Chapter 9 Nursing

Description Registered nurses (RNs) – treat and educate patients and the public about various medical conditions Provide advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. RNs record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation. Duties are usually determined by the work setting

Nursing Specialties RNs may work in a variety of settings and with diverse patient populations, some examples: –medical-surgical units –pediatrics or pediatric oncology –ER or trauma/ transport –Labor and Delivery –Critical care or ICU nursing –Operative nursing –Travel nursing ($$$)

Work Environment RNs usually spend considerable time on their feet, walking, bending, stretching, and standing. Patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities require 24-hour care; consequently, nurses in these institutions may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts are generally 12 hrs long RNs also may be on call—available to work on short notice. Nurses who work in offices, schools, and other settings that do not provide 24-hour care are more likely to work regular business hours.

Employment Opportunities The largest healthcare occupation, registered nurses held about 2.6 million jobs in 2008 (2.7 million in 2014) Hospitals employed the majority of RNs (60%) jobs. About 8% of jobs were in offices of physicians, 5% in home healthcare services, 5% in nursing care facilities, and 3% in employment services.

Educational and Legal Requirements The three educational paths to becoming an RN are: –Bachelor degree (4 yrs) = BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) –Associate degree (2-3 yrs) –Diploma from an approved nursing program (hospital programs – 3 yrs - don’t know about this one) Nurses most commonly enter the occupation by completing an Associate degree or Bachelor degree program. Individuals then must complete a national licensing examination in order to obtain a nursing license.

Licensure and Certification In all states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination, known as the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN, in order to obtain a nursing license.

Other Qualifications Nurses should be: Caring and sympathetic Responsible Detail oriented Emotionally stable/ professional boundaries They must be able to direct or supervise others, correctly assess patients’ conditions, and determine when consultation is required.

Advancement Most RNs begin as staff nurses in hospitals With experience and good performance, can move to other settings or are promoted to positions with more responsibility Often RNs with AA, advance after obtaining BSN Management - nurses can advance from assistant unit manager to more senior-level administrative roles of assistant director, director, vice president, or Chief of Nursing. Nurse Practioner (NP) has a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing -

Employment Trends Overall job opportunities for registered nurses are expected to be excellent, but may vary by employment and geographic setting. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow by 22% from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. –Update at 16% growth (2014 – 2024)

Earnings Median annual wages of registered nurses were $62,450 in May 2008 ($ 66,640 in 2014) The middle 50% earned between $51,640 and $76,570. The highest 10% earned more than $92,240 Updated info here - d-nurses.htm

LICENSED PRACTICAL AND LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSES

Work Description Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.

Employment Opportunities In 2008, about 25% of LPNs worked in hospitals, 28% in nursing care facilities, and another 12% in offices of physicians. Others worked for home healthcare services; employment services; residential care facilities; community care facilities for the elderly; outpatient care centers; and federal, state, and local government agencies.

Educational and Legal Requirements Most practical nursing training programs last about 1 year and are offered by vocational and technical schools, or community or junior colleges. LPNs must complete a state-approved training program in practical nursing to be eligible for licensure. LPNs must be licensed to practice. NCLEX-PN is required for licensure

Earnings Median annual wages of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses were $39,030 in May The middle 50% earned between $33,360 and $46,710. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,260 The highest 10% earned more than $53,580.

Clark College RN Program Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) – 117 credits Associate in Arts (AA) with direct transfer to WSU to obtain Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing – 142 credits Pre-nursing AA with intent to transfer to other various bachelor’s in nursing programs – 90 credits Clark’s Nursing Program site link on Canvas

Clark Simulation Lab (WSU)