Nursing Careers
Registered Nurse (RN)
Nursing is a rewarding but highly technical field. The Registered Nurse
operates and interprets intricate lifesaving equipment and understands,
administers, and evaluates the effects of a wide range of medications.
Nurses also participate in patient care evaluations, discharge planning,
and patient education. An Associates (ADN) and/or a Bachelor of Science
in Nursing (BSN) is required as the base for the full range of practice
and responsibilities in a variety of settings.
Additional information:
explorehealthcareers.org
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Alabama Health Careers (ADN)
Alabama Health Careers (BSN)
Alabama Board of Nursing
Additional Information:
explorehealthcareers.org
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Alabama Health Careers
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
One way to enter the exciting and challenging world of nursing is to become
a Licensed Practical Nurse. LPNs care for the sick, injured, convalescing,
and handicapped under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.
Most LPNs provide basic bedside care. They take vital signs, such as temperature,
blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They help patients with personal
hygiene, feed them, record food and liquid intake and output, keep them
comfortable, and care for their emotional needs.
Additional Information:
explorehealthcareers.org
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Alabama Health Careers
Alabama Board of Nursing
Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
Patient Care Assistants, also called Patient Care Technicians (PCT), are entry-level nursing assistants who work directly under the supervision of a registered or licensed practical nurse. They have a variety of duties depending on the type of facility and the type of patient. These may include taking and recording pulses, temperatures, and blood pressures, as well as bathing and feeding patients, and assisting physicians in examinations. Many people become Patient Care Assistants as the first step towards advanced nursing, medicine, and other patient-care careers.
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia care to patients of all age groups
requiring surgery. CRNAs work directly under the guidance of an Anesthesiologist.
Nurse Anesthetists are responsible for the care of patients both pre and
post-surgery. CRNAs responsibilities include performing a preoperative
assessment on the patient, administering anesthesia and monitoring the
patient's levels during the surgery, bringing the patient out of anesthesia
after the surgery, and performing a follow-up visit to see how the patient
is recovering from the anesthesia. To become a CRNA, one must hold an
active RN license and CRNA license in the current state of employment.
Additional Information:
explorehealthcareers.org
About.com: Health Careers
Alabama Health Careers
Alabama Association of Nurse Anesthetists (ALANA)
Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
If you would like to assume a more advanced career in nursing, Nurse Practitioner
may be a profession you would like to pursue. Nurse Practitioners work
under the direct supervision of a physician and provide primary patient
care to all types of patients. Nurse Practitioners can examine, diagnose,
and treat patients. Nurse Practitioners have the option to specialize
in different areas of patient care, including Family, Neonatal, Occupational
Health, and Women's Health Nursing. Educational requirements to become
a Nurse Practitioner vary by state. However, minimum requirements include
being a registered nurse, completing an approved nurse practitioner program,
and passing the national certification exam.
Additional Information:
explorehealthcareers.org
Alabama Health Careers
CareerPlanner.com
Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technologists are a vital part of a surgical team in the Operating
Room. They work under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses and
Physicians. The main duty of a Surgical Tech is to assist the physician
during surgery. Surgical Techs also prep the Operating Room by placing
surgical instruments and other equipment in the proper place. During surgical
procedures, a Surgical Technologist has multiple job responsibilities.
They distribute the instruments and equipment to the doctors when they
request them. Techs also may be responsible for monitoring patient vital
signs and gathering specimens from patients to transport to the laboratory
for additional analysis. Surgical Technologists are also responsible for
maintaining the supply room and ensuring all supplies are in order.
Additional Information:
explorehealthcareers.org
About.com: Career Planning
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Alabama Health Careers
Association of Surgical Technologists