 |
To
be a successful Registered Nurse you should:
- Be compassionate and caring
- Have excellent leadership and organizational skills
- Have excellent communication skills
- Have good physical and emotional stability
- Be able to deal with a variety of people
- Have the ability to note slight change
- Have an understanding of computers and technology
- Have the ability to analyze problems
- Be flexible and able to multi-task
|
| What
type of education and/or training do I need?
In all states, students must graduate from a nursing
program and pass a national licensing examination to obtain
a nursing license.
There are three major educational paths to nursing: 2-year
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), 4-year Bachelor of
Science degree in Nursing (BSN), and 2-3 year diploma.
LPNs who wish to become registered nurses may apply to
associate degree or diploma programs for articulation. |
| Do
I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is required in the State of Connecticut. In
addition to earning a degree at a state approved RN nursing
program, licensure requires passing the National Council
Licensure Examination or CGFNS examination if foreign-trained. |
| Where
can I get more information? National League
for Nursing
61 Broadway
New York, NY 10006
(800) 669-1656
nln.org
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
1 Dupont Circle NW
Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 463-6930 aacn.nche.edu
American Nurses Association
600 Maryland Avenue, SW
Suite 100 West
Washington, DC 20024
(800) 274-4ANA (4262) ana.org
|
| What
is the salary for this career? $41,600
(Source: Nursing Career Center of Connecticut) |
. |
| What
will my job be like? Nurses care for the
whole person, including physical, emotional, psychological,
social, and spiritual human responses to the entire range
of health issues. Often they care for the ill or injured,
but they are also involved in education and other health-
promoting activities for patients, families, and communities.
Usually nurses work as part of a larger team including
physicians, respiratory therapists, physical therapists,
social workers, and other health care practitioners. RNs
direct and supervise nursing support personnel. They monitor
their patients' conditions, give medications, and provide
treatments prescribed by physicians or advanced practice
nurses.
Nurses can work in a variety of setting and with various
populations such as infants, children, women, or the elderly.
They may also work with special groups of patients such
as those requiring dialysis (kidney machines), rehabilitation,
or the mentally disabled.
Hospital Nurses form the largest group of nurses. They
may work on general surgical or medical units or in a
variety of specialties such as emergency department, pediatrics,
operating rooms, maternity, or many types of critical
care units.
Outpatient Nurses are a growing group. They may work in
institutions in a variety of specialties or in private
offices.
Elder Nurses are interested in caring for elders can choose
positions in varying levels of care including nursing
homes, adult homes, and day treatment centers.
Home Health Nurses/Visiting Nurses provide periodic services,
prescribed by a physician, to patients at home.
Community Health Nurses work in government and private
agencies; and in clinics, schools, retirement communities,
and other community settings.
Occupational Health or Industrial Nurses provide nursing
care at worksites to employees, customers, and others
with minor injuries and illnesses.
Travel Nurses, with some experience, can work for agencies
that offer opportunities all over the country. Assignments
last from many weeks to months, and housing is often included. |
| Where
could I work? Office, occupational health,
and public health nurses are more likely to work regular
business hours. Home health and community health nurses
travel to patients' homes and to schools, community centers,
and other sites. Because patients in hospitals and nursing
homes require 24-hour care, nurses in these institutions
work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Other workplace settings:
- Ambulatory Care Clinics
- Birthing Centers
- Colleges and Universities
- Government Agencies
- Health Maintenance Organizations
- Home Health Care Agencies
- Hospice Care Industry
- Insurance Agencies
- Mental Health Settings
- Migrant Centers
- Military
- Pharmaceutical
- Physician Offices
- Prisons
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Research Facilities
- Residential Care Facilities
- Schools
- Social Service Agencies
- Specialized Outpatient Clinics
- Urgent Care
|
| What
is the future of this career? Employment of
registered nurses is expected to grow faster than the
average through 2008. Because the occupation is large,
many new jobs will result. |
Where
can I get the education and/or training?
- Baccalaureate Programs
- Central Connecticut State University,
New Britain
- Fairfield University School of
Nursing, Fairfield
- Quinnipiac University, Hamden
- Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
- St. Joseph College, West Hartford
- Southern Connecticut State University,
New Haven
- University of Connecticut School
of Nursing, Storrs
- University of Hartford, West Hartford
- Western Connecticut State University,
Danbury
- Associate Programs
- Capital Community College, Hartford
- Housatonic Community College,
Bridgeport
- Naugatuck Valley Community College,
Naugatuck
- Norwalk Community College, Norwalk
- St. Vincent's College, Bridgeport
- Three Rivers Community College,
Norwich
- Diploma in Nursing
- Bridgeport Hospital School of
Nursing, Bridgeport
|
|
