Violent crime is on the rise in the U.S., making it more likely that you – or someone you love – could become a victim. Nursing is a tough job that can take an emotional toll. Forensic nurses’ have added responsibilities like gathering evidence and testifying in court when requested. Victims of sexual assault are […]
How to Become a CNA in 3 Steps
Every professional career has an entry-level position. Nursing is no exception. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are the equivalent of a starting role within the nursing field. While not technically nurses, CNAs provide a vital service to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs). They help patients with daily living tasks, freeing up LPNs and […]
Online Associate Degree in Nursing
Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) often is the first step in your journey toward becoming a nurse. With an ADN, you can pursue entry-level nursing roles at clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and private medical practices. When you have an ADN, you can perform direct patient care in healthcare settings like clinics, […]
What to Know About the BLS, ACLS, and PALS Certifications
Starting your career as a nurse includes several steps along the way. In addition to getting a nursing degree and passing the NCLEX exam, you should consider obtaining certifications that can help advance your nursing career. Some aren’t optional, like the Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. All registered nurses (RNs) must obtain BLS. Depending on […]
How to Become an Endoscopy Nurse in 3 Steps
Becoming an endoscopy nurse is among the many nursing specialties you can explore. Endoscopy nurses work with healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat gastroenterological and respiratory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nursing is one of the healthcare careers that provide endless possibilities for advancement in the field. Whether […]
Become an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner in 3 Steps
Becoming a nurse practitioner requires dedication to schooling and gaining relevant on-the-job experience. Orthopedic nurse practitioners, like orthopedic doctors and surgeons, focus on diseases and injuries that impact the musculoskeletal system. They can treat patients with chronic health conditions like arthritis or those with broken or fractured bones. Helping patients regain mobility after injuries or […]
Pursuing a Career as a Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nurses (L&D) are an integral part of the medical team responsible for caring for two patients at the same time: the pregnant mother and child. It’s their job to help moms through their pregnancies and assist with the safe delivery of newborns. New mothers, especially, depend on the expertise and compassion of […]
PA vs. NP: What’s the Difference?
To the uninitiated, a physician’s assistant and nurse practitioner can seem like the exact same healthcare role. Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) share a lot in common, so it’s easy to see why there’s confusion. Both are advanced healthcare practitioners with similar duties. However, their training and certification differ significantly. Physician assistants provide […]
Become a Developmental Disability Nurse in 3 Steps
Developmental disability nurses (DDNs), sometimes called special needs nurses, care for patients with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome are among the most common conditions nurses handle daily. All nurses must have compassion and empathy for their patients to be successful in their fields. However, DDNs deal with some of the […]
How to Become an Orthopedic Nurse
Becoming an orthopedic nurse is the perfect career for someone interested in musculoskeletal issues like arthritis, fractures, and joint and bone diseases. Orthopedics is the branch of medicine focused on the entire musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, ligaments, muscles, soft tissues, and tendons. Occasional pain in the joints and muscles is normal. Lower back pain […]
Become a Critical Care Transport Nurse in 3 Steps
Sometimes critical care patients require more advanced care than they can receive at a specific hospital or trauma center. When that happens, they depend on the expertise of critical care teams to safely transport them to other treatment centers. Critical care transport nurses are a vital part of the crew. They work quickly and safely […]
Nurse Symbols 101: A Brief History
Nursing pins, medical jewelry, and even scrubs proudly display the symbols representing the power and responsibility of nurses. When you see a person wearing one of these symbols, there is instant identification. Even if a nurse is not in scrubs and on the job, you know what they do for a living just by seeing […]
Understanding the Nursing Scope of Practice
Nurses rarely claim boredom with their profession given the limitless opportunities that are available. From the variety of patients and healthcare settings to the nursing specialties you can pursue, there is nary a dull moment. Nurses can develop their craft, learn new skills, and challenge their knowledge every time they put on their scrubs and […]
Comparing the Differences Between a DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing
Nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree who want to advance their careers even further may consider earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Both of these degrees are considered terminal degrees for advanced practice nurses. However, that is where most of the similarities end. A […]
How to Become a Disney Nurse
Nursing can be challenging and stressful at times. Depending on where you work, it also can be loads of fun! If you’re looking for nursing opportunities that take you to whole new worlds, then you may want to consider a job as a Disney nurse. There’s a reason Disneyland is called “The Happiest Place on […]
