NURSING
WHAT IS NURSING?
Nursing gives graduates the opportunity to provide direct, hands-on patient care. Probably the most popular health sciences profession, nurses work with a range of populations including the sick, injured, handicapped, and elderly in hospitals, doctor's offices, schools, nursing facilities, and patients' homes. Incredibly broad and diverse, the nursing major will provide you with the skills to not only help meet patients' physical needs but their emotional needs as well.
WHAT COURSES DO YOU NEED TO TAKE?
Schools of nursing offer what is called a bachelor of science degree in nursing (B.S.N.) Accredited nursing programs work to prepare you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses as well as provide you with important skills to succeed in the profession. Once you have completed your general education requirements, you will begin your formal nursing training, which is heavily weighted in the sciences. Chances are during the course of your program, you will complete many hands-on courses and practicums as well as a clinical internship ensuring you have the necessary skills to work in the profession.
Here are some sample nursing class titles:
- Cell Biology
- Clinical Nursing Skills
- General Chemistry
- Genetics
- Mental Health Nursing
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Organic Chemistry
- Psychology
- Public Health Nursing
- Structure and Function of Organisms
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A CAREER IN NURSING?
The news media abounds with stories about the nationwide nursing shortage. As a result there are many jobs available for qualified candidates in this field. People who major in nursing can choose from an enormous range of work settings from schools and the military to hospitals and nursing homes, working in medical areas like oncology, psychiatry, geriatrics, pediatric, neonatology, cardiology, and intensive care. Jobs, too, run the gamut. Nursing graduates take jobs as nurse anesthetists, registered nurses, school nurses, nurse midwifes, nursing instructors, public health nurses, and with further education, many go on to supervise staffs in hospitals, become nurse practitioners, professors, and medical doctors.