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Nurses care for the whole person, including physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual human responses to the 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. RN’s directs and supervise nursing support personnel. They monitor their patients’ conditions, give medications, and provide treatment prescribed by physicians or advanced practice nurses.
Nurses can work in a variety of settings 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.
Geriatric/Gerontology Nurses are interested in caring for older adults. They 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.
Office, occupational health, and public 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.
$80,200
Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as they live longer and more active lives.
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.
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.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
655 K Street NW
Suite 750
Washington DC 20001
202-463-6930
www.aacn.nche.edu
American Nurses Association
8515 Georgia Ave, Suite 400
Silver Spring, MD 20910
800-284-2378
www.nursingworld.org
National League for Nursing
The Watergate, 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20037
800-669-1656
www.nln.org
Connecticut League for Nursing
110 Washington Avenue, Lower Level
North Haven, CT 06473
203-691-5013
ctnursingguide.com