R N Jobs – Become a Registered Nurse
For those interested in a nursing career, there is a shortage of nurses in many countries, including the UK and the US. Many nurses are now studyin...
For those interested in a nursing career, there is a shortage of nurses in many countries, including the UK and the US.
Many nurses are now studying to degree level and having to engage in regular training throughout their careers
Of course it is essential for all medical professionals to keep up with developments in treatment and research.
Nurses can choose to specialize in a specific area such as emergency medicine, midwifery, theatre or intensive care nursing. They can also work in the community as district nurses or in GPs’ surgeries
As nurses progress in their careers, there is a tendency to move them to administrative positions, which means more money, but less patient contact, which does not appeal to many nurses, as they trained to work directly with people who are ill and in pain.
However, it is possible to specialize in certain clinical areas and in 1999 the role of nurse consultant and midwife consultant were created in the UK, allowing nurses to progress and still spend 50% of their time working directly with patients , whilst earning a much higher salary than in traditional roles. They are also involved in education and research. Further training is available for nurses wishing to work in the community as district or school nurses and in industry as occupational nurses.
In the US the number of openings in nursing is expected to grow much faster than it will in many other sectors.
Nurses need to be able to handle a heavy workload, work well in a team and be able to get on with all types of people. They should be sensitive, as they will often need to talk to distressed patients and relatives, observant and able to cope with stressful situations. In addition, they need to be prepared to do shift work at some points of their careers. There is plenty of scope for part-time work, which is suited to mothers who want to spend more time with their children.
In the UK, the minimum age for trainee nurses is 17.5 years and older applicants are welcome, as this is one profession where maturity is considered an asset.
