5 answers
6
Asked 309 views

What other nursing careers can I go into?

I'm not really sure what kind of nurse I want to become.

nursing nurse registered-nurses nurse-practitioner nursing-education
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
6

5 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Michael’s Answer

Hi Antonia,

According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:

https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty

Here is a list of some of the High Demand Nurse Specialties:

- Cardiac Care Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Emergency Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Labor and Delivery Nurse (L&D)
- Home Health Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Oncology Nurse

While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.

Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.

There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.

RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.

A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:

https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/

- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland

U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools

When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:

- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral

Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.

You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.

Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:

https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/

https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships

Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.

Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Megan’s Answer

Hello Antonia,

The beauty of nursing is its boundless opportunities! I always suggest gaining 5 years of hands-on patient care experience in a hospital environment. This can include roles in areas like medical-surgical, operating room, post-anesthesia care unit, intensive care unit, emergency department, telemetry, and beyond. After you've built this foundational experience, a world of choices opens up to you. You could explore nursing education, management roles, advanced degrees like Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice, become a nurse researcher, venture into occupational health nursing, invent, start your own business, work in the beauty injections/IV hydration industry, personal care nursing, informatics, safety, and the list goes on and on! My own journey has led me to a unique role as a Senior Manager of Quality at a major pharmacy distribution company. I am one of the few nurses in this setting, and it's an incredibly exciting opportunity. Remember, every job is a learning opportunity. Even if you find out a particular area isn't your cup of tea, that's valuable knowledge too. With this perspective, you can't make a wrong choice.

Best of luck on your journey!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Candace’s Answer

Nursing is a field with many specialty areas. It is okay no not be sure. Many such as myself have tried several specialty areas.
In nursing school you will have clinicals that will expose you to different areas in the hospital. Some may choose not to work in a hospital at all. Nurses also work in schools, clinics, health departments, jails, nursing homes and even on cruise ships just to name a few!
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Linda’s Answer

It’s ok not to know. I thought I’d want to work in a nursing home but my first job was as a medical surgical nurse in a hospital. It was great experience to learn important skills. Prepared me for doing home care where I developed a fascination for wound care. Later got certified in wound/ostomy and continence care. I have no regrets and it helps to pray for guidance.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Carole’s Answer

It is fine to not know what kind of nurse you want to be. It's important that you know you want to be a nurse and why. As you go through your nursing education you will be exposed to many areas that nurses work in such as the hospital, home care, rehab, and long term care. There are many more opportunities for nurses today. For instance, school nursing, community nursing, mental health nursing, and many other roles inside and outside of the hospital. You can work in any specialty that interests you such as maternity, operating room, ICU, etc. If you choose to continue your education you can become a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or work in a leadership role. The opportunities are endless. You may want to shadow nurses in different specialties and see what they are like to help you decide as well. Good luck!
0