There Are So Many Choices in Nursing!

Are you considering nursing as a career? Are you a current nurse looking to transition nursing roles? If so, this quick read is to help bring each aspect of nursing roles to one spot. Nursing is a diverse and rewarding occupation with many different specialties available. Whether you are interested in working directly with patients, managing a team, or conducting research, I’m sure there is a nursing job that is a good fit for your skills and interests. We can dive into each role in future blogs with more details. 

Keywords: nursing careers, registered nurse jobs, occupations in healthcare.

Here are some of the most common types of nursing jobs below:

  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide basic care to patients under the supervision of an RN. They may also assist with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
  • Registered Nurses (RNs) provide direct care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They assess patients’ health, administer medications, and provide emotional support. Most nurses start here for general patient care experience and to meet requirements for advanced nursing roles. 
  • Nurse Educators teach nursing students in a variety of settings, including colleges, universities, and hospitals. They may also develop and deliver continuing education programs for nurses.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice RNs who specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as oncology or gerontology. They may conduct research, educate other nurses, and provide care to patients.
  • Nurse Researchers conduct research to improve the quality of nursing care. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector.
  • Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice RNs who diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medications. They often work in a clinic setting, but they may also work in specialty areas such as acute care, geriatrics, pediatrics, or mental health.
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia to patients before, during, and after surgery. They work closely with surgeons and other members of the surgical team to ensure that patients have a safe and comfortable experience.
  • Certified Nurse midwives (CNMs) provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They may provide family planning and well-woman care as well.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many different types of nursing specialties available. If you think you really want to be a nurse, I’m sure there is a career in nursing that is a good fit for you!

To learn more about different types of nursing jobs, visit the American Nurses Association website at Types of Nurses and What They Do | ANA (nursingworld.org)

Sincerely, 

All One Nurse

A Letter to New Nurses

Hello there, 

First, congratulations! You did it! It was hard and there were many times you wanted to give up, drop out, dropped out and went back, or simply barely made your way through. However, it is finished. Nursing school that is…

Now, as you embark on this new journey and exciting career called Nursing, I wanted to leave you with some words of encouragement and tips. 

Passing the NCLEX exam. 

You will do fine, because guess what? It can be taken again. Invest in a credible review course and review book. Having more than 2 study tools may set you up for failure, think “quality not quantity”. Most legitimate NCLEX study tools have practice test banks. Be sure to take these practice tests and focus on the rationales of the questions answered incorrectly.

You want to learn how to take the NCLEX. You already have the knowledge, because you survived nursing school. Learn how to take the test. It is a standardized exam developed by the National Council State Board of Nursing (NCSBN) to assess if you are safe to practice. Know what the question is asking. Be sure to give yourself a break while sitting for the NCLEX. You have time. However, do not wait until the last possible minute to take your NCLEX exam after graduating, because you may not do as well. Get it out the way!

Stepping into your new career. 

During your internship, or new position, always listen, be open to learning, and see the patients as Humans. You will learn your duties in time and practice safely. I don’t know what type of personality your preceptor will have but always aim to learn from the experience. This may keep you off of an emotional rollercoaster. Just don’t forget to have empathy and integrity as you are learning your new role. As humans, we all make mistakes, but when you own them, things will work out better for you. Managers will agree to this and it may prevent someone else from making the same mistake.

Remember that people come to the hospital because they need a nurse. They need and depend on you to care for them. They will always remember how you made them feel, even if they don’t remember what you said. 

Anxiety may follow you for the next 6 months of your new career, as you go through orientation and start caring for patients independently. It will get better.  As you follow your preceptors, write down notes and look over your notes at home. Take the time and learn where the supplies are in your unit/department. Always ask questions. Always follow your organizations protocols, policies, and procedures. These are set in place to protect you, the patient, and the organization.  

Becoming a great nurse.

Healthcare is always evolving due to technology, new medications, etc. From the very new nurses (such as yourselves) to the very experienced nurses (beyond me), nursing is a lifelong learning process.  I truly believe we are God’s hands and feet on earth.  May we all do so through competency, passion, and integrity. 

Sincerely, 

All One Nurse  

If there is anything that you would like to share as a new nurse, or experienced nurse, feel free to comment below*

All positive comments are welcomed…

(Photocredit: Google/TypiMage)