HOW TO BECOME A REGISTERED NURSE IN THE USA

There are currently two ways to be come a professional registered nurse in the USA.

• Associate degree (AS): This is a two-year program offered by universities or junior colleges. This program focuses on the basic sciences, theoretical and clinical aspects of the nursing practice. 
• Baccalaureate degree (BSN): This is a four-year program offered by colleges or universities. In addition to taking the courses offered in the associate degree, they take course in the humanities, art, and social studies to support the nursing practice. 

Both the graduate of the AS or BSN degrees eligible to take the National Council Licensure  Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in the state in which they intend to practice.  

A person with BSN degree can take his/her education to a higher level. Graduate education can be done at the masters or doctoral levels.

• Master's Education: This level provides advance clinical skills, basic science and research-based skills. The degree offered include, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Arts in Nursing (MA in nursing), or Master of Nursing (MN). For those who want to be nurse practitioners, nurse specialist, nurse administrators, or nurse educators, a master's degree is required.
• Doctoral Education: 

1. One of the degrees offered is  DSN or DNSc. This program provides a more advance study in nursing and emphasizes the application of research findings to the clinical setting.
2. The other degree is Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing: This program emphasizes more on research and theory. 

With the advancement in technology and health informatics, more people with doctoral degrees are needed. They are also needed to educate nursing students in the undergraduate and advanced levels.

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

Today is a day to relax your brains by unleashing your creativity. What can you do with empty plastic bottles? Check out this video.

HAPPY 

MARTIN LUTHER KING'S

 DAY

MILESTONES IN NURSING EDUCATION

Here are some good slides on the milestones in nursing education;

1. Milestones in nursing education

2. History and theories

3. Comprehensive history of nursing

4. New Careers in Nursing: Historical Perspective

5. History of nurse's uniform

IS NURSING A PROFESSION?

Nursing is a recognized profession and not just the acquisition of skills. There are seven (7) characteristics or critical attributes of a profession. These are

•  Specialized education
•  Code of ethics
• Research orientation
•  Autonomy
• Body of knowledge
• Service orientation
• Professional Organization

Link to excellent slides on "Nursing as a profession"

"The nursing profession"

"Nursing as a profession slide" 

"Nursing as a noble profession"

FACTORS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED THE DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING

There are many factors that have influenced or imparted the field of nursing. These factors include:

 Societal changes: Over the years, there has been increased in the rural-urban migration, rapid spread of diseases through fast modes of traveling, changes in the demography of the population, increased life span, unemployment, increased job-related or family related stresses, and diversity of cultures. This calls for a nurse who understands the implication of these changes on the health of the client. The nurse should be able to provide a culturally relevant care for the client.

Consumer needs: With the advent of internet and other modes of information and communication, the client the nurse of modern times will deal with have a different view and approach compared to the past. The nurse needs to be aware of these so that he/she can answer the questions and concerns of the client. They nurse should have the right information to be able to counteract myths and beliefs of the client related to health. Clients have also become more health conscious so more and more people are embracing health promotion and wellness programs. The modern nurse should be ready for this as well.

 New emerging threats: With the increased in terrorism such as nuclear, chemical and bioterrorism, special training of nurses in disaster management and decontamination have been instituted in some schools and colleges.  Nursing has, therefore, moved beyond the traditional bedside care in hospital settings into the field.

·         Healthcare Delivery System: Navigating the healthcare system can be very complex with numerous health insurances, Medicaid, etc. Cost of healthcare is also on the increase and the conditions covered by these programs/insurances vary from one program to another. The nurse has to be aware of these programs in order to provide cost-effective management.

·         Evidence-based practice: There are many research findings that are published each day. The nurse has to constantly educate himself/herself to be abreast with the progress in this field. Management of clients keeps changing with these research findings. A nurse should be able to incorporate these new techniques/procedures into the case management while still respecting the values of the client.

·         Nursing and Biomedical Research: The nurse should be ready to contribute to the growing knowledge of research.  This requires developing research skills and critical minds.

·         Nurse as an Educator: With the growing shortage of nursing, clients are usually discharged home early to continue their treatments at home. The nurse has to develop good communication skills in order to be able to educate the client on how to continue the management outside the hospital settings.

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