The American Nurses Credentialing Center has information on certification on their website, as well as an online account that helps you track your CEs. Nurse. com offers several free CE courses online. You should check to ensure that online courses will meet your state’s requirements. [3] X Research source The American Nurses Association has a catalog of various CE courses available. You can also attend a variety of conferences to gain CE hours. [4] X Research source NurseCEU maintains a directory of online CE courses. [5] X Research source PESI HealthCare offers several CE seminars in various states. [6] X Research source Some associations even offer CE through things such as cruises, where you can earn contact hours and (sometimes) credits. [7] X Research source Make sure if you try this option that the cruise will count toward your state’s CE requirements.
A Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) is an RN who also teaches other nurses in academic settings such as teaching hospitals and nursing schools. In some cases, you can become a CNE with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), but in many cases you will need at least a master’s degree. Some teaching positions will require a Doctorate Degree in Nursing. [9] X Research source A Nurse Practitioner is an RN with a master’s degree. NPs can diagnose and manage medical conditions. They can order lab services and X-rays, and many can also prescribe medications. They can also specialize in areas of care such as occupational health, child care, or emergency care. [10] X Research source A Certified Nurse Midwife is an APN with a master’s degree. CNMs provide prenatal and OB/GYN care, including examinations, prescriptions, parenting and patient education, and reproductive health care. [11] X Research source CNMs can deliver babies and provide postpartum (after birth) care. [12] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an APN with at least a master’s degree. CNSs specialize in a particular area of clinical practice, such as geriatric or psychiatric care, or the treatment of chronic diseases. CNSs can diagnose and treat conditions within their area of expertise and can also work as expert consultants in nurse training. [13] X Research source A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an APN with a master’s degree and additional certification. They can administer anesthesia, and are often the primary providers of anesthesia in rural and underserved areas. [14] X Research source A Nurse Informatics Specialist (INS) is an RN who has a master’s degree in informatics (computer information systems). An Informatics Nurse (IN) has informatics experience but not a graduate degree. INSs and INs help evaluate and select new technologies to adopt, as well as train others in how to use the technologies. [15] X Research source A Nurse Researcher conducts scientific research about nursing. NRs typically have at least a master’s degree, but more often have Ph. Ds in Nursing.
With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you have more career options. For example, you could become a public health nurse, where you focus on educating communities about health issues, or a nurse educator, where you help educate new nurses. [17] X Research source In some cases, if you already have an Associate Degree you can complete a BSN in as little as 12 months through a “completer” program. [18] X Research source RNs with associate degrees can often earn their bachelor and master’s degrees in a condensed degree program. To work as a Nurse Practitioner, certified Nurse Midwife, certified Clinical Nurse Specialist, or certified Nurse Anesthetist, you must have a Master’s Degree in Nursing. A master’s degree also opens the door to becoming a supervising or managing nurse. The names of these degrees vary, such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Nursing (MN), Master of Science with Nursing major (MS), or Master of Arts with Nursing major (MA). Full-time master’s degrees take around 2 years to complete, but may take much longer if you continue to work and attend part-time. Online degree programs can be a good option for some, especially if you plan to keep working as a nurse while you pursue higher education. However, these programs can be significantly more expensive than brick-and-mortar programs (between $35k and $60k). [19] X Research source Look for degree programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
You can also learn how different hospitals achieve patient safety and satisfaction. You will likely learn different skills and use different products and technologies in the different hospitals. This increases your flexibility (and employability).
Most travel nurses have health benefits, housing, and transportation, but you should check with the hospital where you’re applying. TravelNursing. com has a US job search feature on its website. [21] X Research source You can find other job listings with any major search engine, or by asking fellow nurses who’ve worked as travel nurses.
Make sure, though, that you don’t sacrifice showing interest in your patients for efficiency. Even if you’re just popping in to check an IV bag, take the time to say hello to your patient. Don’t just run right back out the door. [22] X Research source Body language and other forms of nonverbal communication such as eye contact are very important, especially for a caring-based profession like nursing. Make eye contact when you’re speaking and when you’re listening. Make sure that your body language isn’t sending the wrong message. For example, crossed arms or legs suggest that you’re closed off, and shifting your weight from leg to leg suggests that you’re not confident. [23] X Research source Present yourself in a calm, respectful manner. Give complete information. Sometimes, even a minor detail can be the difference between recovery and re-injury for a patient. For example, if you don’t tell an oncoming nurse that your patient fell a few hours ago, that nurse will not know to watch the patient so s/he doesn’t fall again. Remember that what you say isn’t always what others hear. If someone looks confused, or reacts in a way other than you expected, ask for feedback. It’s much better to catch miscommunications early than let them spiral out of control. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You will often have to change tactics depending on the situation. If you work in an ER, for example, you will have to talk very differently with a 6-year-old girl than you would an adult man. Approach each patient with the same kindness and respect.
Stay away from jargon as much as possible. “Cardiac ischemia leading to myocardial infarction” is unintelligible to the average person. It’s better to use plain English when possible: “Your arteries were blocked, and this caused you to have a heart attack. ” Consider the person’s background when you’re talking with him or her. Not everyone has the same level of knowledge or ability to understand. Ask questions! It’s a good idea to ask your patient things such as “What do you already know about such-and-such?” or “What questions do you have for me?”[26] X Research source Once you’ve explained something, have the patient repeat it back to you to make sure s/he understood it. If there are inaccuracies, gently correct them without making the patient feel ignorant or stupid. For example, “That’s mostly right. But it’s really important that you only ice your foot for 15 minutes at a time, okay?” Always tell your patients that if they have questions, they should call you. A patient should never leave your care feeling alone or isolated. [27] X Research source
Ask your charge nurse what s/he needs help with. Ask your coworkers what they need help with. Similarly, if you need help, ask for it. On the other hand, don’t overextend yourself or neglect your own responsibilities. It’s even more important to be able to help than it is to offer. If you’re swamped at a particular moment, recognize your limitations. It’s okay to say “no”. Remember that nurses work with a multi-disciplinary team, and each person has a part to play. Stay in touch with the other people on your team and know what is going on with your patients at each step of the care process.
For example, a person from an Asian culture may want to eat only hot food to replace the “vital heat” they have lost through illness. It’s important that you respect your patient’s culture and traditions, or you will communicate that you aren’t interested in your patient’s holistic well-being. If you are interacting with a person whose culture you’re unfamiliar with, ask before taking any actions. Use nonjudgmental open-ended questions, like “Could you tell me more about _____?” or “I would like to learn more about _____?” Everyone makes mistakes. If you make a culturally inappropriate mistake, acknowledge it and apologize. You can learn more about cultural competency by studying transcultural nursing assessment. Learn more at www. tcns. org.
For example, if your patient asks whether it’s okay to lay her infant on his stomach, don’t reply “Um, well, I think it’s probably not. ” Instead, give a clear, research-based answer: “No, it’s not a good idea. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) kills many infants every year. Most infants who die of SIDS are usually lying on their sides or stomachs. ”[31] X Research source Your continuing education training can help you stay on top of the facts you need. Tell yourself that you know what to do. It can be easy to doubt yourself, especially after a long hectic shift. Remind yourself that you have the knowledge and the skills you need, and what you don’t know, you can learn.
When you ask for help, be attentive when it’s offered. Note what your fellow nurses do, and how they handle the situation you were unfamiliar with. Learn from their experience. Repeatedly asking for help on the same issue suggests that you are not paying adequate attention, or that you don’t value your fellow nurses’ time.
People believe that you care when you show them personal attention. For example, if you have a young patient who you know will be afraid to spend the night in the hospital, draw him a picture to cheer him up. If you know your patient prefers red jello to green jello, make sure to get her a cup of the red stuff. Attentiveness to your patients’ needs also shows that you care. For example, if your patient is feeling increased pain, contact the physician in charge of painkillers and get your patient’s dosage increased. Then, check in with your patient and ask how s/he’s feeling. Don’t lapse into a formula with your patients. Make sure you personalize your interactions. Nobody wants to feel like a cog in a giant wheel, least of all people who are ill.
Honesty also means following through on your word. If you promise to revisit a patient or take a shift for a coworker, make sure that you follow through. Noting things in a planner or even on your phone can help you keep your obligations straight even in hectic circumstances. [34] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Ethics are paramount in nursing. When you make mistakes, own up to them and address them. Use them as learning experiences for next time and do better. Be honest with your team members and the other nurses and hospital staff as well. [35] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Patients are scared to be in the hospital, and the last thing they want is to be lied to. However, be wary of giving them a diagnosis, even when pressed; only doctors and nurse practitioners can diagnose.
Part of developing emotional stability is staying in touch with your feelings. Take moments to check in with yourself throughout the day. Know what you are feeling, and why. Think about the connections between your experiences and your emotions. Trying to bury your emotional responses will only make them explode later. Mindfulness may also help you keep your emotions from controlling you. Mindfulness focuses on noticing what you are experiencing and feeling, and accepting it without judgment. It can help relieve stress and anxiety and help you feel more in charge of yourself. [37] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source There are many ways to practice mindfulness, but deep breathing and mindfulness meditation are common techniques.
Learning and practicing flexibility and adapting to change will also build emotional resilience. When you’re able to “roll with the punches,” you’re less likely to feel as though you need to control every facet of a situation. In nursing (and, honestly, life), you’ll never be able to exercise that kind of control.
Judgmentalism is the enemy of compassion and empathy. Try to see the situation from your patient’s perspective, even if it seems completely unfamiliar or even “wrong” to you. Even if you have no understanding of why a person would think or feel a certain way, acknowledge the importance of your patients’ feelings.
For example, if you are working in a labor and delivery unit, you might come across a woman who needs an emergency c-section to protect her baby’s health. This is an alarming and stressful moment for the mother, so it’s important that you remain the rock of calm in the situation. Clearly and quietly explain what is going to happen and why it’s necessary. Don’t raise your voice, shout, or become visibly upset. Watch to make sure your patient looks like she understands and ask for confirmation, such as “Nod if you understand. ” If your patient doesn’t understand, try your best to clarify your explanation. Your cool and collected manner will set an example for your patient.
Don’t give information that you don’t know or shouldn’t share. For example, a patient may ask you about test results that you know the results of. However, the doctor should call the patient to discuss the results. Calmly explain that you can’t give your patient that information.
