My Colleges and Careers Blog » Uncategorized http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com Online Education and Alternative Education Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:57:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Registered Nurse (RN) Career Spotlight http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/2009/08/registered-nurse-rn-career-spotlight/ http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/2009/08/registered-nurse-rn-career-spotlight/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:25:17 +0000 alexi http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/?p=1095 Becky, a university graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing, took time out of her busy week going through hospital orientation as a recently certified Registered Nurse, to answer some questions about the world of nursing.

When did you become interested in nursing?

I became interested in nursing after my freshman year of college. I was Pre-Med and the fit just didn’t seem right for my long term goals. I knew I wanted to be a mom, but at the same time, I wanted to have a career. I love that nursing will afford me the opportunity to identify with something outside of mothering. Also, after a few years of work experience, I plan to go back to school and get my master’s degree and become a nurse practitioner, or possibly even get my Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I love that I have these choices!

What is your favorite part of being an RN?

I love that I am always learning! It can be frustrating at times to not know everything, but the learning and growth can be so rewarding because you really see the impact in people’s lives! As a nurse you get to be with your patients during some of their most vulnerable times–being a part of that and helping them through the process of healing, loss, whatever their situation may be is really fulfilling.

What has been particularly memorable about your job now or nursing school?

I can’t pinpoint one single patient. You see everything in nursing! Really, everything.

“You see everything in nursing! Really, everything.”

I love the growth that I have seen in myself throughout nursing school, and even now as a RN- I learn something new each day, and have so much left to learn. I also love knowing that I really helped someone in my day.

What is the “NCLEX-PN” exam?

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s) are required to take the NCLEX-PN exam in order to become licensed. Each state has different standards that it requires for certified Registered Nurses.

Registered Nurses (RN’s) come from associate degree programs, bachelors degree programs, or nurses with an associates degree that return to school to get their bachelors degree (called an RN-to-BSN program). They all require the individual to take the NCLEX-RN exam before becoming certified.

What can new RNs expect in terms of responsibilities?

Depending on what unit you work, nurses manage the care of anywhere from 2 to 8 patients. We communicate with Doctors, Respiratory Therapists, Pharmacists, Physical/Occupational Therapists as well as our patient care assistants (PCA’s aka CNA’s) to ensure patients receive the best care available. Managing all of our patient’s physical, social as well as psychological needs can become quite complex and requires a lot of organization–something that I as a new graduate am learning a lot about and comes with time and practice.

What are some misconceptions about nursing?

I think a lot of people think that nurses are people who didn’t go to medical school because they thought it would be “too hard.” From someone who has been down that road, I can honestly say that I didn’t go to medical school because I thought it would be too hard, It was a conscious decision. I could go to medical school if I wanted, I have no doubt about it. It’s just not what I chose to do.

Also, some think that nurses are just the “gophers” or “shadows” of the doctor. In all reality, we let the doctor know what is going on with the patient and then he writes the orders. Doctors couldn’t survive without nurses, and nurses couldn’t survive without doctors: it’s a team.

“Doctors couldn’t survive without nurses, and nurses couldn’t survive without doctors: it’s a team.”

Without that team mentality, communication breaks down and the best care isn’t being given.

What are some personality traits that work well in nursing?
  • A strong sense of right and wrong
  • Strong work ethic
  • Ability to think on your feet
  • Flexibility
  • Organization!

What is something most don’t realize about nursing?

It’s a lot of work!


Thanks Becky! Best wishes to you in all of your endeavors!

For more information about nursing degrees and careers, visit My Colleges and Careers.

]]> http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/2009/08/registered-nurse-rn-career-spotlight/feed/ 4 Career Spotlight: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/2009/08/career-spotlight-pediatric-nurse-practitioner/ http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/2009/08/career-spotlight-pediatric-nurse-practitioner/#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:24:30 +0000 alexi http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/?p=1032 Nursing is a virtually recession-proof job that will always be in demand. My Colleges and Careers asked pediatric nurse practitioner SueAnn Hyland (R.N., P.N.P.) of Orange County, Calif., more about what she does on a daily basis.

Fun Fact: Married with two children, Hyland just completed her first triathlon last weekend. No big deal at all…

What made you interested in nursing?

My grandma was a Labor and Delivery nurse and growing up, my family and I always talked with her about her career which made me very interested in health care.  As I got older, I recognized I really enjoyed working with and helping people and I was particularly keen on the variety of opportunities and flexibility within the world of nursing.

What are your typical daily responsibilities as a nurse?

Currently I work as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with two pediatrician’s in a pediatric office. I work completely autonomously in the care of children with ages ranging from birth – 21 years. My responsibilities include baby/child/teenage check-up’s and sports physicals, diagnosing and treating illnesses, writing prescriptions, and ordering and interpreting labs, x-rays and other tests.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite of my job is building relationship with the families and children I take care of.  I particularly enjoy helping new moms during the challenging transitions with a newborn and watching the baby grow as they visit the clinic regularly during the first 2 years of life.  Also I really enjoying working with teens and helping them better understand and take care of their bodies. In my nursing career I have worked in a variety of settings and specialties including pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU, pediatric ICU, and general pediatrics.  Every area of nursing has its pros and cons, with unforgettable patients in each setting.
Every area of nursing has its pros and cons, with unforgettable patients in each setting.

What are some of the different levels of training and certification involved in the nursing field?

There are a variety of of training and certifications in the nursing field which one of the reasons nursing is so appealing to me.  I received my BSN as a registered nurse (RN) and then completed a master’s degree as a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics (PNP).

What are some misconceptions about nursing?

The only misconception about nursing that comes to mind is that it’s only for women. I have worked with a lot of men (particularly in the ICU settings) and they are amazing nurses: patients and families love them.  Nursing is a great career that is flexible, in high demand and you can make great money- male or female.

What are some personality traits that work well in nursing?

Personality traits that work well in nursing include being detail-oriented, compassionate, a good listener, multi-tasker, and the ability to work well with people.

What is something that most people don’t know about nurses?

Most people don’t realize how hard nurses work: it is physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging at times, but also well worth it.

Most people don’t realize how hard nurses work: it is physically, emotionally and mentally challenging at times but also well worth it.

Thank you SueAnn! We realize you are doing phenomenal things in nursing, and wish you continued success!

For more information about careers in nursing, visit My Colleges and Careers.

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