The Different Branches in the Nursing Career
There are several paths for a nursing career, each differing in its educational requirements. When deciding to become a nurse it's wise to figure out where you would like to specialize. Knowing this information can help you streamline your training and start your nursing career as soon as possible. Four popular nursing careers include nurse practitioner, registered nurse, home health nurse and perinatal nurse.
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Nurse Practitioner
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A career as a nurse practitioner requires the most advanced training and education. This type of nurse performs several functions that are similar to a physician such as prescribing medicine and independently treating and diagnosing patients. Nurse practitioners are independent for the most part, reporting only to one medical doctor. A nurse practitioner career requires a master's degree and several years of nursing experience before the candidate will be accepted for training.
Registered Nurse
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Registered Nurses provide education to patients, families and communities about disease prevention, health and illness. Furthermore, RNs are responsible for providing direct patient care by observing, assessing and reporting a patient's symptoms, treatment reactions and progress. RNs also assist doctors during surgery and administer medicine. They play a major role in the patient's recovery, including instructing patients and family about out-of-hospital health care. Becoming an RN requires a bachelor's degree in nursing.
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Home Health Nurse
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Home health nurses help and advise patients receiving home care. Their job is to analyze a patient's home environment, provide advice for improvement and instruct patients and family. Moreover, home health nurses work independently and care for a wide range of patients recovering from illness and injury. They also provide health aid to homebound patients under the instruction of a physician. A home health nursing career requires several years of experience as an RN.
Perinatal Nurse
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Perinatal nurses specialize in helping people with pregnancy and childbirth issues. Perinatal nurses are involved in helping pregnant women and couples prepare for childbirth and early infant care by offering health advice and instruction on watching for symptoms. Furthermore, perinatal nurses help doctors during delivery and are trained for independent delivery. A career in perinatal nursing training programs are often offered as continuing professional development for registered nurses.
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