Top 10 Nurse Posts - June 2010
ShareThis- When pursing an online nursing degree, contact your state's nursing board to be sure the school you are interested in is an approved institution.
- Even if you are enrolled in a nursing degree program online, you will have to spend time in a practical and hands-on learning environment under the instruction of a certified teacher.
- The computer is a convenient way to earn nursing continuing education units but, just like when investigating online nursing degree programs, it is important to confirm with your state nursing board that the provider is recognized as an approved grantor of nursing CEUs.
The Personal Side of Becoming a Nurse
Dedicating your life to a career in nursing requires an enormous commitment of time and emotion. Following are some common issues that many nurses, and nursing school students, encounter.
- Your family wonders why you are "just not becoming a doctor". They think the time investment is almost the same, especially if you are pursuing a master's degree. It is important that the people who surround you in your personal life understand the importance of your choice to become a nurse. Nurses have very different responsibilities from doctors and receive and entirely different education than medical students.
- You are starting to feel burnt out. As a nurse, it is essential to find a way to balance the demands of your career so that you have time for yourself. Our expert offers advice on learning to say "no" and taking care of yourself.
Applying to Nursing School…Would Prefer to Avoid Germs and Blood
You are interested in applying to nursing school, but not so excited about the potential parasites or bloody bandage you many encounter. There is good news!
First, nursing students and nurses do not have a particularly high chance of becoming ill if they maintain proper hygiene. Your best defense? Wash your hands. It is the number one way to reduce the risk of contracting an illness and/or passing it on to another patient, friend or family member. Also, when a patient is determined to be highly contagious, health care professionals will practice isolation precautions when interacting with him/her.
Additionally, there are ways to desensitize yourself and manage your reactions to seeing and possibly handling blood and bodily fluids. In fact, many nurses were not comfortable with this part of their responsibilities when first entering the field and have explained the process as a matter of getting used to the situations that arise. If you just can't conquer your fear, remember that nurses work in so many settings that not all nurses have to deal with blood and germs. Nursing offers career opportunities for all kinds of professionals at all stages of their career. Whether you're a mid-life career changer or a male nurse wanting to pursue a career in obstetrics, nursing school can help you get the training you need for this rewarding career.
