No matter what RN program you enter, the essential core skills will be similar.
Assessment
You will learn to collect and analyze data about a client, the first step in delivering care. Assessment often involve collecting information on a patient's physiological status, but also may include psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, economic, and life-style factors as well. For example, a nurse's assessment of pain includes not only the physical causes and features of the pain, but the patient's responses to the pain—such as an inability to sleep, difficulty eating, social withdrawal, anger directed at hospital staff, fear, or request for excessive pain mediation.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is your clinical judgment about the patients needs and progress. The diagnosis should involve a holistic view of supporting recovery. In addition pain status, a diagnosis may also include that the pain has caused other psychological, social, or nutritional problems, or has the potential to cause complications. The diagnosis is the basis for your care plan.
Outcomes/Planning
Based on the assessment and diagnosis, you will set measurable and achievable short- and long-term progress goals. This might include moving from bed to chair at three times per day (observable, measurable goal); maintaining adequate nutrition by eating smaller, more frequent meals; resolving conflict through counseling, or managing pain through adequate medication. A follow up assessment plan and goals are written in the patient's care plan so that all health professionals (including other nurses) caring for the patient can access it.
Implementation
Nursing care is implemented according to your care plan. Care is documented in the patient's record.
Evaluation
Both the patient's status and the effectiveness of the care must be continuously assessed, and the care can be plan modified as needed.
Many nursing students worry about whether or not they are getting enough clinical skills. These days, many nursing schools are using clinical simulation labs to teach nursing skills. In the lab students can practice their skills on mannequins that have been specially designed to simulate actual medical conditions.
ADN vs. BSN
In all States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-RN. But there are many ways to get there!
You can obtain one (or more!) of several degrees in order to become a nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): This degree is typically gained through a year of training at a hospital, graduation from vocational-technical school, or through community college.
Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN): is acquired through graduation from community college and usually takes two years. It prepares an RN for a very defined set of clinical practices, and coursework includes technical practice and nursing theory. Many nurses with an ADN will return to school for a BSN or higher degree.
Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (BSN): A Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (BSN) requires graduation from a traditional 4-year college or university, and provides the full preparation for the entire scope of RN responsibilities. The preparation from a BSN includes nursing theory and broad clinical practice, as well as study of human development, psychology, chemistry, biology, and nutritional sciences. BSN holders are qualified to pursue masters degrees and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) professions, including Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNW) , Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
Are Online Degrees as Valued as Traditional Ones?
As long as you are taking courses within an accredited program, there is no question at all of validity. Keep in mind of course that you will still be required to pass your NCLEX. Online nursing programs are not a substitute for real-life nurse training.
Hiring committees are more likely to commend you for your after-hours dedication to furthering your education.
Why Online?
Interested nurses often have a hard time finding courses that are not only within their area, but fit their schedules as well.
The typical nurse is dedicated, strong-willed, and self-motivated.Those applying to become a nurse often work multiple jobs, leaving little time for attending structured class. Combine the need for independence plus a natural motivation, and it becomes clear why online nursing degrees make so much sense.
The Skinny on Being a Licensed Practical Nurse
Job Description
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work under the direct supervision of RNs and physicians but are capable of performing most patient care tasks. These tasks include taking patients' vital signs, temperature, blood pressure, and patient bathing. The only RN-specific tasks that LPNs are not able to do are to administer IVs, push pharmaceuticals, and hang the first unit of blood. LPNs are called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in Texas and California.
Median Salary
$40,000
Education Requirements
Most LPNs complete a one-year LPN program usually offered at a vocational or technical school.
Job Outlook
Like most nursing specialties, licensed practical nurses are in high demand and job growth in this specialty is expected to remain steady over the next ten years.
View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/registered-nurse-online-programs-a-review
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