How Much Education Does a Nurse Need? – Nursing is one of the best career paths to follow. It is financially and emotionally fulfilling. Plus, nurses are in high demand with competitive salaries.
Nurses take care of patients, conduct physical examinations, administer treatments, and advocate for patients, among other things. They can work anywhere from clinics, and correctional facilities, to senior care homes, schools, and hospitals. To reap the benefits of becoming a nurse, you need an education in nursing. Getting a good education in nursing can set your path to a successful nursing career.
In this article, we will answer the question ” how much education does a nurse need” and cover everything else that you need to know about nursing.
Who is a Nurse
A nurse is a person who received training on how to care for injured and sick people. They work closely with doctors and other health practitioners to help patients keep healthy and fit.
Nurses also aid family members with grieving and end-of-life needs. They work in many places including hospitals, senior care homes, communities, doctor’s offices, clinics, schools, correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, and Homeless shelters, among others. They also visit sick and injured people at home.
Nurses aid patients directly, by speaking to them, watching them carefully to stop avoidable circumstances, executing things that patients need, and watching them get better.
Types of Nurses
There are different types of nurses and some of them are ;
Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA):
These nurses dispense sedation treatments to patients to reduce pain or get them ready for surgery.
Registered nurse (RN):
These nurses aid doctors and other medical practitioners by offering direct care to patients. Registered nurses also keep and maintain medical records.
Clinical nurse specialist (CNS):
These types of nurses may treat both physical and mental conditions. Clinical nurse specialists frequently work in hospitals, clinics, community health centers or senior care homes, etc.
Certified nurse-midwife (CNM):
These nurses offer women gynecological and obstetrics services. Certified nurse-midwife can work in private residences, hospitals, or birthing clinics.
Nurse practitioner (NP):
These types of nurses frequently diagnose and treat minor injuries and conditions. A nurse practitioner can also offer prescriptions to their patients.
Other types of nurses are Critical Care Nurse, Cardiac Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Perioperative Nurse (Surgical/OR Nurse), Family Nurse practitioners (FNP), Geriatric Nursing, ER Nurse, Pediatric Nurse, Orthopedic Nurse, Oncology Nurse, Nursing Administrator, Nurse Practitioner, and Public Health Nurse, etc.
How much education does a nurse need?
Getting an education to become a nurse prepares you for the work it entails. It also exposes you to nursing in the real world and prepares you for the real thing.
They get to observe nurses in the real world and attempt nursing duties under supervision. At the end of their educational journey, they will be ready to become nurses.
It is important to know the kind of nurse you want to become before pursuing an education in nursing. Narrowing it down will decide what school and nursing program to pursue.
There are so many educational opportunities that can aid you in becoming a nurse. Below are some of them.
- Associate degree in Nursing (ADN)
Associate Degree in Nursing is one of the first steps an individual might take to become a nurse. This degree program gives individuals basic nursing knowledge. It usually lasts for two years and it doesn’t require so much money when compared to other nursing degrees.
After this degree, you must pass the national licensure examination (NCLEX). This two-year program can be studied at a community college or vocational school or a diploma from an accredited nursing program.
Individuals who want to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) should go for this degree and from there work towards becoming registered nurses.
- Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN)
Getting a bachelor’s degree in nursing is another way to become a nurse. It typically lasts for 4 years and can be studied at any accredited college or university.
An associate degree in nursing is not needed to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Holders of BSN are given more responsibilities and higher salaries than those with an Associate degree in nursing.
At the end of this degree, individuals must pass the licensure examination (NCLEX) before they can practice.
- Master’s in Nursing (MSN)
A Master of Science in Nursing is a step further in nursing education. If you want to increase your prospects, then you need a master’s in nursing.
Those who hold a master’s degree in nursing can become a “nurse practitioner”. This degree typically takes 2 years to complete.
If you want a leadership position in specialized nursing disciplines or want to become an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), you need a master’s degree in nursing.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
You take it a step further and get a doctorate in nursing. This is the highest level and will do wonders for your nursing career. You can pursue the more research-focused Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or the clinical-based Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in nursing.
What is the Role of a Nurse?
The role that a nurse plays depends on the type of nurse they are, where they work, and their experience although there are general duties every nurse should perform irrespective of their type of nursing.
Belw are some of the roles performed by nurses.
- Taking care of patients
- Educating and supporting patients
- Advocating for patients
- Administer treatments and medications
- Record medical symptoms and history
- Monitor the health of patients
- Conduct physical examinations
- Taking care of patients
One of the major roles a nurse plays is taking care of patients. They help to prevent illness, treat health conditions and handle patients’ physical needs. Nurses do this by observing the patient and recording any necessary information that will help in making treatment decisions. They are caregivers to their patients.
- Advocating for patients
Nurses have the patient’s best interests at heart and advocate for them. They help patients maintain their dignity all through the care and treatment.
They can suggest treatment plans in collaboration with other health professionals to aid a patient’s recovery. This is important because most patients cannot fully understand their medical conditions or act as they should. So, the nurse stands as an advocate for their best interest especially when treatment decisions are made.
- Educating and supporting patients
Nurses are in charge of a patient’s education. They help patients understand their illness, medications, treatments, and health. Doing this will help a patient take better care of themselves when they are discharged.
They also support patients and let them know where to get additional information. When a patient isn’t capable, nurses explain to family members or caretakers of the patient how to take better care of them.
- Record medical symptoms and history
Nurses record and safely keep correct documentation of their patients’ health. Doing this ensures that patients receive the right treatment.
Most nurses start by asking patients about their medical history, among other things, and record them. This helps to avoid giving the patient treatment that can cost their life. When this is properly done, patients receive the best treatments for their medical conditions.
Nurses also update the patient’s records when they receive new treatments, medications, or diagnoses.
- Administer treatments and medications
Most nurses can administer treatments and medications to patients with a Doctor’s order. They may also help to create a treatment plan for patients.
Nurse practitioners can prescribe medications without the approval of the doctor. Nurses can help with the following treatments; inserting catheters, changing bandages, and cleaning and dressing wounds.
They can also help doctors administer emergency care to patients in critical condition or with more sophisticated procedures.
- Monitor the health of patients
Nurses carefully monitor and observe patients and record any necessary information or symptoms that can change the treatment plan or diagnosis.
They also check to ensure that a patient is getting the right dosage and medications. Nurses also pay close attention to patients’ nonverbal cues. This helps to spot any underlying causes of medical-related issues.
- Conduct physical examinations
Nurses frequently conduct a physical examination of their patients at the start of their visit to evaluate their general health. This involves checking blood pressure, monitoring heartbeat, recording weight, and checking temperature. They can also examine a patient’s nose, eyes, throat, and ear. As well as testing reflexes and checking lymph nodes.
These physical examinations help nurses and the rest of the medical team to understand the patient’s current health status. This also provides an opportunity to talk to a patient about their health concerns and goals.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse?
The length of time to become a nurse depends on the type of nursing you want to specialize in, the type of program, state, country, school, and individual timeline.
If you are pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN) you will typically spend only two years. But if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) it normally takes 4 years.
A master’s degree in nursing can take 2 to 3 years to complete. If you attend a full-time program in nursing you will finish faster than if you attended a part-time program.
It is important to find out your state or country’s requirements for pursuing an education in nursing and follow them.
Conclusion
Nurses are important to society, and they are in high demand. They take care of patients, observe, administer treatment and keep records of a patient’s medical history and conditions.
To become the best in nursing, you need to have a good education that will broaden your horizons and make your career successful.
In this article, we answered the question ” how much education does a nurse need?”. We hope you found this article helpful.
REFERENCE
- https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nurse
- https://www.news-medical.net/health/Roles-of-a-Nurse.aspx
- (https://www.gmercyu.edu/academics/learn/how-to-become-a-nurse)
- (https://www.baker.edu/about/get-to-know-us/blog/what-degree-do-you-need-to-be-a-nurse/)
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/nursing-responsibilities
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