Healthcare Career Articles
Becoming a Nurse
There was a report recently on the television about the nursing shortage in California. Two of our state representatives are backing a new bill to accelerate the registered nurse programs in some of the community colleges. The problem is getting into any nursing program. There is a very small acceptance rate because classes are small and the number of people applying is many. There is often a lottery system for acceptance. Many people go through the frustration of applying more than once and not getting in. If the bill passes, more students will get into these programs hopefully to help the shortage.
Right now, there are many ways to become a nurse, depending on what level a person desires. There are RN programs of varying lengths. Four year, baccalaureate programs, as well as two and three year associate degree programs. There are also LVN programs,LVN education available at community colleges and private schools of different lengths. Both RN's and LVN's take care of patients and clients but there are many role differences. The RN supervises the LVN. The LVN supervises the nursing aide and techs. Both types of nurses collaborate with physicians and other health care providers. Both provide teaching to the patient. Both provide doors to different opportunities.
Becoming an LVN can be an exciting and challenging way to get into the nursing field. There are often accelerated programs of 12-14 months long that provide quality instruction and excellent opportunities for practice in a variety of clinical settings. Many current and past students have stated that it is a great way to begin nursing, get some experience and confidence before they pursue other options, such as an LVN to RN bridge program. Other students have stated that they are excited to be nurses and that they have a new career. LVN's can work in a variety of place, such as, hospitals, medical clinics, skilled facilities, rehabilitation centers, prisons, schools, parishes, pharmaceutical companies, home health or private duty.
One of the great advantages of the nursing field is that there choices for employment and that nurse can always continue learning and moving up the nursing ladder. A nurse who is an expert in wound care or is competent and certified in IV insertion will have more opportunities than one does not. Continuing education is an integral part of nursing as well. We have the latest knowledge at our fingertips for teaching our clients and patients to optimally care for themselves.
The LVN courses the student takes include Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical/Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Psychiatric Nursing. Each course builds on previous classes, increasing ones knowledge base to help one make critical decisions about patient care confidently and competently.