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If you feel that nursing is your calling, or perhaps you just want to learn more about nursing, then you should know that nursing is a vast profession with specialties in nearly every field of medicine. Career possibilities as a nurse are nearly endless with the right education and training. It would be virtually impossible to describe every nursing specialty, but we have outlined the various levels of education in nursing and some of the practices that each degree makes bearers eligible for.
There are three major paths to a nursing career. Courses and curriculum vary by institute, but generally emphasize the same critical lessons in nursing theory and practice.
Hospital Diploma
The first option of pathways to a nursing career is the hospital diploma program. These programs typically range from two to three years in length (assuming full-time enrollment). Students in this type of program usually study subjects such as math and science at a junior college and complete nursing courses at an affiliated hospital. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX.
Associate’s Degree (ASN)
The Associates’ Degree is the most commonly utilized path to a nursing career. This type of program is most commonly offered at community colleges and other similar nursing schools. Students enrolled in an Associates’ Degree program can expect to spend two to three years in school (this type of degree is a two year program, but prerequisites and heavy course loads often lead to completion in three years) and study both basic and advanced mathematics and science classes in addition to nursing studies. Upon successful completion of an Associates’ Degree program, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse.
RNs entering the workplace with an Associates’ Degree are commonly placed in entry-level staff nurse positions. Staff nurses are usually assigned a specific group of patients for which they plan, perform and document care. The staff nurse assists physicians with examinations and procedures, performs a variety of other patient tests, may administer certain medications and is responsible for teaching the patient and family about the condition, treatment, and how to care for the condition at home. Staff nurses are often employed by hospitals, but may find employment in facilities such as clinics.
Bachelor’s Degree (BSN)
Many RNs are able to enter the workplace with an associate’s degree only, but as healthcare technology advances and the nurses’ role in treatment becomes more complex, many employers seek RNs with a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree awarded for a major usually lasting three to four years. Many aspiring nurses choose to obtain the associate’s degree and continue their education at a later time. Others choose to complete the bachelor’s degree before entering the workplace.
Baccalaureate degrees emphasize critical thinking, provide skills for independence in the workplace and ultimately prepare students for a leadership position in nursing. A bachelor’s degree is required for most nurse supervisor positions. Nurse supervisors oversee and coordinate the activities of nurses in patient care settings. Nurse supervisors work to meet the needs of all patients and to evaluate the performance of nurses in the unit.
