Nursing Job Descriptions for Job Seekers

The explosion in opportunities for Nurses is expected to continue into 2014 and beyond. The growing need for Registered Nurses and nursomg providers will only expand as the Baby Boomer generation starts retiring and requiring more care. There are many types of nursing jobs. In this article, we will talk through the different Nursing job descriptions for those looking to enter the opportunities presented in the field of Nursing.

Here are some facts about the opportunities in the field of nursing: • There are roughly 2,694,540 licensed registered nurses in the United States • Approximately 146,902 RNs are men – only 5.4% of the total nursing population • The average annual earnings for all full-time employed RNs are $46,800 • Average annual earnings for staff nurses are $42,100 • The average annual salary for a master's-prepared nurse is $61,000; doctorate-prepared nurses average slightly higher at $63,550 • Nurse practitioners have average annual earnings of $60,126

The job outlook for RN’s in all specialties is expected to only expand further. The need to replace nurses who are retiring will only create further opportunity for those entering the nursing filed. As technologies advance in patient care more medical problems will be able to be handled by preventative medicine. This is a good thing for those considering the field of Nursing.

The nursing field is definitely a seller’s market. Many Hospitals and clinics are competing fiercely for registered nurses, especially those with very specific specialties. The fastest growth is expected in outpatient facilities, same day surgery facilities, and rehabilition centers.

The bottom line is, the nursing field will only grow over the next 10-20 years. For those considering a career in nursing, here are some of the Nursing job descriptions to consider.

Registered Nursing Job Description – (RN)

Registered nurses make up the largest percentage of health workers in the US. Nurses are typically the point of contact with the patients and families. In addition, they are the primary point of contact between the patient and the world of health care, both at the bedside and in out-patient settings. Registered Nurses perform patient evaluations, track patient vitals, and perform medical procedures such as IV’s, and often administer medications. RN’s are very important to the Physician as they often are in touch with the patient’s status and well being.

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners are usually the primary care givers of their patients. Like physicians, Nurse Practitioners are the first ones to diagnose and treat illness and other medical issues. Nurse practitioners can also prescribe medication which is not allowed by Registered Nurses.

Some would argue that in the US we need more Nurse Practitioners than Physicians in the health care system. Some say this would help in reducing the cost of providing healthcare across the board.

The education requirements to become a nurse practitioner require a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, and often a Master in Nursing as well. Many times nurse practitioners will handle secondary roles as well in obstetrics, anesthesiology, and midwifery.

Head Nurse or Nurse Supervisor

Head Nurses are typically the Nursing managers in the healthcare scene. Their typical responsibilities range from work schedules to performance reviews for nursing staff. Other tasks include quality control, standards review, medication review, care reviews, and training.

Nursing Managers and supervisors are critical in managing nurses in larger Hospital and clinical environments. For those interested in not all becoming a Nurse but also enjoy managing people, this is great job for you.

Licensed Practical Nurses Job Descriptions (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), provide very custom and personalized care to patients. LPN’s typically report directly to either the Physician or RN. Most LPN’s assist very closely in the daily care of the patient hands on. Some LPN’s administer medicine and IV’s for patients. They often handle bed sores, enema’s, bandages, and other hands on care for patients.

Home Health Nurses Job Description

Home Health Nurses provide their care in the patients home. It has been found that many patients recover much quicker when they are able to recover in the comfort of their own home.

Some common uses for home health nurses are those recovering accidents, cancer, and childbirth. Home health nurses must be able to work independently and often supervise others such as home health aides in providing care to the patients in their homes.

Nursing Aides Job Description

Nursing aides, or nursing assistants perform most of their tasks under supervision of medical staff and other nurses. Some of the tasks include answering patient requests, delivering messages, serving meals, and help patients eat, bathe, and dress themselves. Nursing Aides provide skin care to patients, take patients temperatures, and vitals such as blood pressure and respiration. Many times they assist patients in and out of their beds.

Nursing Aides are also key in keeping patients rooms neat and in order. It is important for patients to have someone to rely on in assisting them to appointments and back and forth to their room. Aides are also key in reporting physical and emotional status to the other nursing staff and physicians when they notice changes in behavior that may indicate failing health.