Nurses are in high demand, and many students have become interested in the field of nursing. But before you jump into a program, take a look at some of the nuances of nursing. The field of nursing covers a wide variety of practitioners, each with specialized training and requirements. Here are six of the most in-demand types of nurse practitioners.
Geriatric Nurse
Geriatric nurses deal with elderly patients. They respond to the needs of older patients and provide them with information on how to protect their health. Geriatric nurses have a special role in helping patients make their way comfortably through their final years of life. There is a high demand for nurses in this area because most elderly people need frequent medical attention. Also, thanks to the rise in average life span, the demand will continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
General Nurse Practitioner
A general nurse practitioner works in a hospital or other general care setting. He or she will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks, such as vitals monitoring, patient comfort, and healthcare management. This is the branch of nursing that most new graduates choose. Visit rmuohp.com to learn more about the requirements for a general nurse practitioner program.
Intensive Care Nurse
Intensive care nurses take care of patients that are critically ill. Their jobs often revolve around keeping a patient alive and as comfortable as possible. Intensive care nurses are primarily an advocate for their patients, respecting their wishes whenever possible, while intervening when in the best interest of the patient. They also are the liaison between the patient, their family, and other doctors and nurses. Intensive care nurses report a high level of engagement in their work. Completing a DNP program will prepare you for this line of work.
Occupational Health Nurse
These are the nurses that are involved in helping patients cope with daily tasks and work-related functioning. Occupational health nurses may be responsible for completing work-related physicals, and they often work within a specific company rather than a hospital. Occupational health nurses are rewarded by helping individuals preserve their normal functioning. They must earn a certification, associate degree, or higher degree in order to practice the profession.
Mental Health Nurse
Mental health nurses care for patients with psychiatric issues and mental illness. Many of these nurses are needed to deal with patients with alcohol and drug addictions. They provide support and medical advice, as well as comfort. Nurses may also be expected to treat the medical conditions underlying a mental illness, so their job provides an additional level of challenge. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are permitted to distribute medication and offer personal care to patients, while registered nurses (RNs) give psychological assessments and offer advice to patients and families.
In summary, nursing is a flexible profession that can suit the interests of many individuals. A good program in nursing will allow you to become a general nurse practitioner, and specialized training is available for those who want to pursue more specific fields. As a career choice, nursing provides you with a lot of skills and options to create a rewarding lifestyle.
