Exploring a Career in Nursing

The purpose of your Health Care Career Paper is to research your Health Care Profession, conduct an “inner-view” to learn more about your profession and write an reflection sharing your personal experience of what brought you to wanting to pursue your profession as well as your career path.

Part 1- Choose ONE of the areas below:

Find the area that you have chosen below and be sure to include the points below the area in your paper.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Describe the care/service provided by the healthcare professional.
• Describe the limits of authority and responsibility and the legislated scope of practice for this health care career.
• Describe two or three of the “Code of Ethics” of your health care profession.

EDUCATION /REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION

• Describe the educational requirements for the profession.
• Identify at least two different educational institutions offering the program.
• State how much time it takes to complete the program at each institution.
• Describe the approximate cost for each of the educational institutions.
• What is the minimum degree or certification that can be earned for this health care career?
• Identify the required professional certifications or registrations
JOB OUTLOOK AND EMPLOYMENT

• What is the job availability for this profession?
• How many jobs are expected to become available?
• Growth trends in the field: How much is the profession growing?
• Salaries – both entry level and with experience

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Local, state, or national professional organizations and membership costs as a student.
• Professional journal and cost.
• Are Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) required for this profession?
o How many and how often?

Part 2-Conduct an Interview
Conduct a personal “inner-view” with a Health Care Professional of your choice to learn more about your chosen career. Please cite the name of your interviewee and their place of employment.

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEW-“INNER-VIEW”
• Identify a health care professional in your chosen career. If you need help, reach out to your professor.
• Conduct an interview with the health care professional (in-person by phone or virtually).
• How would they describe a typical day at work?
• What advice would they give you as you enter the profession?

Part 3- Reflection

PERSONAL CAREER PLAN
• Reflect on how you see yourself “fitting” into this profession. What are your attributes, experiences or influences?
• Describe your personal career plan.

Sample Answer

Job Description

Nurses play a crucial role in providing healthcare services to individuals across the lifespan. They assess patients’ health needs, develop care plans, administer medications, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The limits of authority and responsibility for nurses are determined by their level of education and licensure, with each state outlining the specific scope of practice. The Code of Ethics for Nurses, established by the American Nurses Association, emphasizes principles such as respect for human dignity, advocacy for patients’ rights, and accountability in delivering nursing care.

Education/Registration/Certification

– To become a registered nurse (RN), individuals typically need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
– Institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and University of Pennsylvania offer BSN programs that take approximately four years to complete.
– The cost of completing a BSN program at these institutions can range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
– A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required to become an RN.
– Upon graduation, individuals must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure as a registered nurse.

Job Outlook and Employment

– The job availability for nurses is high, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
– Over 221,900 new RN jobs are expected to become available in the coming years.
– Salaries for entry-level nurses vary but typically range from $50,000 to $70,000 per year. Experienced nurses can earn upwards of $100,000 annually depending on their specialization and location.

Professional Activities

– Professional organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) offer student membership at reduced costs.
– Subscribing to nursing journals like the “Journal of Nursing” can provide valuable insights into current practices and research in the field.
– Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are often required for RN license renewal, with around 20-30 CEUs needed every two years.

Health Care Professional Interview – “Inner-View”

I interviewed Sarah Johnson, an RN at Memorial Hospital. Sarah described her typical day at work as fast-paced, involving patient assessments, medication administration, collaboration with physicians, and patient education. Her advice for aspiring nurses was to prioritize self-care, maintain empathy towards patients, and continually seek opportunities for professional growth.

Reflection

As I reflect on my journey towards becoming a nurse, I recognize my strong communication skills, empathy towards others, and passion for helping those in need as key attributes that align with this profession. My personal career plan involves completing a BSN program, gaining clinical experience in various healthcare settings, and eventually specializing in critical care nursing to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives during their most vulnerable moments.

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