Research Paper - Registered Nursing

Research Paper Registered Nursing

Based on my Wizard research we did in the SDV class, it shows that nursing is one of the first career paths recommended for me based on the answers I gave for the assessments.  Also, there were numerous career options within the medical field that were listed as well; leaving me to feel that nursing is the right choice.  After meeting with an advisor and going over my goals and expectations, she asked me some personal questions about my life and I shared some of my experiences with her.  She said that she felt that I was definitely headed in the right direction and I had a natural gift of compassion that many people do not have when it comes to dealing with people, illness and death.  I understand that the Associate of Applied Science degree is not a transferable degree, however many of the courses I am taking have transferable credits so that if I choose to transfer to VCU, which is my current plan, then many of the classes I take will be applied there.

The next steps I need to pursue in order to obtain my degree and move on to final college and career goals, since I am only finishing my first semester, are going to be to keep my grades up by completing all given assignments, studying, getting tutoring as needed and getting the grades necessary for placement into the JSRCC nursing program.  Toward the end of the first semester, around mid-October, I will be meeting with an advisor about what classes to take in the second semester and registering for them in early November, which will leave me with my final list of classes that I will need for the last semester.  During the second semester I will be talking to someone about my transfer options and what is required for a transfer to VCU to obtain my Bachelors of Science in nursing, as well as start preparing a resume in order to get a job after I have gotten my AAS from JSRCC.  I am planning to work part-time while I continue my education.

Nursing is something I have wanted to pursue for about 25 years but never did until recently.  Upon doing the research for this paper, it has been reaffirmed to me that my choice it the right one not only based on the job availability and the salary range, which is very inviting to say the least, but the fact that there is a wide variety of areas I can work or specialize in, such as:

A.         Pediatric Oncology nurse works with children and teens that have cancer.

B.        Addiction nurses care for patients who need help to overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other substances.

C.        Cardiovascular nurses treat patients with heart disease and people who have had heart surgery.

D.        Critical care nurses work in intensive care units in hospitals, providing care to patients with serious, complex, and acute illnesses and injuries that need very close monitoring and treatment.

E.        Genetics nurses provide screening, counseling, and treatment of patients with genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease.

F.         Neonatology nurses take care of newborn babies.

G.        Nephrology nurses treat patients who have kidney-related health issues that are attributable to diabetes, high blood pressure, substance abuse, or other causes.

H.        Rehabilitation nurses care for patients with temporary or permanent disabilities.

Advanced practice registered nurses may provide primary and specialty care, and, in most states, they may prescribe medicines. All states specifically define requirements for registered nurses in these four advanced practice roles:

1.         Clinical nurse specialists provide direct patient care and expert consultations in one of many nursing specialties, such as psychiatric-mental health.

2.         Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia and related care before and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. They also provide pain management and emergency services.

3.         Nurse-midwives provide care to women, including gynecological exams, family planning advice, prenatal care, assistance in labor and delivery, and care of newborns.

4.         Nurse practitioners serve as primary and specialty care providers, providing a blend of nursing and primary care services to patients and families.

            The final decision for me to return to school after 26 years was my mother. In June of 2010 she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that metastasized to her bones.  I was the one who stepped up to the plate and took care of her, made sure she ate, got her meds, took her to radiation and chemotherapy weekly, and, as her cancer progressed I got a friend who is an RN to stay with her during the day while I worked and I stayed with her at night.  My children sacrificed for me so that I could take care of their granny.  There were many nights of no sleep, and toward the end when she was home on hospice, I had to give her meds every 2 hours around the clock.  It was at that moment when I knew what my calling was and where I needed to be in my career.  This was a promise I made to myself and to my mother just before she passed in June 2011.