Growing Careers in Nursing
As the world's population increases and ages, the demand for skilled nurses increases which pushes forward the demand for nurses with specialized training. While all nursing fields are progressing in its demand, there are some that are growing at a quicker pace than others. If you are interested in a career in nursing or are thinking about going back to school for a higher degree you may want to consider one of the fields below.
Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN
Licensed practical nurses work directly under registered nurses or physicians to provide basic healthcare. As an LPN, you would be expected to take patient vitals, record all information of symptoms and treatment progression as well as any basic health care the patient requires. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is estimated that there will be an increase in demand for LPN's by 21% by 2018. Read more about the job of an LPN.
Ambulatory Care Nurse
More and more healthcare services are being practiced in the doctor's office rather than in hospitals. As an ambulatory care nurse you will assist physicians with patients during their routine office visit. You will be required to treat patients with a variety of illnesses or injuries. You will work under the direct guidance of a physician while attending patients. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ambulatory care nursing positions will increase by 48% by 2018.
Geriatric Nursing
As the Baby Boomer population enters retirement age, there will be a greater need for geriatric nurses to alleviate the increased patient burden. As a nurse working in geriatrics, you will work with elderly patients. Your primary responsibilities will be to help alleviate disabilities that are age-related and patient ailments such as movement impairment and heart disease. Most of these nurses work in nursing care facilities. The expected job growth of geriatric nurses is 25%.
Perioperative Nurses
If you are more adventurous, you may want to consider becoming a perioperative nurse. These nurses work along with surgeons during surgical operations. Your job description includes preparing the operating room for surgical procedures, assisting surgeons during operations, and restoring the room to its former cleanliness after the procedure is over. Due to the increase of ambulatory surgical centers more operating room nurses will be hired.
Cardiovascular Nursing
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease has become the leading killer in the United States. Because there is such a constant increase in cardiovascular patients, more nurses will be needed to meet patient demand. Heart disease generally affects those who are entering their elderly years. As a cardiovascular nurse you will work alongside cardiologists treating patients who have heart conditions or need heart surgery.
Gynecology Nurse
Today's women are becoming more knowledgeable about the importance of gynecologist visits to care for their bodies. With the influx of new patients more gynecology nurses are needed to provide skilled medical attention to female patients. These nurses are required to work with patient's reproductive health as well as providing basic healthcare. Other job requirements are taking vitals, and recording treatment as well as reports on patient progress.
Nurse Educator
With the high demand for nurses today more nurse educators are needed to train new students. By becoming an educator you can take pride in the fact that you are making a contribution to society's healthcare needs. There are many nursing schools that are understaffed due to the rapid growth of patients needing attention. Qualified nursing educators will not have any problems finding employment because they are in constant demand. In 2008, there were 55,100 jobs for nurse educators and that number is thought to only increase in the future. Find out how you can become a Nurse Educator at Capella University.
Nurse Practitioner
If you would like a position in the nursing field that offers more freedom on the job, nurse practitioner may be right for you. These nurses have the ability to open their own health care offices and act as a general physician. More and more patients who visit their doctor's office are seen by nurse practitioners; in fact it has become very common. As the cost of healthcare increases many patients will actively seek out nurse practitioners for their medical needs because it is generally less expensive. Patients like this option because they can receive the same level of care without breaking their wallet.
Long-Term Care Nurse
As the elderly reach retirement age, more and more problems with their health become major issues and long term care may be needed. Patients that seek the help of these nurses typically have suffered from the effects of stroke or mental deterioration. Long-term care nurses are generally afforded the ability to treat the same patient for an extended period of time so this offers nurses to opportunity to form a bond with their patient. Most of these nurses find employment in nursing homes or in home health care. The expected job growth according to the Bureau is thought to increase by 25%.
Pediatric Nurse
As a pediatric nurse you will be providing care to infants and young children. You will work under the direct supervision of a pediatrician. Some of your duties include taking vitals, keeping medical history files updated and informing the child's parents about their symptoms or illness. As the population increases the need for qualified pediatric nurses keeps your career secure.
