| Registered Nurses |
Registered nurses make up the majority of workers in the health care industry. A registered nurse is responsible for the needs of patients suffering from illness or injury, and can provide care and meet the needs of patients in a variety of settings, including home care..The general responsibilities of a registered nurse can include:
- Observing and recording patient medical history and symptoms
- Establishing a plan of care for patients or adding to an existing one then putting the plan into action
- Managing and assigning tasks to licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants
- Advising and providing emotional support for patients and their families
A degree in registered nursing is the foundation for a career in the field of health care. Registered nurses complete one of the following educational requirements:
- Associate's degree in nursing - average 2 - 3 years and hands on experience
- Bachelor's of science degree in nursing - 4 year degree
- Nursing diploma - 3 - 5 years
After completing any of these programs a nurse must pass a national licensing examination. Home care nurses are required to have at least one year of professional experience. |
| Licensed Practical Nurse |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are critical members of the health care team. Their duties include giving injections, taking vital signs, performing basic diagnostic tests, observing patients, dressing wounds, and administering medication. They also assist patients in daily living activities such as eating, dressing, exercising, and bathing. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. Additional training is available to allow LPNs to care for patients in specialized areas such as pediatrics, surgery/recovery, obstetrics, and psychiatry. Licensed practical nurses are often responsible for observing patients, recording their reactions to medications and treatments, and reporting the results to the registered nurse or physician in charge. |
| The following are some of the areas addressed by nurses: |
- Assessment and evaluation
- Geriatric assessment
- Cardiac care and CHF care
- Diabetes education and management
- Pulmonary (COPD) care
- Wound care, WoundVac, dressing changes
- Specialized care for individuals with Alzheimers, Dementia, or Parkinsons Disease
- Medication management and teachingIV therapy
- Ostomy care
- Nutrition care and teaching
- Post-operative care
- Pain management
- Injections and venipuncture
- Tube feeding
- Safety measures and Universal Precautions
|
|
The following are
some of the areas addressed by nurses: |
|
Assessment and evaluation
Geriatric assessment
Cardiac care and CHF care
Diabetes education and management
Pulmonary (COPD) care
Wound care, WoundVac, dressing changes
Specialized care for individuals with Alzheimers, Dementia, or Parkinsons Disease
Medication management and teaching
IV therapy
Ostomy care
Nutrition care and teaching
Post-operative care
Pain management
Injections and venipuncture
Tube feeding
Safety measures and Universal Precautions |
|
