Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system. They account for the major portion of the healthcare field.  From nurses serving in ER to the registered nurses, all ensure that complete care is given to the patient.

Benefits of nursing degree

An increase in population means an increase in the number of patients in hospitals. To treat more patients, more nurses are required to work in medical institutes. This has resulted in the increased demand for a nursing degree. A nursing degree prepares the candidate to meet current requirements and to pursue modern education in the nursing field. This degree equips a candidate to:

  • Provide compassionate and competent care to the patient
  • Practice in the healthcare industry
  • Collect and synthesize the information of a patient
  • Use clinical reasoning in complex and simple situations
  • Interact with patients from different backgrounds
  • Collaborate with physicians to ensure safety and quality of care given to the patient
  • Adapt to innovations in health and medical care technology
  • Understand the role of health care policy in the nursing field.

Pathways of Nursing Degree (1)

  1. Certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate or diploma

A candidate can get this non-degree diploma in nursing at vocational schools and community colleges. Options of both online and in-class studies are available but the student is required to attend clinical hours at the listed location. A student of CNA learns to give basic healthcare services to the patient and supports him in daily activities. Other services of a CNA nurse include:

  • Taking the patient to or from the bed
  • Feeding and bathing a patient
  • Observing vital signs
  • Recording patient information
  • Communicating with patient’s family members
  • Changing bedding

This curriculum trains the candidate in infection control and emergencies and polishes his skills of personal care. Specialization in the field of geriatrics and psychiatry increases employment opportunities.

Who it is for?

CNA certificates help in the possible quickest entry of students in the nursing field. Prerequisites are program dependent, but most are GED or High School Diploma. This certificate is appropriate for the student lying in any of the following groups:

  • Graduates of high school who want to skip college program andopt for a nursing career
  • Future nurses who want to get experience before opting for an advanced nursing program
  • Career changers who are seeking more employment opportunities in the healthcare industry
  • Caregivers, parents, and those who want to pursue their nursing career along with their other responsibilities.

Duration

The exact duration of the CNA certificate varies according to the state. According to federal guidelines, minimum of 75 hours of education and 16 hours of clinical practice under supervision is required. On average the program length is 4-12 weeks.

Salary

The average annual salary of CNAs is $30720.

  1. Associate degree in nursing (ADN)

A candidate must have this degree to become a Registered nurse (RN). This degree is offered at four-year institutions and community colleges. ADN trains the RN in the following duties:

  • Assist doctors during surgeries, exams, and other medical processes
  • Dress incisions and wounds
  • Collect and analyze patient’s diagnostic test
  • Review chart progress and treatment plan of the patient
  • Supervise CNAs, LVNs, and LPNs
  • Give self-care education to the patient

The ADN curriculum includes the study of science subjects such as physiology, chemistry, biology, and anatomy.

Who it is for?

ADN is appropriate for the candidate lying in any of the following group:

  • Graduates of high school who wants to have a long-term career in nursing
  • Parents or caregivers who want a nursing career with financial security and flexible scheduling
  • LPNs and CNAs who want to get an RN position as fast as possible

Duration

This program requires almost 2 years for completion.

Salary

The average annual salary of RNs is $77460.

  1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This is appropriate for RNs who want to play supervisory roles and earn high. With a blend of in-person clinical training and academic classwork, a candidate will learn chemistry, biology, anatomy. BSN trains a candidate in services related to surgery assistance, making treatment plans, laboratory testing, and patient care. Some schools offer sub-specialization in nursing as well.

Who it is for?

This is appropriate choice for those candidates who have financial resources and can make a commitment of 4 years. It is a starting point for those who are planning to earn a master’s degree in nursing.

Duration

The average time of this program is about 4 years.

Salary

The average annual salary of a BSN graduate is $77460

  1. Master of Science in Nursing MSN

It is a program designed for candidates who want to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). In comparison to other nursing programs, it is a more tailored program. A student studies advanced courses of research, healthcare policy, management, and leadership.

Who it is for?

A candidate lying in any of the following groups can qualify for MSN.

  • Students with BSN degree and RN license
  • RNs having a great clinical experience

Duration

A student with BSN credentials can earn this degree in 2 years and the one without BSN credentials can earn this degree in 3 years.

Salary

  • Nurse practitioner: $111840
  • Certified nurse-midwife: $108810
  • Certified nurse anesthetists: $181040
  • Clinical nurse specialist: $77460

Online nursing programs (2)

  • Family nurse practitioner: where candidates learn to give healthcare to people from children to seniors.
  • Nursing administration: where candidates learn to oversee departments and perform in an executive position.
  • Pediatric nurse practitioner: where candidates learn to provide healthcare to children.
  • Psychiatric nurse practitioner: where candidates learn to give healthcare to people with psychiatric disorders.
  • Anesthesia: where nursing candidates learn to administer local and general anesthesia. They also learn how to manage people with sedatives.
  • Clinical nurse leadership: where candidates learn about practices related to health assessment and patient care procedures.
  • Clinical nurse specialist: where professionals are further trained in specific areas.
  • Nursing midwifery: where candidates learn to deal with regular pregnancies and care for all age women.

References

  1. https://www.allnursingschools.com/how-to-get-into-nursing-school/degree-options/
  2. https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/nursing