Nursing Jobs: What To Expect With Different Positions
Nursing jobs are in very high demand, and according to information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nurses is expected to grow for the next several years. At the current time, there are more nursing positions available than there are nurses to fill those positions. If you have been considering pursuing a career in the nursing field, now is a great time to start. Colorado Christian University offers two nursing degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the RN to Bachelor of Science of Nursing (RN-BSN).
Why CCU for Nursing
CCU provides the education and training necessary to become a compassionate, competent nurse leader and impact the lives of people in need of Christ-inspired health care. The online RN-BSN degree program allows RNs to complete their coursework without ever having to step foot on campus. If you are currently employed as a nurse, the online program allows you to schedule study time around your work hours and any family responsibilities you may have. Online degree students are afforded the very same educational opportunities as students who attend classes on campus. You will have access to syllabi, assignments, lectures, discussions and collaboration with classmates just as you would if you were on campus. If you feel you were born to care for others and have the traits necessary to make a caring nurse, please contact an enrollment counselor in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies Center to discuss admission requirements to CCU's nursing degree programs.
Nursing Job Descriptions
Let's take a look at some nursing job descriptions to give you an idea of job duties/expectations for various nursing positions.
Registered Nurse: This is the largest group of healthcare workers, and RNs are the primary point of contact between the patient and the doctor. RNs perform patient evaluations such as monitoring vital signs, and procedures such as inserting IVs, drawing blood, and administering medications. Registered nurses also assist in some minor procedures, but surgical nurses (operating room nurses) will assist with major surgical procedures. Registered nurses typically have more contact with the patient than the physician, so RNs are typically the first to note problems or raise concerns about a patient's progress or condition. RNs take care of day-to-day operations like patient discharge from the hospital and often keep families apprised of the patient's condition until the doctor is available to do so.
Nurse Practitioner: Nurse practitioners, unlike registered nurses, are able to write prescriptions and are often first in line to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. Nurse practitioners may specialize (which requires further education) in areas such as midwifery and anesthesiology. A nurse practitioner is supervised by a medical doctor. NPs help with all aspects of patient care including diagnosis, treatment, and consultations. They may conduct physicals, order tests, and educate patients about preventative care and treatments. Nurse practitioners can also specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, and psychiatry. To become a nurse practitioner, you must first earn a bachelor's degree and get licensed as an RN. After two years of practice, you must then complete a master's degree and pass a licensing exam (requirements vary by state).
Head Nurse (Nurse Supervisor): A nursing supervisor will set schedules, assign duties to the nursing staff, and make sure nurses are properly trained. Nursing supervisors must ensure supplies are well stocked and that end-of-shift work is completed to prepare for the next team of nurses. A nursing supervisor will make sure all policies are adhered to and will handle complaints from patients and other nurses. Head nurses will often assist with preparing the department's budget and make sure all regulatory requirements are met.
Nursing Home Nurse: Nursing home nurses (often geriatric specialists) manage the care of nursing home residents. A great deal of time is spent on administrative and supervisory tasks but nursing home nurses do perform procedures, also.
Home Health Nurse: Home health nurses take care of patients at the patient's home and must be able to work independently and handle all types of medical issues such as chronic diseases, brain injuries, paralysis, and terminal conditions, and assist patients recovering from accidents and even childbirth.
Charge Nurse: Hospital charge nurses are responsible for administrative tasks in a particular unit or department of a hospital. A charge nurse handles everything related to the department running smoothly but may also be involved in patient care and nursing activities. In a typical hospital setting, a charge nurse will admit and discharge patients, ensure supplies are well stocked, keep track of room availability, oversee the duties of nurses in their department, conduct training sessions for nurses, and make sure all hospital policies are followed.
Colorado Christian University does not guarantee any job placement as a result of earning this or any other degrees offered by the university.