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Registered Nurse
The registered nurse (R.N.) is a person who has received training in techniques for delivering nursing services to patients found in hospitals, clinics, health agencies, physicians' offices, private homes and many other places where people need medical attention.
The role of today's registered nurse is vital to the overall care a patient receives. Nurses not only provide care for the ill and injured, but they are also instrumental in helping to prevent illness and promoting good health. Registered nurses are counselors, teachers, confidantes, managers and communicators working closely with patients on a "one-on-one" basis.
Some of their responsibilities include diagnosis, therapy, patient support and administrative duties.
Registered nurses usually act under the guidelines of a physician; however, their independent judgment, assessment, evaluation and delivery of patient care is crucial. Nursing is an exciting, challenging and rewarding profession that combines the "high-tech" clinical skills with the "soft touch" of hands-on care. Nurses take temperatures, pulse rates, blood pressure readings, and check other vital signs to evaluate the patient's progress. They record data from these observations on the patient's chart and notify the supervisor or physician of any changes indicating the need for special attention.
Registered nurses prepare patients for examination and assist the physician during the examination and treatment. They also administer medications and treatments under the direction of the physician.
The nurse's duties vary according to the size and staffing of the place of employment. In a large, well-staffed hospital with nurses aides, the nurse's duties may be almost exclusively patient treatment; but in a smaller institution with less support staff, the nurse may also sterilize instruments, make beds, feed and bathe patients, and prepare rooms for occupancy. The experienced nurse may also have supervisory responsibilities.
The field of nursing has a wide range of specialty areas where a nurse can choose to work.
Some of the specialty areas for registered nurses are:
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Community Health Nurses
Also called public health nurses, Community Health Nurses are registered nurses who visit homes to provide nursing services and health education to patients and their families. They are employed by public health departments, visiting nurse associations, voluntary health agencies, school health programs and occupational health programs. Under the instruction of a physician, they work with patients in their
homes to develop treatment and rehabilitation plans to assist in the patient's recovery. They also provide education in the prevention of disease and the maintenance of good health for the entire family.
Community health nurses must be able to assess the needs of the patient who may need referral for professional help and must maintain a good relationship with other community agencies where ancillary services may be available. These nurses also participate in programs to improve the health of the children in the community, often working with the school system to assist in immunization campaigns, and educating students about good health habits. By virtue of experience and continuing education, these nurses may specialize in one phase of nursing, for example, pediatrics or geriatrics.
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Diabetes Nurses
Diabetes Nurses are registered nurses specially trained to work with diabetic patients. The diabetes nurse has a thorough knowledge of nutrition and its relation to diabetes and must educate the patient and family to care for the condition at home. This involves teaching the patient how to administer insulin, the importance of exercise and weight control, side effects of medication, care of the feet, and how to recognize and react to complications.
These nurses assist in treatment from the admission to the hospital, in which the patient may be in a diabetic coma, to the time of discharge after the patient has been taught the importance of taking care to avoid life-threatening acidosis and coma.
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Emergency Room Nurses
Emergency Room Nurses work in the emergency room in hospitals, clinics, or other health care agencies. They are highly specialized nurses who work closely with emergency room doctors caring for patients who are in immediate need of medical attention because of accidents or acute illness. They must be prepared to respond quickly to a variety of illnesses and injuries resulting from automobile accidents, drowning, drug overdoses, assaults, bums, heart attacks and strokes to name a few. In these cases, the speed and competence of the emergency room staff may make the difference between life and death.
Emergency room nurses clean wounds or cuts, stop minor bleeding, take temperatures, pulse rates, and blood pressure; and record this information on patient charts. They apply bandages, splints, tape slings and cervical collars; insert tubes into tracheotomy openings; perform electrocardiograms; defibrillate cardiac patients; remove stitches; and may suture minor cuts. In some hospitals, under the physician's supervision, more complicated procedures may be performed.
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Geriatric Nurses
Geriatric Nurses are registered nurses who have been trained in the aging process and how it affects the health care needs of the older person. Nursing care for the elderly has a large counseling component. They are specifically trained to deal with the emotional and physical problems of aging. Patience is one of the greatest assets a geriatric nurse can have. They assist patients with such basic needs as dressing, eating and bathing, which can take the elderly a great deal of time to accomplish.
Some geriatric nurses work in home health care agencies. These nurses, when visiting patients in their homes, must work without the technical equipment in a hospital requiring them to be resourceful and often make independent decisions. Geriatric nurses also find work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and physicians' offices.
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Gynecologic Nurses
Gynecologic Nurses are registered nurses trained to work with women who have problems relating to their reproductive system and sexual lives. These nurses may work in hospitals, physicians' offices, public health departments, clinics and community agencies.
Gynecologic nurses take medical histories of patients, perform pregnancy tests, participate in family planning programs by counseling women in the use of contraceptives and may also fit diaphragms.
In the hospital, the gynecologic nurses administer medication, dress surgical wounds and remove sutures. They assist with patients who have had mastectomies, hysterectomies or abortions. They may also perform breast examinations and instruct women in the technique of self-examination. In addition, they play an important role in educating the public about venereal disease.
Gynecologic nurses must be aware of psychological problems of women who have been raped, who are considering abortion, or adoption, or who are experiencing sexual problems.
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Intensive Care Nurses
Intensive Care Nurses are highly skilled registered nurses who care for patients in a hospital, who as a result of severe illness or injury, need specific immediate care that could make the difference between life and death.
The intensive care and/or critical care units (ICU/CCU) of a hospital are staffed by nurse-physician teams that constantly monitor and assess the critically ill. The intensive care nurse works with the newest, most sophisticated life-support equipment.
The ICU nurse is trained to recognize danger signals calling for initiation of emergency treatment procedures.
Nurses receive special preparation depending on the unit. There are intensive care units for heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, diabetic coma, shock, pediatric problems, respiratory failure, newborns, burns, surgical complications and others. In these units, there is an atmosphere of crisis much of the time. The nurses must be strong and stable emotionally. The patient, often fearing that death is eminent, depends on the nurse for reassurance.
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Neonatal Nurses
Neonatal Nurses work in the hospital nursery and have the responsibility of monitoring newborns to make sure they are making normal progress. This nurse evaluates the babies' conditions, keeping record of vital signs.
Neonatal nurses also care for the premature infant and those born with defects that may endanger their developmental progress.
Some neonatal nurses may specialize in these problems and be assigned to the high-risk nursery. Neonatal nurses are responsible for initiating life-saving procedures and administering complicated medical treatment under the supervision of a physician.
Another function of the neonatal nurse is the education and counseling of parents in the care of the infant. The neonatal nurse usually works with the obstetric nurse assigned to postpartum care.
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Nephrology Nurses
Nephrology Nurses work in renal dialysis centers, community health agencies or the home providing nursing care to patients with kidney diseases, kidney transplants or abnormalities producing kidney dysfunction. The nephrology nurse working with kidney transplant patients will be involved in preparing both the donor and the recipient physically and emotionally for the surgery.
The nephrology nurse checks the dialysis equipment and ensures that it is operating properly. During the dialysis, the patient and-equipment are monitored carefully.
This nurse teaches the patient proper care between dialysis to avoid infections and instructs the patient on proper diet. The nephrology nurse will need some teaching skills in order to instruct the patient and members of the family in the patient's home care.
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Obstetric Nurses
Obstetric Nurses are registered nurses who work in hospitals, physicians' offices, public health departments, family planning clinics, homes and community agencies providing nursing services to women during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period.
Obstetric nurses may begin to work with patients in early pregnancy, counseling them on diet, exercise and the physical changes that will take place as the pregnancy progresses. They help prepare mothers for the processes of labor and delivery and may conduct classes in natural childbirth. They may also work in the delivery room, administering medication, blood transfusions and emergency measures necessary in the case of hemorrhage or shock. Following the birth, these nurses assist the mother during the healing process.
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Occupational Health Nurses
Occupational Health Nurses formerly called industrial nurses, provide nursing services to workers in department stores, factories, large office complexes or other places of employment that have large numbers of employees in one place. The most important objectives of the occupational health nurse are the prevention of illness and the maintenance of the highest possible level of good health for the workforce. These nurses work closely with the personnel department to discover and deal with such problems as alcoholism, chronic health problems and emotional and mental instability.
Occupational health nurses render competent nursing care to persons who may become ill or injured at the place of employment. After administering first aid in the case of an accident, they see that patients are transported to a physician or hospital for needed additional care. The occupational health nurse organizes or participates in programs of accident prevention, health examination or group immunization. The nurse who enters this field of work must be prepared to view the prevention of accidents and illnesses and the maintenance of good health as important as treatment of the patient after the onset of ill health. This nurse must exercise exceptionally good human relations skills.
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Office Nurses
Office Nurses work in physician offices filling many roles. They function as physician assistant, laboratory technician, secretary, bookkeeper and receptionist. The office nurse prepares patients for examination, assists the physician during examination, and instructs the patient regarding medication or home care following office treatment. They often assist the doctor with minor surgical procedures performed in the office. Under the direction of the physician, they may administer injections, dress wounds and remove stitches.
Office nurses maintain records of patient diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. They check and requisition supplies, clean and sterilize equipment, and may develop X-Rays and perform routine laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts. In small offices, they might have to carry out the role of a secretary, sending out monthly bills and answering the phone. Some nurses derive a high degree of job satisfaction from this work. They become a valued assistant to the physician, relied upon by the patient to take care of their minor problems when the doctor is not available.
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Orthopedic Nurses
Orthopedic Nurses are registered nurses who have received special training in the care and treatment of musculoskeletal difficulties, deformities, and chronic diseases of the joints and spine. They work with patients who have arthritis, bursitis, poliomyelitis, fractures, dislocations and congenital deformities.
Orthopedic nurses assess the patient data available and identify the needs of the patient, then devise and implement a nursing care plan. They teach patients to use crutches, walkers, braces and other equipment in the orthopedic unit. Orthopedic patients often have conditions that require a change in life-style. The nurse assists them in making adjustments, provides psychological support and instructs them in home care.
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Pediatric Nurses
Pediatric Nurses are specially trained to work with infants, children and adolescents. They work in hospitals, public health agencies, well-child clinics, family clinics, and physicians' offices. Pediatric nurses perform traditional nursing functions such as taking temperatures, blood pressures, and respiratory rates and recording this data. They bathe patients, weigh them, feed them, and give medications as prescribed by the physician.
Pediatric nurses must thoroughly understand the growth and development patterns of the child in order to assess the significance of behavior in relation to the child's illness.
Pediatric nurses must be able to communicate with the child and be able to understand his or her nonverbal communication. Their training in child psychology enables them to assess the behavior of the patient under treatment. They must also be able to reassure and support the parents as well.
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Psychiatric Nurses
Psychiatric Nurses are registered nurses who deliver nursing service to patients who have mental health problems. They work in mental health hospitals, the psychiatric wards of general hospitals, health clinics, community mental health centers, nursing homes, and private homes. In addition to performing many of the same duties as a staff nurse, they also assist patients to better understand their problems, to develop better self concepts, and to learn the coping skills necessary to adjust to their environment.
Psychiatric nurses must be both teachers and counselors. They are trained in listening and communication skills, to assist the patient in socializing with others and developing better interpersonal relations skills.
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Staff Nurses
Staff Nurses also called general duty nurses, are employed in hospitals, infirmaries, nursing homes, community health agencies or other institutions giving nursing care to patients. Staff nurses observe the condition of the patient; take the temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, and any other vital signs needed to evaluate the progress of the patient. They record data from these observations on patients' charts and notify the supervisor or physician of any changes.
Staff nurses also prepare the patient for examination, assist the physician during examination and treatment, and administer medication and treatment under the direction of the physician.
Staff nurses may be assigned to different areas of the hospital, such as surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry or the admitting office. This flexibility gives the nurse a broad scope of the nursing specialties and enables them to choose areas for further study and specialization.
Individuals entering the nursing field should have a genuine liking for people, and should be emotionally stable, enabling them to cope with ill patients and their distressed families. They should be able to work under pressure, be responsible and resourceful, be able to direct the activities of the nursing assistants, as well as be able to take precise orders from superiors and execute them exactly. The staff nurse needs a lot of physical stamina as the occupation requires much walking and standing as well as lifting and moving patients.
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Surgical Nurses
Surgical Nurses are registered nurses with special training to work with patients hospitalized for surgery. The work of the surgical nurse falls into three phases: preoperative nursing, operating room duties and postoperative care.
The goal of the preoperative phase is to prepare the patient physically and psychologically for surgery. The nurse interviews the patient in depth to uncover any indications of problems that might surface during surgery or in the postoperative period. All previous medical records are reviewed by the nurse to alert the physician to any past medical history that might impinge on the planned procedure.
The nurse needs good counseling skills to alleviate any fear and anxiety from the patient and family.
The second phase of the surgical nursing is the operating room phase. The scrub nurse must know what equipment the surgeon will need for that particular surgery and must see that it is in place before the surgery. During the surgery, the nurse hands the instruments, sutures, sponges and other supplies to the physician. It is also the responsibility of the Scrub nurse to see that sterile conditions are maintained in the operating room.
The third phase of surgical nursing is the postoperative phase. In the recovery room, nurses provide care for the surgical wound, take measurements to guard against infection, provide support and reassurance for the patient and teach the patient home care after hospital discharge.
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The nursing specialty areas described in this section only reflect a few of the many areas of specialization available in the nursing field. Nurses can also specialize in cardiac care, eating disorders, employee health, hospice care, medical law, nurse recruitment, oncology, pain management, public health, quality assurance, research, rehabilitation, risk management, utilization review and wellness to name a few. They can also provide nursing care in the Armed Forces, in schools, government and the academic fields. Licensed practical nurses and nursing fields that require advanced degrees are highlighted on the following pages.
Job Outlook
Excellent. As the general population ages and technology advances, the need for highly skilled nurses is going to continue to increase. Nurses will be needed in hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory centers, physician offices and clinics.
Educational Requirements
There are three types of educational programs:
1. Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program usually based at a community college.
2. Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program based at a college or university.
3. Diploma requires two or three years of education, emphasizing clinical experience at a hospital.
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After successful completion of any of these three programs, a nurse must become licensed by successfully completing a comprehensive national examination.
High school preparation should include courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics and speech. Physics and advanced math should be part of a curriculum for those interested in more technical areas of nursing. Other suggested courses include social studies, psychology and, in Chicago, Spanish.
Educational Programs: Associate Degree (2 Years)
Educational Programs: Baccalaureate Programs (4 years)
*Aurora University
347 South Gladstone
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 892-6431
http://www.aurora.edu/
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Barat College and University of Health Services/Chicago Medical School
700 East Westleigh Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-3000
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.barat.edu/
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Chicago State University
95th Street @ King Drive
Chicago, IL 60628
(773) 995-2517
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.csu.edu/
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Concordia University/West Suburban College of Nursing
3 Erie Court
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 383-6200, x6529
(offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.cord.edu/
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Elmhurst College
190 Prospect
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 617-3400
(offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.elmhurst.edu/
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Governors State University
One University Parkway
University Park, IL 60466
(708) 534-4490
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.govst.edu/
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Illinois Benedictine College
5700 College Road
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 629-6000
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.ben.edu/
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*Lewis University
Route 53
Romeoville, IL 60441
(815) 838-0500, x212
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
(Also offers BSN to MSN Program)
http://www.lewisu.edu/
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*Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing Loyola University of Chicago
6525 North Sheridan Road
Damen Hall, Room 500 Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 508-3249
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.luc.edu/
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North Park University
3225 West Foster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 244-6000
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
(Also offers BSN to MSN Program)
http://www.northpark.edu/
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Olivet Nazarene University
1 University Avenue
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
(815) 939-5011
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
(Also offers BSN to MSN Program)
http://www.olivet.edu/
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Rush University
600 S. Paulina Street
Suite 1080
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-2165
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.rushu.rush.edu/
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Saint Joseph College of Nursing
500 Wilcox Street
Joliet, IL 60435
(800) 735-7500
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
(Also Offers BSN to MSN Program)
http://www.stfrancis.edu/
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St. Xavier University
3700 West 103rd Street
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 298-3000
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.sxu.edu/
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Trinity Christian College
6601 West College Drive
Palos Heights, IL 60463
(866) 874-6463
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.trinity.edu
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**University of Illinois at Chicago
845 South Damen Avenue
Dept. Code: 2-3400
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996-4350
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.uic.edu/
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West Suburban College of Nursing
3 Erie Court
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 763-6530
http://www.wscn.edu
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Other Programs - Illinois
*Bradley University
1501 West Bradley Avenue
Peoria, IL 61625
(309) 676-7611
http://www.bradley.edu/
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Illinois Wesleyan University
1312 Park Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 556-1000
http://www.iwu.edu/
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Mennonite College of Nursing
Campus Box 5810
Normal, IL 61790
(309) 438-7400
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.mcn.ilstu.edu/
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*Northern Illinois University School of Nursing
1240 Normal Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-6557
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.niu.edu/
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Rockford College
5050 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 226-4000
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.rockford.edu/
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*Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Box 1066
Edwardsville, IL 62026
(618) 650-2000
(Offers BSN Degree completion)
http://www.siue.edu/
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*Masters program available
**Doctorate program available
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