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Learn About Being a Nurse
Nursinglink
Considering Nursing?
Nursing is the largest health care profession in the US, with over 2.9 million RNs nationwide. Because nurses are involved in every type of health care need from basic health to acute care, every nurse has followed a specific path of education to become an RN and develop an expertise.
Not sure where you fit? This guide was designed to educate you about our profession and help you identify the path to becoming a nurse that calls to you!
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2.4 million Registered Nurses
- 92% Percentage of RNs That are Women
- 624,000 Projected growth in RNs (2002 – 2012)
What do Nurses do?
Although work settings and clinical populations may differ, all nurses are trained to perform the following duties:
Treat patients and alleviate their suffering
Educate patients and families about care and wellness
Provide emotional support to patients’ family members
Record patients’ medical histories and monitor symptoms
Help perform diagnostic tests and medical procedures
Operate medical machinery
Administer treatments and medication
Where do Nurses Work?
Hospitals 56%
Community Health Clinics 14.9%
Ambulatory Care 11.5%
Nursing Homes 6.3%
Nursing Education 2.6%
What Advanced Nursing Careers Are There?
An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a global term used for the following specialization areas. All APRNs have a masters degree and met clinical practice requirements for their specialization.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Nurse practitioners are able to deliver a wide range of primary care, preventive health, and women’s health care services, prescribe medication, and diagnose and treat common minor illnesses and injuries.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Nurse-Midwives provide well-woman gynecological and low-risk obstetrical care.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Include specialization in treating various physical and mental health problems, and also work in consultation, research, education, and administration.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Administer more than 65% of anesthetics given to patients annually.
Explore Nursinglink.
Meet RNs and ask questions about their work, interests, likes and dislikes. This may teach you the most!
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quenny
almost 5 years ago
2 comments
this all true and is good
dmorton
almost 5 years ago
2 comments
I will be retiring from teaching in the near future, I enjoy working with people and would like to explore other options. This was a good insight on what nursing could offer.
claudia_s
almost 5 years ago
2 comments
i am a 27 year old medical assistant and would like to become a lvn. very good helpful info
sonoma
almost 5 years ago
4 comments
good info
sonoma
almost 5 years ago
4 comments
good info
charry_lane
almost 5 years ago
2 comments
i need more information on different aspects.but on the other hand,i've learned quite good on it.
jaylun
almost 5 years ago
4 comments
iwont to become a cna i wont to learn all ican
jaylun
almost 5 years ago
4 comments
iam really to acheave my gold in the field of helping people iwont to get my CNA liscens and go from there
maryrc7623
almost 5 years ago
2 comments
was wondering what college courses needed for someone who is CNA to become LPN/LVN
mimi2cute804
almost 5 years ago
2 comments
im 16 bout to be 17 im taken classes to be a CNA but i want to go higher like an RN but i dont kno how can some one help me
kpuente37
almost 5 years ago
2 comments
I am 41 yrs old and I Graduated High School in 1985. I took Nursing as my 12th grade major. We did NOT get any certificate. I worked as a Nursing Assistant for about 2 - 3 yrs and at that time we did not need a certificate. I would like to go on to school to get a degree of somekind in the nursing field. Maybe an LPN. But, now I have NO MONEY. Does anyone know if #1 ... if I would be considered a "grandfather clause" because I have already taken the classes and have already worked in the field of CNA ... and #2... Is there some kind of funding/grants that I might be able to apply for that would pay for my tuition for online school ?? Just wondering. Any comment would be appreciated. Thank you to all !!
dommy1283
almost 5 years ago
2 comments
I am 24 years old. And would like to become a neonatal nurse.
evabartlett
almost 5 years ago
2 comments
I am 35 yrs. old and want to be a Nurse. Have not decided which field yet but want to say "thank you" for creating this website. It just answered all my questions. I was very overwhelmed with not knowing were to start. And this is a piece of puzzle that I just begun!.......It's an adventure!!!!
taty0216
almost 5 years ago
2 comments
I am 17 years old and I want to be a CNM. I am unsure of how to achieve that goal so this is very helpful.
AlB
about 5 years ago
2 comments
I would like to become a pyschology nurse.