Ryan Anderson asked:


Not only are nurses in great demand, but the opportunities in the field of nursing are practically limitless. Nurses today have a wide array of specializations and career paths to choose from, some traditional and others are new and/or emerging. As the meaning and concept of healthcare and treatment evolves so will the definition of nursing. We will take a look at a few of the alternative specializations within the field of nursing.
Holistic Nursing is one of the youngest specializations in the field of nursing. And what it means to be a holistic nurse is constantly changing. Yet, the most functional of all definitions is to incorporate traditional nursing skills and knowledge with methodologies, techniques, and ideologies to heal, the mind, body, and spirit. Although the majority of holistic nurses work with terminally ill, severe burn and long term rehabilitation patients, the demand for holistic nurses is growing. Holistic nursing requires the same initial qualifications as a traditional nurse, but also requires additional certifications, which usually revolve around the psychological aspects of severe injuries, illnesses, and depression.

While holistic nursing is among the youngest alternative specialization in the field of nursing, forensic nursing is probably among the most popular. Though there are a number of concentrations within the specialization of forensic nursing, the basic definition would be to use nursing knowledge and skills to provide care to victims of crimes while collecting evidence. Thanks to a number of popular televisions shows such as CSI, forensic nursing has become more visible. It is not uncommon for a forensic nurse to take a few seminars or training on the practices and procedures of handling evidence. However, most have no other certification than the RN license. Forensic nurses can be found in a variety of places, from hospitals to law firms.

Infection control nursing is also considered a deviation from more traditional nursing specialties. Infection nurses work to identify, investigate, and control infections that occur within a specific community, hospital, or particular area. Most commonly, infection nurses work with STDs, HIV, TB, and childhood infections. Infection control nurses are usually found in hospital settings, or as consultants to governmental agencies, municipalities, or large pharmaceutical companies. Aside from the RN license, infection control nurses are required to have an additional infection control certification.

There are several types of case management nursing specialties. Case management nurses coordinate all aspects of treatment for specific types of patients. Case management nurses often work with rehab patients, long term care patients, and patients with serious work injuries. Also, nurse case managers act as a liaison between the patient and a third party, such as an insurance company or employer. Case management nurses can be found at a variety of places, some of which include schools, insurance companies, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Nurse case management is also a specialty that can easily become its own private business. There are additional certifications for case management nurses, but these added credentials will depend heavily on the type of case management that you choose.

Although international and trans-cultural nursing are two different nursing specialties, their training will be similar. International nurses are those who decide to practice nursing in a different country than their own. Most of these nurses choose to work in underdeveloped nations with dire medical needs. Trans-cultural nurses are those who choose to work with individuals from various cultures and with alternative beliefs to medicine and treatments. Though there are no specific certifications other than a RN license, many of these nurses choose to seek additional training in cultural sensitivity and beliefs, and also learn to speak a number of different languages.

Another new and expanding specialization in the field of nursing is dermatology nursing. Dermatology nurses care for and provide information to those that are suffering from infections, serious wounds, and diseases of the skin. There is an advanced certification for dermatology nurses, many of which can be found at hospitals and dermatology clinics.

Genetics nursing is another young specialty. Genetic nurses provide care for patients with genetic diseases. These nurses are involved in various levels of genetic treatment, from explaining treatment and conditions to patients, to risk identification, and screening. Genetic nurses are also involved in genetic counseling and clinical trials. There are different levels of credentialing for genetic nurses. All genetic nurses start with the RN license, they are then required to obtain either a Bachelors or Masters Degree in nursing, at least 3 years of experience as a genetic nurse, a number of documented case histories, and letters of recommendation.

It is important to note that these are just a few of the alternative specializations in nursing. Also, similar to more traditional nursing specialties, many of these have their own associations. The nursing industry is growing and it is a career path that is expected to continue growing and changing in the years to come.



DAMIAN

NYer asked:


How do nurses know which needle to use for their injections? Also, is there a web site that lists the needle gauges and the drugs they are used for?

BEAU

Sandy Darson asked:


If you are searching for a new and exciting career, or a second career, then you should definitely take a look at a career in nursing. A career in nursing has more benefits today than it offered 20 years ago. Nurses today are constantly changing the healthcare industry, by consistently challenging the methodology, ideology, and overall practice of medicine. A career in nursing provides a rewarding experience and you can you can end each day knowing you helped make a difference in somebody’s life. Nurses are also needed in many industries aside from the traditional jobs in a hospital or doctor’s office.

In today’s job market, the best thing about a career in nursing is the fact that nurses are in such high demand. Nursing positions can be found in almost every state. There are many different positions available in various types of organizations, from insurance firms to universities. Nurses are also needed throughout the world rather a few types of organizations. Nurses are in such great demand that you can decide to take a break from your career and easily find a job whenever you are ready to return. As baby boomers enter retirement age, and people live longer in general, the need for nurses should only grow stronger for years to come.

However, being a nurse is much more than just being in demand. Nursing has a wide array of specialties. Therefore, you have the freedom of working in multitude of capacities throughout your career. New and emerging specialties such as holistic nursing, forensic nursing, and occupational nursing are constantly expanding upon what it means to be a nurse today. Nurses are also breaking into managerial, leadership, and financial roles like never before. You can decide to start in traditional nursing; later, try your hand at forensic nursing; then, move into a leadership or managerial position. Then there is the ability to start your own business as a consultant or an in-home healthcare professional; two industries that are growing at unprecedented rates right now. Besides, few other occupations allow a person the level of opportunities that a career in nursing can offer. The opportunity for advancement in nursing can rarely be duplicated in any other profession.

Nurses also benefit from having flexible schedules. Nurses can choose to work a variety of different shifts including 4, 8, 10, or 12 hour days. With the ability to work weekdays, weekends only, or a combination, nursing is quickly becoming the preferred occupation of parents, especially single parents who need flexible schedules. Not to mention, the freedom to work part time, full time, or the ability to change your schedule entirely as needed.

Starting salaries for new nurses is nothing to laugh at either. Though the salaries depend largely on the city and state that you are in, the median starting salary for registered nurses is close to $50,000 a year and there are always opportunities to work over-time.

Nurses are also encouraged to continue learning their craft through training and continuing their education. The nursing profession is constantly changing and evolving; so staying on top of new trends, techniques, and laws can only be beneficial to you. Luckily, there are enormous training opportunities available for nurses. A nurse’s employer often pays for these training opportunities.

Nurses also benefit from having a strong support system. Almost every nursing specialty has its own trade association. These resources serve nurses tirelessly, by providing and informing them of training opportunities for their specialty and general nursing, alerting them to job opportunities within their field; and, giving them a outlet to exchange challenges and ideas with their peers. These support systems also strive to prevent nurses from burning out by stressing the importance of a nurse’s need take care of him or herself. A nurse should also stay on top of the new laws that become a part of the healthcare industry along with the latest innovations in nursing tools and hospital equipment. Nurses can easily find the support they need because nurses are known for helping each other.

Then there is the level of job satisfaction. Most nurses cherish the fact that they spend their days helping people who need and appreciate their skills. Patients usually spend more time with their nurses than they do with their physicians. In many cases, nurses are able to not only translate medical jargon for patients, but also help patients feel better about their condition and/or treatment options. Nurses, provide comfort to patients and their families in difficult times.

Though nursing is not an easy profession, and you are likely to experience a faced paced, hectic, work environment. Being a nurse means making sick children feel better, bringing a smile to elderly patients, and helping families in crisis. You remember these experiences for the rest of your life. Becoming a nurse is a very rewarding career choice and you are able to help many people in many different ways.



OCTAVIO

Sandy Darson asked:


As more people are searching for ways to be and stay healthy, there has been a growing interest in holistic treatment methods within the healthcare industry. Especially with conditions such as various cancers or where patients need long-term care. Though the actual results and the benefits are often debated by medical professionals, most admit that when a patient is in a good place emotionally, it only enhances their treatment. Thus, the popularity of holistic treatments is growing and there is an increasing demand for holistic medical professionals. This is especially true in the nursing profession as nurses usually have more interaction with patients.

Holistic nursing is broadly defined as using nursing knowledge and practices in conjunction with other psychological, spiritual, social, interpersonal, and biological skills to treat the whole patient as in mind, body, and spirit (in contrast to traditional nursing which only focuses on treating the medical condition). To some degree, all nurses can be seen as holistic practitioners due to the nature of the profession. All nurses give comfort and help their patients understand what is happening to them. However, there are distinct differences between holistic and traditional nursing.

Though both traditional and holistic nurses are required to be licensed by their state nursing board, holistic nurses usually have (and in some cases are required to have) additional training. This training is geared toward the techniques that promote psychological, spiritual, and mental health. The training of Holistic nursing promotes wellness through means other than exercise, medicine, and nutrition. They also promote stress free and a calming atmosphere, working through emotional issues and setbacks, and finding inner peace. In addition, like other nursing specialties there are certifications for holistic nursing.

Traditional nursing is often limited in the methods that can be used in order to treat a patient. Typically, there are policies and procedures that guide the actions, responses and behavior of a traditional nurse. To be more specific, aside from medical treatment, comfort, advice, and kindness there is little else that a traditional nurse can do to treat their patients. On the other hand, a Holistic nurse is encouraged to use creativity in their methods of treating patients. A holistic nurse is free to use treatment methods that include but are not limited music therapy, calming techniques, guided imagery, art and animal assisted therapy, an anxiety reduction, as well as a host of other techniques to treat their patients. These techniques fall within one of a few categories or modalities of holistic nursing. Holistic nurses can become specialized in one of the modalities or use a mixture to treat patients. The most common modalities are manipulative and body-based practices such as massage therapy, mind-body medicine like yoga, biologically based practices that include herbal therapy, and energy medicine such as magnetic therapy.

Aside from the methods and ideology, the other major distinction in traditional nursing and holistic nursing is the types of patients that they treat. Traditional nurses treat all types of patients with various backgrounds, beliefs, ethnicities, social status, and medical conditions. They treat infants to the elderly with everything from a common cold to cancer. Although holistic nurses are trained to treat every type of patient, they usually treat patients with severe medical conditions. These types of conditions include, but are not limited to severe burns, terminal patients, cancer patients, or those who need long term care. It is typically these patients who will be under the care of a nurse long enough for the nurse to be able to focus on the whole person and not the just the medical condition. Yet, with the increase in popularity of holistic nursing, the type of patient that they treat is increasing.

Since there is a difference in the type of patient that is treated by traditional nurses and holistic nurses, there is a difference in where they are most commonly found. Traditional nurses are found at every type of healthcare facility and they are typically able to get a job at any type of healthcare firm or organization. However, while holistic nurses can work at hospitals, the majority of holistic nurses are usually found at the more specialized healthcare facilities and firms that cater to their particular type of patient.

The holistic approach has been noted as effective for some patients and many more are attempting to incorporate a holistic approach to their medical treatment. Like traditional nursing, holistic nursing is a booming career path today. In addition, more and more nursing programs are offering holistic components in classes and providing the training regimen and exam preparation for holistic nursing certifications. Right now, it is still much easier to obtain a job as a traditional nurse, but there are resources for holistic nurses. The American Holistic Nurse Association is a great resource for anyone considering holistic nursing as a specialty.



BILLIE

Sandy Darson asked:


Since nursing is a booming industry today, there are also a growing number of nursing supplies and tools available. Nurses are no longer subjected to the tired old-fashioned scrubs and stethoscopes of yesterday. There are more tools that can assist a nurse in their everyday tasks, and these tools have a variety of designs. Although a nurse’s tools and supplies vary by their specialty, there are tools and supplies that are common in almost all nursing specialties.

Whenever you are referring to nursing tools, you have to start with the most common tools that a nurse is going to use. The first of these tools is a stethoscope. Today, stethoscopes come in a variety of styles and colors; and, a few of the most popular stethoscope brands include Littmann, Omron, Prestige, and ADC. Some of the newest innovations include lightweight and electronic models, and there are some that are geared toward specific specialties, such as pediatrics. Yet, stethoscopes have a price range that is wider than most nursing tools, as they can range from $20.00 to $700.00 dollars.

Though referred to within the medical community by the proper name of sphygmomanometer, most call this nursing tool a blood pressure pack or unit. Blood pressure units have also come along way, from nurses using a stethoscope and stopwatch to more compact units. Nurses may also need more than one blood pressure unit; since, larger sized patients may require a larger blood pressure unit due to the size of their arms. Even the high-end blood pressure units are usually under $100.00, and some of the more popular types today are the digital wristwatch blood pressure monitors. But, please note that we are only referring to small portable units. The larger units are typically only purchased by the healthcare facilities.

The most common supply among all nursing specialties is a set of uniforms, typically referred to as scrubs. Scrubs or uniforms are often the first thing a nurse buys or is issued by their employing facility. Although nursing scrubs were once predominately white, nursing scrubs can now be purchased in a variety of colors. Typically, nursing scrubs describe a shirt and pants uniform, that was designed to be light weight and allow the nurse to perform duties with ease. They also allow patients to easy distinguish nurses from other medical staff. Scrubs or uniforms may also include a jacket or hat.

Although a nurse’s shoes are deemed as being a part of the nursing uniform, they are not provided by employers as frequently as the nursing uniforms. However, healthcare facilities may place restrictions on the type of shoes that nurses are allowed to wear. Nursing shoes are almost always tennis shoes. Nursing shoes tend to be lightweight and able to handle long periods of standing and walking. They should also provide as much comfort as possible. Nursing shoes are typically white.

A common but critical nursing tool is a gait belt. Gait belts are used to aid nurses in moving and transferring patients. Gait belts come in a variety of colors. Two of the most popular brands of gait belts are Posey and Alimed. Though gait belts range in price, from $10.00 to $200.00; there, are only subtle differences in the majority of these tools. The main reason for the gait belts on the lower end of the pricing spectrum is that the cheaper belts are usually disposable. One of the most popular types of gait belt is one that can easily be cleaned.

Nurses still often need a good wristwatch. A nurse’s wristwatch should have a hand that measures seconds. It is also advised that a nurse’s wristwatch be comfortable, yet worn tightly enough to avoid slipping. It is also recommended to purchase waterproof watch since they spend a great deal of time washing their hands throughout the day.

Nurses are also required to keep a pen with them at all times to be able to record patient’s data. Though there are no real standard for these pens, nurses often take it a step further by using pens that are equipped with a light. It is recommended that they use ergonomic pens due to the frequency of use. Many nurses purchase pocket organizers or penholder necklaces for easy access. Scissors are also part of a nurse’s common tools, because of the need to frequently cut bandages.

In efforts to make things more compact and easy for a nurse to access, most common nursing tools can be purchased as a portable kit. The size and style of nursing tools are evolving as new ways of making a nurse’s duties easier are discovered. Nursing uniforms are now bursting with comfort and color. The only constant is that as the nursing profession changes, the tools are also going to change with it.



MICKEY