The nursing profession is one of the most important and rewarding professions in the world. It offers a stable job with reliable pay and benefits, and the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.

Modes of communication and clinical skills in this profession have undergone a paradigm shift in the modern age. The transition to a virtual healthcare sector is inevitable, and advancement in Android technology has enhanced communication further. This has opened many opportunities for nurses to excel and advance in the field of healthcare.

The demand for nurses is expected to grow in the coming years, making it a great career choice for those looking for stability and job security. In addition to a stable job, nursing offers a multitude of opportunities for career advancement. Nurses can specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as surgery, pediatrics, or geriatrics. They can also advance to management positions, such as director of nursing or chief nursing officer.

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers a one year nursing program that is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program is designed to prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and a career in nursing. In addition to clinical rotations, areas of study include medical physiology, community health applications, clinical and systems sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, as well as current nursing issues and practices.

Possible career paths for registered nurses

Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career that offers opportunities for lifelong learning and advancement. It is considered a good career starter for many reasons. Most importantly, it is a well-respected and versatile profession that offers a wide range of career opportunities, job security, and good salaries, particularly for advanced and managerial roles such as those listed below. Here are some career paths students can consider pursuing after starting a nursing career.

Medical assistant

Medical assistants work alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to help them in administering health-related services. They are not required to have a nursing degree but are trained on the job and may attend specialized courses to learn how to perform various tasks, like giving shots, drawing blood, and taking patients’ vital signs.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A CNA works directly with patients and is often the first person that a patient interacts with when arriving at the medical facility. As such, CNAs are often viewed as front-line workers in the healthcare industry. They report any concerns they have to their superiors and ensure that patients are properly cared for.

Registered Nurse (RN)

RNs are the general practitioners of nursing. They perform a wide range of duties, including monitoring patients’ conditions, diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries, and administering medications. They also do some medical procedures under the direct supervision of physicians. RNs usually work on teams with other healthcare professionals to protect their patients and themselves from the risks of infection and exposure to potentially harmful drugs or chemicals.

Clinical Nurse Midwife (CNM)

CNMs are also nurses, but they are specialized and focus on the care of mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. Through their extensive knowledge of birthing options and the latest research, CNMs often help make crucial decisions that can affect the health and well-being of birthing mothers.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

An NP is a registered nurse who has additional training to perform the duties of a licensed physician with a focus on preventative care and health promotion. NP is the highest level of registered nursing and, along with physicians, they manage patients’ conditions, make referrals and evaluations, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, and administer medications. NPs can also provide long-term care. As such, NPs have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and aging.

Nurse anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists specialize in the administration of anesthetics. They are often called upon to monitor and manage the patient’s condition during and after surgery. This is a challenging and highly respected role that requires extensive training, discipline, knowledge, and experience. Nurse anesthetists save lives both on the battlefield and in civilian care. They administer anesthesia, monitor vital signs during surgery, manage pain, intubate patients if necessary, and oversee the patient’s progress throughout the procedure.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

CNSs are registered nurses who have additional training and education to provide specialized care for patients in certain areas. Some specializations include heart, lung, and kidney failure, diabetes management, and general pediatrics.

Nurse educator

Nurse educators educate other professionals and medical personnel about nursing procedures, protocols, and practices. They focus on project management in their respective fields, such as prenatal care, neonatal care, and newborn resuscitation.

Nurse educators also work with nurses and other healthcare professionals to help patients learn more about various health conditions and the treatments available. They provide educational services that can improve patients’ wellness, preventative care, and treatment outcomes.

Nursing manager

Nursing managers are responsible for the management and oversight of nursing personnel. They typically have a background in nursing, but they also receive formal training on how to manage people, delegate tasks and projects, and lead teams. While managers may not take care of patients directly, they play a vital role in the healthcare industry by helping other nurses do their jobs well.

Nursing managers can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home care operations. Nursing managers coordinate patient care by observing and evaluating a nurse’s performance in the course of their work. They may also oversee facilities, provide professional development for nurses and RNs, help promote staff morale, and find cost-saving solutions to any issues within their facility.

Clinical nurse researcher

Clinical nurse researchers investigate and analyze healthcare services, products, and practices to improve patient outcomes. They base their research on evidence-based solutions that are consistently evaluated. Clinical nurse researchers work closely with healthcare providers in hospitals as well as community health organizations to implement evidence-based practices.

Take the first step toward a career in nursing

The nursing field continues to expand as medical knowledge and technology advances. This growth is expected to continue as the population ages and health problems such as diabetes and heart disease become more prevalent. As the demand for nurses continues to grow, employment prospects remain favorable in this career field. Healthcare professionals who enjoy helping people and making a difference can enroll in an online nursing program at university and start their nursing career journey today!