Introduction to the Nursing Field 8 th Grade Connections Class Written by Beverly Tippens

Being a NURSE means….. You will never be bored. You will always be frustrated. You will be surrounded by challenges. So much to do and so little time. You will carry immense responsibility and very little authority. You will step into people's lives and you will make a difference. Some will bless you. Some will curse you.

Being a NURSE Means…. You will see people at their worst... and at their best. You will never cease to be amazed at people's capacity for love, courage, and endurance. You will see life begin...and end. You will experience resounding triumphs and devastating failures. You will cry a lot. You will laugh a lot. You will know what it is to be human and to be humane.

Florence Nightingale Pledge I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his/her work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.

Registered Nurse All states require that nurses graduate from one of three training pathways: Diploma years of education. Located in hospitals Associate Degree (A.D.) -- 2 years. Located at a community college Bachelor of science in nursing degree (B.S.N.) years. Located in college or university.

Roles/Responsibilities Range from basic patient care to administrative positions. The nurse is a patient advocate, representing the needs of the patient.

Facilities of Employment Hospitals Physicians’ Offices Nursing Homes Home Health Care Public Health Occupational or Industrial facilities Supervisory positions Military

Job Outlook/Salary Job outlook is excellent for registered nurses. At present there is a shortage of nurses. Salaries range from $35,000 to $130,000+ depending on education and experience.

Advance Practice Nurses Advance practice nurses are registered nurses who have successfully completed additional training requirements. Advance practice nurses work under the supervision of a physician to provide basic medical care. They are able to diagnose and treat common ailments and prescribe medications with the approval of a physician.

Advance Practice Nurses Clinical Nurse Specialties -- nurses who specialize in a specific nursing area such as gerontology or neonatology. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists -- have training in anesthesia and are supervised by an anesthesiologist. Certified Nurse-Midwife -- assist in delivery of infants with advance training in the delivery process.

Licensed Practical Nurse Perform nursing care under the supervision of a physician or a registered nurse. Most receive their training in a vocational or technical school. All programs have a classroom and clinical component.

Roles/Responsibilities Responsible for assessing patients’ conditions and providing care required to keep patients safe. Provide basic bedside nursing care which might include taking vital signs, treating bedsores, administering medication, giving enemas, inserting and caring for urinary catheters, etc.

Facilities of Employment May work in any areas where they may be supervised by a physician or registered nurse.