Becoming a Nurse
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Graduates with
an associate degree or a hospital diploma can begin
practice as a registered nurse (RN) if they successfully
pass the state-licensing exam (NCLEX-RN). The bachelor of
science in nursing degree (BSN), however, is essential for
nurses seeking to move up the career ladder and provide
higher levels of care.
Typically during their first two years in college, BSN
students take general education courses. In their last two
years of college, they focus on nursing courses.
A variety of programs are available that enable licensed
practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) to
complete their BSN degree. (See the All Nursing Schools website.)
For descriptions of a few the programs that recruit/support
American Indian and Alaska Native students, see
Schools/Programs.
Master
of Science in Nursing
Master’s degree
programs are 18 to 24 months in length and enable graduates
to specialize in areas such as advanced clinical training
or research. Most master’s degree candidates already have
their BSN, but there are programs that help people move
directly from the RN to the BSN to the MSN.
A master’s degree in nursing is needed by advanced practice
nurses (APNs). There are joint-degree programs, such as a
master's in nursing combined with a master’s degree in
business administration or public health, or hospital
administration. Master's degrees in nursing administration
or nursing education are also available.
Nurse
Practitioners
Nurse
practitioners (NPs) provide a range of services. They
assess their patients’ needs by talking with them,
examining them and ordering and interpreting various
studies and tests. They work collaboratively with patients
in preventing illness, promoting health, treating common
acute illnesses and injuries, and managing chronic
problems. They focus both on caring and curing.
NPs work in a wide range of settings and numerous fields,
such pediatrics, family health, women's health, and other
specialties. Some NPs have private practices. NPs can
prescribe medications in all states. In 25 states NPs can
practice independently without physician collaboration or
supervision.
Family nurse practitioners are in great demand in the
Indian Health Service (IHS). They provide basic primary
care in collaboration with the nursing, medical, and dental
staff as well as staff in the laboratories and pharmacies.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Clinical nurse
specialists (CNSs)
are
expert clinicians in a specialized area of nursing practice
such as pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health, oncology,
diabetes, rehabilitation and mental health. CNSs practice
in a wide variety of health care settings assessing and
treating disease injury and disability. They also help
patients prevent and resolve illness.
Certified
Nurse-Midwives
Worldwide, midwives deliver most of the babies. The
American College of Nurse-Midwives estimates that soon
certified nurse-midwives will deliver one in 10 babies born
in the U.S.
Working
with physicians or on their own, certified nurse-midwives
(CNMs) provide comprehensive care to healthy pregnant
women. They deliver babies in hospitals, birthing centers,
and homes and then follow-up with postpartum care. They
help patients with family planning and provide such
gynecological services as physical and breast exams and
preventive health screening. In most states, CNMs can
prescribe medications. CNMs in the IHS deliver babies and
engage in all aspects of perinatal care, including care for
newborns. Most births take place in IHS hospitals, often
with family members and friends in attendance.
Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Certified
registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) administer more than
65 percent of anesthetics given to patients each year in
the U.S. In almost two-thirds of all rural hospitals, CRNAs
are the only providers of anesthesia.
CRNAs administer anesthesia for all types of surgery in
settings ranging from operating rooms and dental offices to
outpatient surgical centers. Because most IHS hospitals do
not have anesthesiologists, CRNAs within IHS work
independently or under the supervision of a surgeon or a
physician.
Doctoral Programs
Doctoral
programs prepare nurses for careers in advanced clinical
practice, clinical research, nursing education, and health
administration. Programs typically take 4 to 6 years to
complete.
This
article was originally published in the Summer 2007 issue
of
Winds of Change. (The cover
artist is Bunky Echo-Hawk,
Yakama/Pawnee.)