The Work Environment of a Nurse

The working environment of a nurse varies, depending on the type of nurse and the place of employment. However, it is very typical of a nurse to work long hours at odd times. It isn't uncommon for a nurse to work a 12-hour shift, have a day off, and then back on for another long day/night. The environment can be hectic and high-pressure, as nurses are depended on to make quick decisions, follow a strict protocol, and care for the sick and injured. In some cases, such as when caring for someone with an infectious disease, the nurse's work environment can be dangerous. However, the emotional benefits can be rewarding. In addition to providing medical attention, a nurse provides moral support to the patient and the patient's friends and family. Your training while earning a nursing degree inclass or online will help prepare you for these types of working environments.

Specialties of Nursing

In general, it is a nurse's duty to provide medical attention to a patient, assist other nurses and doctors, and administer tests. However, there are some nurses who specialize in certain fields, which may add to or change their list of duties. Nursing specialties include: psychiatry, critical care, pediatrics, midwifery, and gynecology. Some specialties require further training and education, beyond a regular nursing program. These additional programs are often attainable through online degree programs that you can customize to work with your schedule. A nurse may wish to attend a post-graduate degree program in a particular specialty.

Accelerated Nursing Degrees

Accelerated nursing degrees allow students to complete a bachelor of nursing in as little as a year. Online degree programs are sought after by many as a means of completing an accelerated degree. The accelerated program has grown in popularity as a reaction to the US's nursing shortage of recent years. Understandably, an accelerated nursing program requires long hours and diligent participation. Also, the schools that offer accelerated programs are often very selective with candidates. It is a great program for those seeking a quick route to a lucrative career, but it is not without its challenges.

Types of Nursing Programs

There are a few different programs you can participate in either online or oncampus when you're studing to become a nurse. You can become a licensed vocational nurse, or LVN, after approximately one year of training and passing the NCLEX. A registered nurse, or RN, requires more training, as they will be overseeing the duties of LVNs and orderlies. RNs often graduate from bachelor programs before taking their NCLEX. There are also post-graduate degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Job Opportunities

The demand for graduates of a nursing degree is high today. There has been a shortage of licensed nurses for years. Due to the demand of nurses, colleges are offering accelerated programs and online programs for nursing students to be able to accomodate the busy lives of profressionals. Nurses account for over 2 million employees in the United States, but that still isn't enough. Upon graduating with a bachelor in nursing, one can find job openings at the following places:

*Hospitals

*Physician's Office

*Nursing Homes

*Outpatient Services

*Government Agencies

*Schools

Choosing A Nursing School

When choosing a nursing school, you should first decide which program you want to enter. Then, you should look for a school that is accredited, has a good financial aid department, and that provides the right kind of clinical rotation. You may also have a preference for what size the school is, as that will change the instructor-to-student ratio. Online bachelors degree in nursing programs are well suited for those with a busy schedule from work and/or family.

Tuition For Nursing School

Tuition for nursing school varies greatly for public and private institutions and whether the program is being administered online. An out-of-state school may be higher if you do not legally reside in the area, however, an online nursing degree program may fit with your financial and personal goals. Many colleges and online degree programs have a good financial aid program in place, and the financial aid office can assist you in whatever state you reside. Speak to a financial aid counselor at the college if you are very intent on attending their program.

Selecting a Specialization for Your Bachelor Degree in Nursing

Before obtaining a bachelor degree in nursing, it’s important to have a specialization or concentration in mind. Nursing is a versatile program that encompasses a variety of diverse subjects and specializations. Here are a few questions to get you started and then examples of common areas of specialization to consider when pursuing your bachelor of degree in nursing.

Where do you like to live and work? Do you enjoy travel? What type of environment do you prefer? Here are a few examples of common specializations by placement type:

• Military
• Private nursing
• Travel and/or concierge
• Correctional (prison, jail, adolescent detention centers)
• Summer camps
• School system
• College campus
• Nursing homes

What population do you enjoy working with the most? Here are a few examples of common specializations by population type:

• Newborns (neonatology)
• Children and adolescents (pediatrics)
• Adults or the elderly (gerontology or geriatrics)
• Terminally ill
• Mentally Ill
• Pregnant or new mothers

What conditions do you enjoy working with?

• Epidemiology
• Diabetes
• General Education
• HIV/AIDS education, prevention or treatment
• Oncology
• Many More!

Schedule a time to speak to an academic advisor in your department to determine whether a specific course of study will fit your needs. Particularly if you intend to further your education or pursue a graduate degree at a later date, be sure to review not only the undergraduate plan of study but also graduate courses for any colleges you may wish to attend.

Financing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing

The good news is obtaining a bachelor of science degree in nursing is now more convenient than ever, thanks in part to online degree programs. However, it is still a major investment in terms of both time and money. There are many ways to pay for a degree in nursing and many people are able to use more than one method so schedule a time to speak with a financial aid officer who can assist you in determining your full eligibility for assistance. In the meantime, here are four places to begin:

1. If you are currently employed then contact the human resource department at your place of employment. Many employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement especially if it will enhance their current job skills. Be sure to find out exactly what is covered and any stipulations such as minimum grade required for reimbursement. If you are attending a college like Penn State, ask about the direct billing option so you don’t have to wait for reimbursement!

2. Contact FAFSA otherwise known as Free Application for Federal Student Aid at the U.S. Department of Education. You can visit the website or call (800) 4-FED-AID (433-3243).

3. Find a scholarship. Scholarships are everywhere so keep your eyes and ears open. To perform a comprehensive scholarship search visit FastWeb. FastWeb contains a huge database of scholarships with eligibility criteria clearly listed.

4. School financial aid office. This is a must. Nearly every school has private scholarships in addition to grants, loans, deferred payment plans and much more. Schedule a time to speak with a financial aid advisor to explore all available options.

Break Free of Burnout and Revitalize Your Career!

Nursing is hard work and it takes a toll on you physically and emotionally. Burnout is a constant threat as it hurts not only you but also your patients, family and associates. Could you already be suffering from burnout? Here are a few common signs and symptoms:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Headaches
• Increased vulnerability to illnesses, such as colds and flu
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Guilt
• Irritability
• Callousness
• Pessimism
• Substance abuse
• Absenteeism
• Misuse of work breaks
• Tardiness
• Dehumanization of patients
• Reduced communication with colleagues or patients
• Withdrawal from colleagues or patients

One of the best ways to revitalize your career and regain control of burnout is to enhance your education by taking nursing courses online. They are convenient, flexible and offer an unprecedented opportunity to focus on a different specialization or move into a supervisory capacity. Perhaps you would even enjoy becoming a nurse practitioner or working with an entirely new population. The choices are wide open for experienced and skilled nursing professionals. Don’t allow burnout to ruin your life and career. Instead, invest in yourself and regain the enthusiasm for a career you love!

Scheduling Study Time for an Online Nursing Degree

If it has been a few years since you took classes then it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed when first returning to school. One of the biggest problems for new students enrolled in any online degree program, including an online nursing degree, is how to set aside study time. Here are a few tips that will help ease the transition between work and study:

1. Plan ahead. You should already have your schedule of nursing courses online as outlined with an academic advisor but don’t neglect asking for advance copies of course outlines as well. This will allow you to plan your schedule in advance – especially those large projects!
2. Set aside a special time of day to study. Make sure everyone knows this is your study time and there can be no interruptions unless it’s a dire emergency.
3. Find your personal space. Approach your study time like you would a small luxury. Make sure the area is pleasant, well lit and comfortable. Bring your favorite beverage or a small treat. Not enough to disrupt but just enough to make it something you look forward to!
4. Begin small and don’t be too tough on yourself! Especially at the beginning you may not have the focus and concentration to complete an entire task all at once. Set aside small blocks of work to perform and then give yourself a break. Gradually work up to longer blocks of time.

Registered Nurses

A registered nurse, or RN, is a degreed individual who is trained and licensed to practice nursing after receiving their degree online or in class. An RN can be a graduate of an associate or bachelor degree program online or on campus, depending on the particular requirements of the state. Upon graduating from nursing school and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), an RN trains in a medical setting for many hours. The work schedule includes long, erratic hours and includes overseeing LVNs and orderlies.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is the most commonly sought nursing program and is the one most preferred by employers. Like most bachelor programs both in class and online, the first two years are spent completing general requirements, such as English, history, and humanities courses. The last two years are more focused in medicine and it is after graduation that nursing hopefuls take their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). If you're working toward your Bachelor of Nursing online, special counseling sessions and chat rooms are available to talk with other students. A BSN opens the most doors for nursing students hoping to have a successful career in the field.

Nursing Courses Online

Attending nursing courses online can be a very rewarding experience. Instructor-led, live chat rooms recreate a classroom experience from the comforts of home. General online courses include:

*Anatomy and Physiology

*Biology

*Chemistry

*Statistics

*English Composition

*Psychology

*Sociology