know About Registered Nurse Salaries

Many people make a very good living on a Registered Nurse Salary.  All nurses are entitled to a solid income, they earn every penny for what they do. We put our lives in their hands on a daily basis. This is what makes being a nurse so important, they are the ultimate professionals within the healthcare field and usually the face and voice of the patients that are in need of care.

Requirements to become and stay a nurse can be very strict from state to state. As with most professionals, educational requirements are important for those looking to enter the nursing field. One should also possess certain personal traits to be successful such as a love of caring for others, being detail oriented, having a sympathetic ear, and being able to handle big responsibilities.

Throughout the entire health care field, nursing is one of the largest and fastest growing sectors. On last count, we had almost three million active and licensed nurses in the system. We are always looking for more, as our system constantly has an increasing need. Existing and soon to be retired will be needed more and more health care into the future. LPN’s, RN’s and other specialized nurses will be needed in an increasing basis to provide the services required. In a growing profession, there is plenty of room for many more qualified men and women to earn their way to the top of the healthcare profession.

The need for registered nurses is expected to grow by at least 20% for the next ten years. Based on published statistics, we will most likely need over 500,000 additional Registered Nurses over the next few yeas. This is good news for a struggling economy and unemployment raging out of control. Those willing to dedicated themselves to this very important work and get the training they need will do well in this industry.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has said that the lowest paid ten percent of nurses made about 43,000 a year while the top ten percent of the highest paid nurses earned more that 93,000. Most RN’s are found in hospitals and are known as generalists in the field of health care. These types of positions earn around 67,000 a year.

Just as important and the second largest group of RN’s are the men and women who work directly for doctors offices. This group takes home about the same average pay at around 67,000 for the year. RN’s that provide care in the home health care end of the business will earn 63,000 per year on average. Surprisingly, the nurses who work in nursing homes make the least bringing home only 59,000 a year. Outpatient service can be a fast paced environment and those nurses who chose to work there, will make approximately 65,000 per year.

Most people would be very happy to earn these salaries. Yet there are other sectors inside the health care business that still offer larger salaries. The business of medical supplies and equipment pays the best at 77,800 a year. Finally, maybe not surprising, a nurse in Government at the Federal level in the executive branch can earn about 78,000 per year.

Nurses are hired every day, but the need is so great, that more and more will be needed as we move into the future. Certain geographical locations around the country need many more nurses . If you are thinking about becoming an RN, now is the time to do it. Individuals who have a big heart and great compassion, can be a beneficiary of the boom in healthcare, specifically nursing.

Although the functions are much the same, an RN tends to earn a higher salary than other nurse jobs. Although very close, a LPN can achieve certification with slightly less eduction requirements.

Five Important Things To Know About Nurse Training

Even before you decide to go into the nursing field, you must know the following about becoming an RN or Licensed Practical Nurse.

1.  Get in for the right reasons – For most of us, it most likely is the passion for care giving that sets us apart from the rest.

2.  The education and training is harder than you think – pathophysiology or pharmacology are just the beginning.  The exams are also difficult, therefore you must be prepared to work hard and be totally committed.

3.  Physically demanding – Because of the nature of the job, you’re on your feet, busy all the time, on call, etc…  You must be prepared and be in good shape or you will run the risk of getting sick or run down which will have an adverse impact on the career.

4.  Placement and hours may not be your choice in the beginning.  Since healthcare is a 24 x 7 gig, you must be prepared to work shifts that you may not want to, but have to.

5.  Treat each clinical as a job interview – Each of your clinical rotations will be a test of your newly acquired knowledge. They are also the opportunity for you to highlight your skills to potential employers. You will be working in hospital settings and they are not paying you.

Nurse training and prerequisites involve textbook knowledge, practical experience, and a demonstration of your compassion to your fellow man. All of these skills will be tested and evaluated by instructors and other registered nurses. Successful completion of your training will lead to a new career, one in which you will have the ability to change people’s lives forever.

Leading LPN Salary States

Massachusetts seems to be the location that currently is the leader in lpn salary.  It’s the highest paid LPN state throughout the US with an average of $48,180 a year, closely followed by District of Columbia with average annual wages of USD 45,450. Rhode Island places third with average LPN wages of USD 43,460, while LPNs in Delaware earn USD 41,460 a year, on average.

Maybe there is a common thread with the highest salaries being in the northern part of the country.  We have be purchase more clothing to stay warm.

Just a quick Sunday morning thought.

The Summer Heat Can Drive You Mad

Working in South Florida in the summer heat can really take its toll on anyone, especially those of us who have to take patients outside for some exercise or just to get some not so fresh air.

While its always about the patients and not much more, I am trying to help a friend with some studies for an accelerated nursing program.

She’s a good friend, a good care giver and a great person.  She really cares about her patients and want nothing more than to see them all well.

We have worked in the same unit for a couple of years and have seen a lot together.  I can safely say that Maria is one of a kind.  The kind of person you would want caring for your mom or dad.

Well, back to work, and a long day it will be, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

The Wonders of Children

In my experience, there is nothing more gratifying than being able to affect a child’s life, along with the parent(s) as well.

In the field of nursing, you get to do both on a regular basis.  Those that get to make a sad or crying child smile and feel better can fully understand and appreciate what I’m saying.

Children are the light of our lives and the reason why we a constantly trying to make the world a better place.

These are just some of the reasons why being a pediatric nurse can make your heart feel so good.

Until next time.

Nurse Natasha

A Tidbit about Accelerated nursing programs

Accelerated nursing programs tend to be most commonly presented as a post-degree option, that means a bachelor’s degree in any kind of non-nursing area is essential for consideration. As it concerns graduate students vying for a BSN or Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, accelerated programs can take from a year to a year and a half to complete. The general premise that allows for such a short, condensed certification involves the bachelor’s degree that was already earned. Upon entering an accelerated program, students will have their credits assessed and counted towards “lower-level” or “general education” credits. The following year or so is then a full-time commitment to higher level nursing and clinical preparation classes.

Caring for others is my passion, vision and purpose in life

My single focus in life is to provide the best possible care for others.  For those of you who have heard the saying about feed a person a fish, he will eat for a day, teach a person to fish and he will eat forever.

Well, here in lies my vision.  I want to provide as much insight, information and council to anyone who is considering entering the nursing field at any level.

The more people who become excellent care givers and providers, the better our society will become, the healthier we all can become and the longer we can enjoy this wonderful life – You only get one chance.

For anyone who is interested to begin learning about what’s involved in a nursing career, the requirements and salary possibilities, feel free to visit a site called Licensed Practical Nurse, which will give you the foundation of what’s involved.

Thanks for visiting…..

Much more to come!!