Nursing is a dynamic interpersonal goal-directed process that seeks to promote optimal health within the context of individuals, family, community and society.
Job Tasks:
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Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
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Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in patients’ conditions.
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Record patients’ medical information and vital signs.
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Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patients’ responses and conditions.
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Consult and coordinate with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans.
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Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
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Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient’s condition.
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Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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Direct and supervise less skilled nursing or health care personnel or supervise a unit.
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Prepare patients for, and assist with, examinations and treatments.
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Observe nurses and visit patients to ensure nursing care.
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Instruct individuals, families, or other groups on topics such as health education, disease prevention, or childbirth and develop health improvement programs.
Skills and Abilities Needed to Perform Job:
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Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases and deformities.
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Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
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Knowledge of human behavior and performance, individual differences in ability personality, and interests; learning and motivation, psychological research methods and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and effective disorders.
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Knowledge of use of Diagnostic and procedural coding software.
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Knowledge and use of data entry software.
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Knowledge and use of electronic mail software (Microsoft).
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Knowledge and use of information retrieval or search software (drug guides).
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Knowledge and use of medical software (Epic, MEDITECH, PointClickCare, Siemens, SIENET Sky).
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Knowledge and use of Microsoft software programs (Power Point, Excel, Word and Office).
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Oral Comprehension – Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning – Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning – Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Problem Sensitivity –Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
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Written Comprehension – Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Oral Expression – Ability to communicate information in speaking so that others will understand.
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Information Ordering – Ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules.
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Speech Clarity – Ability to speak clearly so others can understand.
Desired Work Style Attributes:
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Attention to details
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Integrity – Honest and ethical
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Cooperation – Pleasant with others
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Concern for Others – Sensitive to needs of others
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Dependability – Reliable and responsible
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Stress Tolerance – Accepting criticism and dealing calmly in stressful situations
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Self-Control – Maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check
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Persistence
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Social Orientation – Preferring to work with others rather than alone
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Analytical Thinking – Analyzing a variety of information to solve problems
Education Requirements:
The Registered Nurse is educated to provide care to all individual or groups that are sick or healthy. RNs help coordinate patient care through patient education. There are several educational paths to consider once you decide that you would like to pursue a nursing degree. You can earn a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a four-year college or university, a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from a technical college, or you can earn a nursing diploma from a hospital nursing program, although this option is becoming much less common with the proliferation of associate programs. Schooling in the field is relatively easy to find, with degrees well within reach of even the busiest of individuals.
Once you have completed your degree, you need to pass your states licensing exam which is called the NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination.
The higher your level of education, the more advantages you will have. Bachelor's degrees are a highly coveted asset the nursing world, so those who opt for a shorter Associates route often find themselves going back to school to advance up the medical ladder. But if immediate immersion in the field is what you seek, then a technical school program may be the proper course. There will also be more chances to advance in the field if you have a bachelor's degree. If you want, you can continue your education. You can enroll in masters and PhD programs at many colleges with the option of getting certified in many specialty areas such as gerontology or pediatrics.
All states require nurses to be licensed. You must pass a national licensing exam after graduating from a nursing program.