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BSN in 10, A Bad Idea? You Be the Judge

An article discussing the BSN in 10 initiative was recently posted on the website Palltimes.com. Titled Bill Would Require Bachelor’s Degrees for Nurses, the article outlines the various effects of the measure. For instance, the New York initiative dictates that newly registered nurses will need a bachelor’s degree no later than ten years after they graduate if they wish continued employment as RNs. Regardless of the fact that there are numerous staffing shortages in the health care industry at large, the bill is being considered by the state legislature and is hailed as being part of a nationwide goal of raising nursing educational standards.

The article states the BSN in 10 initiative has the backing of nursing associations as well as major health policy organizations. These groups intend to solve the complicated dilemma of there not being enough trained nurses to go around. The situation is only getting worse, as not only are older nurses being scheduled to retire, but with the new health care law, the demand for nurses is growing. With this initiative, there is a fear that the situation could get even worse, as nursing candidates might become discouraged from entering the job market.

The article goes on to state that the Assistant Dean for Admissions at the St. Joseph’s College of Nursing disagrees, Rhonda Reader, states that the initiative will ensure that registered nurses will have BSN degrees no later than ten years following graduation. She feels that not only is it a good idea, it’s already starting to happen on its own. Hospitals and other health care organizations are more frequently choosing new job candidates that already have a BSN degree.

The article further states that the majority of registered nurses here in the United States have two-year associate degrees. As it stands, according to this article, no state is currently requiring a bachelor’s degree for nurses to initially become licensed or to maintain their job, although New Jersey and Rhode Island have discussed similar propositions within the last several years. The article reports that even though the New York bill was defeated last year, it is expected to receive favorable bipartisan support this legislative season.

Another interesting point this article discusses is that as the population of the United States continues to age there is an increased demand for qualified nurses. This demand is now increasing as the new federal health care law is requiring that an additional thirty-two million Americans become insured. Advocates of the BSN in 10 initiative feel that not only will this improve patient care, but will assist nurses in finding jobs in administration and teaching. According to the article, there may not be enough nursing teachers to meet the increasing demand for more nurses; the average age of faculty members at nursing schools is fifty-three.

The article points out that the main sponsors of the initiative are Democrat State Assemblyman Joseph Morelle and Republican Senator James Alesi. They are reported to have said that this legislation is vital for the furthering of future professionalizing of nursing. Both congressmen have schools in the districts they represent that offer BSN degree programs The Congressmen are reported as saying that in addition to the increased provision of future nursing instructors this legislation will provide, as patient care becomes more sophisticated, additional education and developed skills, such as critical thinking, will be required. The article claims that staffing with higher levels of education is better capable of serving their patients.

The article assures current registered nurses that they will be exempt from the new education requirement in order to prevent the loss of any additional nurses. This requirement is important, as nearly 900,000 of the nearly three million registered nurses in the United States are older than fifty. The article admits that even though there has been an increase in younger nurses joining the ranks of their fellow nurses, shortages are still to be expected, as more nursing positions continue to be created. The article reports that the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that nearly 600,000 new RN jobs will be created by 2018.

So is BSN in 10 a bad thing? According to Assistant Dean Rhonda Reader, it is not. On the contrary, an increase in the education of health care providers should be a worthy goal that will pay good dividends. As nurses become better educated, they will be able to provide an increase in the quality of health care services, and that is something that will be good for all of us.

BSN in 10, A Bad Idea? You Be the Judge is a post from: Becoming An RN

Answering the Question How Many Years of School to Become a Nurse

It really doesn’t matter how many years of school to become a nurse if your dream career has always been to be a registered professional nurse. If you have what it takes to help sick people get well and love the appeal of varied but demanding work in a fast-paced environment, then your reasons for wanting to become a nurse are genuine.

As a highly respected profession, nursing offers excellent compensation and job security. The intrinsic rewards of assisting patients and their loved ones during times of illness and duress are definitely rewarding.

Nursing as a career is unique; that is, there is a series of steps that you can take to gain knowledge and skills while working towards the status of a registered nurse. Likewise, you can also continue your education beyond registered nurse to specialize or gain more responsibility in your healthcare role.

Listed below are five nursing classifications and the required training for each.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

The training for a certified nursing assistant varies among states according to each state’s board of nursing and state registry. Prerequisites include having a high school diploma or GED and having the patience and compassion necessary to provide patient care. The job of a certified nursing assistant is physically challenging. Additionally, maturity and effective communication skills are a must to be part of the healthcare team providing direct care.

Training programs may be offered through local healthcare facilities, adult education providers or community colleges. Classroom, laboratory skills and clinical practicums comprise the training. Depending on the program schedule and state requirement, training may last for up to six months or approximately 200 hours. An approved state curriculum includes anatomy, body systems and extensive skills such as bathing, lifting and moving patients.

Upon completion of the CNA training, you will take a state examination. This test is in addition to the instructor’s final exam and clinical evaluation of skills. Once you pass the course and the state exam, you will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to apply to the state registry for certified nursing assistants. You will then be ready to look for a position as a certified nursing assistant.

The job outlook for certified nursing assistants is excellent. Healthcare facilities are always looking to hire and retain highly qualified CNAs. However, since the work is taxing, the turnover rate is high. In addition, the growing number of elderly needing long-term care increases the need for patient care and thus jobs for certified nursing assistants.

Certified nursing assistants give basic nursing care to patients. This care may include giving baths, assisting nurses, checking vital signs, helping patients to eat or groom themselves. CNAs also provide conversation and positive support to patients. Often it is the CNA who takes the time to listen or converse with an elderly person.

Job opportunities for certified nursing assistants are available in healthcare or community care facilities and hospitals. Salaries vary according to experience and geographic areas, ranging from $20,600 to $34,580.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Training for a licensed practical nurse varies among educational providers but is usually one year. So that you will be eligible for licensure, you must be sure the program is approved by the Board of Nursing in your particular state

As prerequisites, you need a GED or a high school diploma and an interest in performing bedside care for sick people along with other tasks specific to LPNs. You must also take an entrance exam called the LPN entrance exam. As an LPN, you will work under the supervision of registered nurses.

The curriculum for licensed practical nurses includes the following:

• Anatomy/Physiology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Emergency Medical Technology
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• Growth and Development
• Maternal Child Health
• Medical/Surgical Nursing
• Nursing Fundamentals
• Nutrition
• Pharmacology
• Psychiatric Nursing
• Psychology

Clinical experiences are a major part of the program as well. You will complete practicum hours under supervision in hospital and nursing home settings.

Upon completion of the licensed practical nurse training program, you will take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN); passing this test will make you eligible for licensure and able to apply for positions as an LPN.

The benefits of becoming an LPN are many. First, the training takes less time than that of an RN; second, the cost is less; third, you can work as a licensed practical nurse and continue your education while you are earning money.

The path from a licensed practical nurse to a registered nurse is one that allows you to receive credit for the program you have already completed. Additionally, you may be able to test out of some courses since you now have experience in the nursing field. If you are able to test out, you will save both time and money. To advance, you may enroll in either the LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN programs.

Due to a nursing shortage nationwide, the job outlook for licensed practical nurses is excellent. There is a steady need for nurses, and employment statistics rate growth as considerably above average. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a fourteen percent growth rate within the next ten years.

Licensed practical nurses render care to patients such as:

• taking blood pressure, pulse, respiration and temperature
• gathering patient information
• preparing enemas and injections
• applying dressings
• monitoring catheters
• reporting medication or treatment reactions
• collecting test samples
• feeding patients
• documenting fluid intake and output
• performing other duties as may be allowed by specific states

As an LPN, you must be an effective communicator and a caring, compassionate individual. You will have employment opportunities in long term facilities, hospitals, home healthcare agencies, physicians’ offices, and other agencies or institutions. Salaries for licensed practical nurses vary according to experience and geographic areas. The range is from $31,208 to $47,400 depending on several factors.

Registered Nurse (RN)

The training for a registered nurse has several pathways. The first is an associate degree in nursing; the second is a bachelor of science degree in nursing; and the third is a nursing diploma.

The associate degree in nursing (ADN), the two-year option, is the most popular pathway. It is viewed as a wise choice since it provides you with an opportunity to gain experience while working on your education. Also, you may be eligible for tuition reimbursement if you advance to the bachelor’s degree in nursing program.

The bachelor of science degree in nursing, a four-year program, enables you to move into leadership or management roles as a professional nurse. If you do not have nursing experience, you can enroll in a four-year program to earn this degree; however, if you do have nursing experience, you can receive credit for your previous education and experience towards this degree. The curriculum includes theory and research in nursing topics. There are a variety of programs designed to transition from ADN or RN to BSN.

The three-year nursing diploma program was the most prominent option forty years ago. It is a hospital-based option that aims to prepare nurses to work in hospitals and inpatient facilities. This status may prevent nurses from advancing to higher level positions, although there are many options for continued education towards nursing degrees.

Registered nurse students take the same courses as LPNs; that is, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nursing basics, nutrition, and psychology. Degree students (ADN and BSN) also add liberal arts courses. To obtain licensure in any state, you must pass the nursing examination, the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-RN. You must check with each state’s Board of Nursing to see if other requirements exist.

The employment outlook for registered nurses, which is the largest healthcare profession, is excellent. Forecasting data indicates the need for jobs will grow much faster than average due to the size of the profession and the need to replace nurses who retire.

Registered nurses perform countless tasks. Here are some responsibilities that differ from those of the nurse classifications above:

• teach patients to manage their health and/or illnesses
• promote healthy lifestyles related to nutrition and exercise
• educate the public about signs and symptoms of disease
• hold screenings or clinics
• administer medications and treatments
• consult with doctors and other medical staff
• monitor specialized equipment
• chart patient information
• perform many additional duties according to the specialty where employed

As an RN, you can work in many settings such as hospitals, long-term facilities, physicians’ offices, schools, community centers, corporations, public health locations as well as government and social service agencies.

Salaries for registered nurses vary according to experience, work environments and geographic areas. With a median salary of $62,450, the range is from $57,060 to $68,160.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

If you advance to a CNS, you must have a master’s or doctoral degree in a specialized area of nursing practice. Your specialization may be in a disease, health problem, population, setting or type of care.

Training involves completing an advanced degree with your chosen area of specialization. As an example, the clinical nurse specialist may enroll in courses such as:

• bioethics
• clinical internship
• instructional theory and delivery
• nursing research
• pharmacology in specialized practice
• theory and practice

Since nurses from differing educational backgrounds aspire to advanced degrees, the completion time will vary. Factors impacting time include credit for previous education and full- or part-time student status.

Certification is obtained through examination in the nursing specialty. You may also need to be certified through your state’s licensing board.

As a clinical nurse specialist, your work will engage you in clinical practice, consultation, management, research and teaching. Your expertise in your chosen specialty will enable you to contribute greatly to this field.

The job outlook for CNSs is excellent. Since clinical nurse specialists have such a high degree of training, they can find employment in research facilities in addition to clinics and hospitals. Salaries range from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the specialization and the geographic area.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

If you choose to advance to be a nurse practitioner (NP), you will need to have either a master of science degree in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice degree. As a high level nursing professional, an NP is able to provide patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.

The required education for a nurse practitioner may be a two- to three-year master’s program that focuses on the skills needed to be an NP. The curriculum includes health promotion, nursing theories, pathophysiology and pharmacology. Additional coursework encompasses educational courses around such chosen specialties as family, geriatric, neonatal, occupational health, pediatric or women’ s health.

The curriculum for a doctor of nursing practice degree prepares you for advanced practice, leadership and research in nursing. With the exception of a PhD., it is the highest nursing degree. The program is a three- to five-year commitment of year round study. Emphasis is placed on preparing nurses to recreate systems and make research-based decisions in a variety of settings.

As a nurse practitioner, you may obtain credentialing in your specialty through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center. You must renew your certification every five years.

Due to the emphasis on prevention and wellness in the public arena, nurse practitioners are in very high demand. Since NPs can perform so much primary care, there are opportunities for them in many localities.

Duties of a nurse practitioner include the following:

• gathering, recording and analyzing patients’ histories
• prescribing medications and treatments
• performing physical examinations
• requesting diagnostic tests
• translating test results
• educating patients in prevention and management
• researching medical topics
• performing other duties specific to an NP

As an NP, you can work in clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation or correctional facilities, emergency care, schools, hospices, or business and industry. A variety of acute, ambulatory and long-term locations employ nurse practitioners.

The average salary for a nurse practitioner is $87,618. Salary ranges may occur due to geographic areas.

If your dream career has always been to be a registered professional nurse, it really doesn’t matter how many years of school to become a nurse is required. A wide scope of educational and employment opportunities in the field of nursing await you.

Answering the Question How Many Years of School to Become a Nurse is a post from: Becoming An RN

Nurse Practitioner Education: Training for Advanced Nursing Careers

If you are a registered nurse looking for more responsibility, consider enrolling in nurse practitioner education. The occupational outlook is excellent. This video is an overview of the further education required.

Nurse practitioners work in doctors’ offices, health clinics and hospitals. The position is a huge boost in professional practice compared to that of an LPN or RN. Nurse practitioners diagnose patients, write prescriptions, and order patient care.

Depending on the workplace setting, you may also perform the following:

• requesting routine tests
• taking case histories for information and diagnosis
• performing tissue biopsies
• suturing incisions
• completing dressings and caring for wounds
• checking insulin and glucose tolerance
• prescribing medications
• performing nasal intubations

The video does a very good job of explaining the various responsibilities.

Another great topic discussed in the video is the difference between nurse practitioner education and LPN or RN training. First, you must have an RN license and practical experience working as an RN for at least two years.

Additionally, you must complete a master’s degree program with some advanced pharmacology, intensive practice specialities and practicums in adult and child care, pediatric care, and at-risk populations. Courses at this level are more challenging than those in nursing education.

Nurse practitioner education requires you to complete an extra year or two of education by obtaining a master’s degree that has rigorous standards. If caring for others is your passion, then the time and effort are certainly worth it.

There is an abundance of quality online programs that allow you to work while enrolling in a program either full or part-time. Once you complete a master’s degree, you must take an exam to earn national certification, which is another great point the video makes.

Certification as a nurse practitioner can be obtained from the American Nursing Association or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Other associations offer certifications in various specialities such as neonatal, pediatric, gynecological and obstetrics. Certification exams cost about $300 each and are given in a variety of locations.

Since you already know you like to provide direct patient care, why not consider advanced nursing to boost your education, responsibility and compensation? If you are an RN looking to reinvent yourself, look at the NP pathway.

Consider nurse practitioner education when you look for your next career step. The median salary for a registered nurse is $31 per hour. As a nurse practitioner the rate increases to $45 per hour. There are definitely economic advantages to advanced education in this advanced level nursing field.

Watch this video about nurse practitioner education on YouTube.com

Nurse Practitioner Education: Training for Advanced Nursing Careers is a post from: Becoming An RN

Doctorates in Nursing: 2 Great Degrees to Choose From

This video is an overview of the types of programs available for doctorates in nursing. Registered nurses who wish to pursue further education have a choice between the Doctor of Nursing Practice and the PhD degree in Nursing.The Doctor of Nursing Practice focuses more on the advanced clinical practices whereas the PhD degree in Nursing provides further education for research or teaching.

Also, the video does an excellent job of giving specific information about the types of programs available and explains the difference between the various doctorates in nursing. It describes the distinct work an advanced degree nurse will be doing with these degrees.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice focuses on the hands on experience of nursing and is preparation for leadership, systems management and other practical aspects of nursing. To enroll in this specific doctorates in nursing program, a registered nurse must have the following:

• a GPA of at least 3.0
• either a bachelor’ s degree, a diploma or an associate’s degree from an approved RN program with a non-nursing master’s degree or a master’s degree in nursing
• an active RN license in the United States

The curriculum includes learning to analyze theories and concepts to create new nursing practices, studying research methodology for results that can impact nursing practice, determining new learning that can influence quality and economic health, and mentoring healthcare team members to improve nursing practice.

Another great point the video makes is that the PhD degree in nursing is the opposite of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The program is designed to prepare nurses to become teachers/scholars in higher education. The curriculum includes conducting research to expand the field of nursing, preparing nurse educators, critically evaluating research results to advance nursing, and collaborating with others to prepare health care professionals who are sensitive to societies’ concerns.

A variant of the PhD in Nursing is the Doctor of Nursing Science Program.This degree focuses on preparing nurses for health care research. Graduates of the Doctor of Science Nursing Program become nurse scientists who further the development of new studies and test existing theories in the arena of healthcare.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of options for doctorates in nursing. If you are interested in advanced clinical practices, the Doctor of Nursing Practice is the degree of choice. However, if you are interested in becoming a teacher or researcher, then the PhD in Nursing is a better fit.

Watch this video about doctorates in nursing on YouTube.com

Doctorates in Nursing: 2 Great Degrees to Choose From is a post from: Becoming An RN

Certified Nurse Midwife Training: A Look at the Requirements

Having an edge in the field of nursing can start with completing certified nurse midwife training. Many expectant mothers today are interested in the personalized care that they receive from a nurse midwife. Therefore, while popularity in midwifery increases, so does the demand for those nurses properly certified in the field. This video is an overview of the training required to become a certified nurse midwife as well as the roles involved.

Certified nurse midwife training prepares someone who is already at the RN or BSN level for a master’s role in nursing. A certified nurse midwife has several options of working environments. For instance, she can work in individual child birthing, hospital associated practices, well woman and well child care, healthcare team practices, birthing centers and health departments.

Another great point made in the video is that certified nurse midwife training focuses on several areas, such as women’s prenatal care, caring during labor and delivery, and postnatal care. Specifically, midwives are trained and certified to conduct gynecological exams, prescribe drugs, measure a uterus, deliver a baby, perform an episiotomy, and check newborns.

Before midwives-in-training are eligible to take part in a program, many programs often require up to a year of experience in a labor and delivery setting. Another interesting topic discussed in the video is the necessity of becoming a Doula, a trained companion who coaches women through birth, but cannot perform medical procedures or prescribe medications.

An extensive practicum, which includes attending at least forty births, is also required of nurse midwives before they can graduate the masters program. A training program can take up to two years to complete, including the practicum

The American Midwifery Certification Board provides specific certification requirements for the area in which a nurse midwife will practice. The video does an excellent job of explaining this. After completing initial certification, recertification is required every five years consisting of continuing education credits.

The initial certification exam costs about $500, so a midwife-in-training should be adequately prepared financially and academically. Because babies are born at all times of the day and night, availability to work must also be flexible.

Certified nurse midwife training teaches you to practice the widest array of nursing skills, from birth to death. Despite its demands, nurse midwifery is one of the most monetarily and spiritually satisfying careers in the field of nursing practice.

Watch this video about certified nurse midwife training on YouTube.com

Certified Nurse Midwife Training: A Look at the Requirements is a post from: Becoming An RN

Putting a Positive Spin on Nursing

Nursing is a challenging profession. We deal with sick patients, anxious families, short staffing, strange hours and a variety of other issues. Yet, the science of positive psychology has found that flourishing requires at least three positive emotions for each negative one. Dr. Barbara Fredrickson calls this ratio the tipping point or threshold that gives us passage into a “broaden and build” mindset.

Nurses and nursing students are probably familiar with the science of the sympathetic nervous system – the one that changes brain chemistry into fight-or-flight mode. Imagine that positive emotion provides the same sort of brain changes – these allow us to broaden and build resources. While there is no specific hormone involved, the science holds up in research on marriages, teams and disaster survival.

Nursing is at a time in its history were it is challenged to “broaden and build” in order to meet the needs of our aging baby boomer population. Yet, by nature, our world is filled with many challenges. Could this help explain the nursing shortage? I think so.

As an advanced practice nurse and positive psychology coach, I began to see the connection several years ago. Developing a course on positive psychology especially for nurses became a passion. I was fortunate that the University that I teach for was very interested. That was four years ago, and today the class is alive and thriving at Colorado Mesa University’s nursing program.

The course focuses primarily on three areas:

• Application of individual positive psychology exercises to raise individual wellbeing. These include the best of the evidence-based exercises – including “three blessings”, gratitude letter and savor a beautiful day.
• Application of the science on workplace wellbeing through exercises to raise positivity/engagement at work. These include identification of vital friends, development of a personal vision and use of strengths at work to create a state of “flow”.
• Application of the science of positive psychology into work with our clients. That is, how can we foster wellbeing and flourishing in our clients through our interactions and nursing interventions? This includes optimism building, recognition of strengths and development of nursing-specific positive psychology interventions applied to the clients we serve.

As far as I know, the course is one of the few positive psychology courses available that counts as a BSN elective (400 level course). It is fully online and so could be taken by interested students who meet college enrollment criteria. Of course, each student needs to check with their program to see if the credit is transferable if they are not a Colorado Mesa University student.

Nursing students have given me feedback that stressed the importance of a course like this to improve resilience during nursing school experience. They have also told me it was a “life changing” course. I am also in the process developing a non-credit, private, on-line through my coaching business, Midwife of Changes. Please contact me for further information on either course or visit my website.

Putting a Positive Spin on Nursing is a post from: Becoming An RN

DNP vs PhD in Nursing: Understanding the Differences

Do you know about the choices for higher education degrees in nursing, namely, the DNP vs PhD in nursing? This article explores the training requirements, employment outlooks, types of jobs and work environments of these two advanced degrees in nursing.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is one of the highest nursing degrees achievable; it focuses on the scientifically proven aspects of the field rather than the abstract research features. The purpose of the DNP is solely to train registered nurses to become advanced registered nurses who are at the front lines of practice.

As a relatively new degree program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice was developed in response to emergent health care needs and the delivery of services. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the need to gain more knowledge and to demonstrate leadership in the field necessitated a level beyond a graduate degree.

To apply to a Doctor of Nursing Practice program, candidates for admission must have the following:

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited nursing program
• Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program; consideration may be given to a master’s degree in another field, but additional coursework will be required
• At least a 3.0 grade point average in a master’s of nursing degree
• Demonstrated commitment to academic study and nursing practice
• RN licensure or APRN certification to practice in state where clinical practice courses completed
• Three letters of reference from supervising professionals who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s practice and potential
• Results of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) at some institutions
• A pre-admission interview with faculty; a telephone interview may be utilized for applicants at great distances

The course of study for the DNP program is intended to accommodate the working professional. The 38-credit program can be taken full time over four semesters with two weeks of classes on-site per semester and additional virtual and online learning experiences.

The 43-credit program can be completed full time in three years or six semesters with two weeks of classes on-site per semester the first year and additional virtual and online experiences. Some part-time study is available to a limited number of students.

Program durations vary depending on each candidate’s level of entry. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is essential. Students may enter with various degrees ranging from Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degrees; this factor determines the length of time for completion of the DNP coursework.

The primary focus of the Doctor of Nursing Practice is to prepare nurses for advanced competencies in patient care and leadership roles. This means the DNP degree nurse knows how to transform research into practice and apply medical advances to alter methodologies.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice credential is open to registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing as well as those additionally licensed as clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists.

The specialized exam that needs to be taken for admission to a DNP terminal degree program is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The exceptions are those with the nurse anesthesia concentration and those with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or above. Additionally, candidates’ prior education and experience may be considered on an individual basis.

Studies indicate that higher levels of nursing education lead to improved patient outcomes. Data indicating better control of diabetes or hypertension, for example, provides evidence of the impact of these nursing professionals. Their effectiveness can lead to increased revenue in the practice from referrals as well.

Marketing efforts citing positive outcomes for clients may also generate additional patients and revenue. Of greater importance, of course, is the health and well being of the patients.

With the need for additional health care providers for a growing and aging population, nurses with the DNP designation will certainly be in high demand. Forecasts indicate several reasons for this dire need: (1) there is a national shortage of nurse practitioners; (2) nurses with advanced practice degrees are vital to current and future health care teams; and (3) nurses with advanced practice knowledge and skills effectively meet the health care needs of many individuals.

Advanced practice nurses use their expertise in practice settings with the direct care of families and individuals. They utilize a holistic outlook to facilitate positive lifestyle changes, proper self-care, interventions in health care management, and therapeutic collaborations for guiding and coaching patients.

With their direct care focus, DNP nurses work in clinical settings where they assess, evaluate and manage clients. They document trends, track data and identify possible system changes that will be advantageous to their patients.

Nurses with this advanced degree work in primary health care settings such as ambulatory care, family practice offices, intensive care units in hospitals, internal medicine clinics or practices, neonatal units, nursing homes, outpatient care departments and private practices. Job prospects for this growing field are excellent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the PhD in nursing?

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD) trains nursing scholars to conduct research in academic, clinical, governmental or scientific settings. Nurses with a PhD in nursing are required to offer leadership for the expansion and innovation of medical science. Their research is designed to contribute to direct patient care delivered by healthcare professionals as well as to the continued improvement of the nursing profession.

To apply for a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD), candidates for admission must have the following:

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program
• Master’s degree with a nursing major from an accredited program
• Grade point average of at least 3.2
• Graduate Record Exam scores
• Pre-admission interview with faculty; a telephone interview may be utilized for applicants at great distances
• Writing sample which can be either a graded paper or publication
• Three letters of reference from previous instructors and employers
• Defined research goals
• Completed application with required attachments

The course of study for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD) includes 59 credits allocated as follows: Nursing core (26 credits), Methodology & Statistics (15 credits), Research & Dissertation (18 credits). Candidates must tailor their curriculum to fulfill their research interests and work with a faculty mentor to successfully complete their course of study.

Some areas of research that a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing might research include:

• Bio Behavioral Aspects of Pain and Stress
• Biologic Basics of Nursing Therapeutics
• Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
• Chronic Disease Management
• Domestic Violence
• End of Life Care
• Family Caregiver Stress
• Forensic Nursing
• Health Disparities
• Health Promotion
• Lactation and Breastfeeding
• Patient Health Care Decision Making
• Substance Abuse
• Symptom Management

In summary, candidates conduct research in two primary areas: Health and Functioning of Families or Health Functioning of Individuals and Communities.

The objectives of the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science program are to prepare candidates who are able to:

• Construct and disseminate knowledge to improve the field of nursing in such a way that practice is positively impacted
• Critique models, ideas and concepts for their usefulness in the scientific arena
• Participate in and provide leadership to research teams
• Identify and affect relevant policy initiatives
• Contribute to the expansion of nursing knowledge and the ability of practitioners to impact the health of the patients they serve

This terminal degree is available to registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing or one who has earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Part-time and full-time options are available with full-time status equaling nine credits each semester. A graduate statistics course is a must.

As with the DNP degree, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is necessary. Unlike the first degree, the GRE is not waived for specific reasons but is a key part of the admission criteria. At the end of the PhD program, candidates complete a qualifying exam to indicate that they have mastered sufficient content to move to the dissertation stage.

Program completion times vary depending on whether or not nurses attend part-time or full-time. Some students complete the program in three years while others may work while they study and take four to six years.

Tremendous job opportunities for PhD nurses are anticipated due to the current nursing shortage. These highly educated nurses can look forward to work in university settings as associate professors or professors, education or government employment, research facilities, health administration, or professional development and management.

The difference between these two advanced degrees in nursing is that the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares nurses to apply research in their practice and to take on practice leadership positions. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD) trains nurses to perform research that impacts nursing and healthcare theories.

The DNP practices while the PhD researches. Both are terminal degrees. One prepares nurses at the highest level of nursing practice; the other prepares nurses at the highest level of nursing science.

As a registered nurse thinking about furthering your education, which option fits your needs and interests? Are you an individual who prefers to apply your knowledge helping patients, or do you prefer to impart knowledge through academic research?

Consider the differences, then explore your higher education degree in nursing options: DNP vs PhD in nursing. Either way you will make a definite impact on the nursing profession.

DNP vs PhD in Nursing: Understanding the Differences is a post from: Becoming An RN

What Is A PhD in Nursing All About?

What is a PhD in nursing, you may be wondering. After all, a PhD is a doctor, and it may sound strange calling a nurse a doctor. What the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program is designed to do is to prepare nurses as scholars in conducting scientific research to advance the technology of healthcare and nursing.

Graduates of PhD nursing programs go on to become research scientists in both academic and governmental environments. This program is not to be confused with the Doctor of Nursing Practice, which takes new research and translates it into new nursing practices. The graduates of this program go on to become nursing leaders in executive roles as well as direct patient care.

One PhD in nursing program is at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing ‎ in Baltimore, Maryland. The program requirements include:

• Having an accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing with a GPA of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0
• Having taken the Graduate Record Examination within the last five years
• A current Maryland Nursing license
• Two letters of recommendation from previous instructors and one from a current or previous instructor
• A research proposal that matches school resources and faculty experience

The curriculum includes:

• Philosophical Perspective in Health
• Scientific Perspectives in Nursing
• Two semesters of Advanced Research Design
• Grant Writing
• Responsibilities and Activities of the Nurse Scientist
• Three semesters of Statistical Methods in Public Health

The program can be completed in as soon as three years, but can take upwards to four years or more.

Another school is the University Of Washington School Of Nursing in Seattle, Washington. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science Program requirements include:

• An accredited Bachelor’s degree (it does not have to be in nursing)
• A GPA of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 on the last 90 quarter credits taken
• A background check

It is notable that the University of Washington does not require taking the GRE for any of its graduate programs. The curriculum includes:

• Philosophy of Nursing Inquiry
• Theoretical Perspective in Nursing
• Research Design and Methods in Nursing Science
• Human Health Ecology
• Methodological Perspectives in Nursing Inquiry
• The Science of Nursing Therapeutics
• Science of Therapeutics: Design & Outcomes
• Nursing Science Synthesis

Successful completion of this program includes:

• A GPA of 3.0 or higher must be maintained
• Successful completion of a General Exam which is the transition from pre-doctoral status to candidate status
• Completion of a dissertation that significantly contributes to nursing knowledge and shows research training
• Successful completion of a Final Exam which defends the dissertation and the field it is concerned with

Hopefully, this clears up any confusion as to what is a PhD in nursing. It may feel strange to be called doctor when you have been a nurse at first, but the increase in salary will help you in acclimating to your new title.

What Is A PhD in Nursing All About? is a post from: Becoming An RN

A Short History of Registered Nurses in America

To discover the astounding variety of jobs available in the nursing field, you might first want to explore a short History of registered nurses in America. Classification began in the nursing profession for the first time in the 1870s when nursing schools were first established here. Before that the care of the ill and elderly was taken on by a wide variety of people to include monks, nuns, soldiers, and even criminals.

A little book, Notes on Nursing, written by Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War, offered the first nurse practice that could be trained and replicated. Professional nursing in America was marked in 1873 by its first graduate of Nightingale’s system of care in Boston, but most state licensing lagged behind, not establishing nurse registration until between 1903 and 1905.

Nightingale saw the need for better care for wounded soldiers and also understood how to document her work. The History of registered nurses got its start on the battlefield, and World War II ushered in a new era of medicine and a sea change in the need for skilled nurses.

Nursing roles also changed since the 1800s, when most nurses primarily managed all the cleaning, cooking, and serving for patients. As nurse’s aides and personal care aides took up the cleaning, bathing, and food service roles, nursing moved into the realm of medical diagnosis and acute care.

What began as a man’s job and then became a low paid and under-trained woman’s job, blossomed into a non-gendered profession for the first time after the Vietnam War. The nursing profession is still dominated by women, but has opened up dramatically as a male profession in the past four decades.

Today, becoming an RN requires both an academic degree and specialized training. Students seeking an RN might need to take college biology, microbiology, chemistry, and anatomy & physiology before even applying to nursing school. An RN can be achieved with either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree, depending on the program.

While the economic outlook for nurses is good, nursing schools are notorious for long waiting lists. In the History of registered nurses there has always been a lag between the need for nurses and the training time required to become proficient. The best way to plan ahead is to get the required classes, apply to several different nursing programs, and continue pursuing academics while waiting for acceptance.

If you love to travel, traveling nurses enjoy the chance to apply their skills in a variety of settings with the opportunity to change locations regularly. The projected job availability for registered nurses is at about 20% growth over the next seven years, which is well above average for most other occupations.

In the History of registered nurses there has never been a better time to pursue the nursing profession. The Department of Labor reports more than two hundred nursing venues, from neonatal hospital care to gerontological nursing home care, and from skin burns to mental health there are few human service areas that don’t include a nursing component.

A Short History of Registered Nurses in America is a post from: Becoming An RN

Becoming a Neonatal Nurse: A Video Summary

If you are an RN, you might aspire to become a nurse in a specialty area. For instance, you may be an RN who wants to work as a neonatal nurse.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than ninety-two percent of nurses are female. Because a lot of RNs have had the experience of giving birth, they can relate to the experiences of many new mothers.

Over the last fifty years, neonatal nurses have cared for hundreds of new mothers. In fact, neonatal intensive care units that have been around since the sixties are now seen in hospitals throughout the United States.

As a neonatal nurse caring for babies who are pre-term to less than two years old, you will work in a variety of settings such as physicians’ offices, clinics, and hospitals. You will monitor vital signs, administer meds, order tests, and train new mothers to take care of their newborns. You will also give specialized care to mothers and babies who have undergone a C-section.

There are three levels of newborn nurseries in which neonatal nurses work. The first level is for healthy newborn babies; the second is for premature or ill babies who require extra time and special care before going home; and the third is intensive care for those infants who need interventions with technological equipment. The latter can be found in major hospitals.

A Level III nurse is also called a NICU nurse. At this level, you will care for patients who require special monitoring on equipment that you have been trained to provide. One moment you might care for perfectly healthy babies while another time your patients might be mothers and newborns battling serious health complications.

To become a neonatal nurse, RNs must earn a master’s degree from a specialized training program, have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and be eligible for licensure. During the training, you will learn about common illnesses in newborns and the treatment of these conditions.

You will take required classes such as neonatal care, fetus physiology, pediatric pharmacology, and healthcare systems of babies. Clinical experiences will be held in local neonatal hospitals.

If you take a web-based master’s program, clinicals will be held onsite at a local medical facility. Requirements for continuing education vary from state to state. The National Association of Neonatal Nurses provides online conferences for additional education.

Watch this video about becoming a neonatal nurse on YouTube.com

Becoming a Neonatal Nurse: A Video Summary is a post from: Becoming An RN