Nursing In the United States of America

According to the International Council of Nurses, Nursing is defined as, “Autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people.”

The above definition is absolutely true. In simple terms, nursing is a profession of providing care to the people.

Nursing is a profession within the health care sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. They also take on vital roles of education, assessing situations, as support.

The nurse is a person who has completed a program of basic, generalized nursing education and is authorized by the appropriate regulatory authority to practice nursing in his/her country or also organizations in abroad. Nurses develop a plan of care, working collaboratively with physicians, therapists, the patient, the patient's family, and other team members that focus on treating illness to improve quality of life.

Nursing is a widely reputed field all over the world. As the demand of nurses is growing day by day, the demand for nurses has been on the rise for several years in the United States of America too.

Nursing as a Profession

The authority for the practice of nursing is based upon a social contract that delineates professional rights and responsibilities as well as mechanisms for public accountability. In almost all countries, nursing practice is defined and governed by law, and entrance to the profession is regulated at the national or state level.

The aim of the nursing community worldwide is for its professionals to ensure quality care for all, while maintaining their credentials, code of ethics, standards, and competencies, and continuing their education.

There are a number of educational paths to becoming a professional nurse, which vary greatly worldwide; all involve extensive study of nursing theory and practice as well as training in clinical skills. Nurses in the United States practice nursing in a wide variety of specialties and departments.

There are 6 types of nursing professionals in the United States of America.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Education requirement:
75-hours of Vocational Course

Scope of Practice: Certified Nursing Assistants are trained to perform a limited range of procedures in support of Registered Nurses, under whose supervision they are generally required to work. These include taking vital signs, dispensing prescribed medications, bathing patients, and moving patients in wheelchairs.

2. Licensed Practical Nurse

Education requirement:
One-year Vocational Course

Scope of Practice: In addition to the duties of a CNA, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is generally also qualified to administer injections, perform therapeutic massage, prepare patients for surgical procedures, maintain patient medical records, change bandages and dressings, and sometimes manage intravenous drips. LPNs are also responsible for communicating a patient's needs to medical staff. In some regions, the equivalent role is termed a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

3. Registered Nurse (RN)

Education requirement:
Associate of Science (A.S.) in Nursing or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing

Scope of Practice: In addition to the duties of CNAs and LPNs, RNs are qualified to make nursing diagnoses, and to supervise the work of CNAs and LPNs.

4. Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)

Education requirement:
Postgraduate education in specialized aspect of nursing and RN licensure

Scope of Practice: Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners include nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialist and nurse anesthetists.

5. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Education requirement:
Doctorate

Scope of Practice: Usually involved in community projects and professional nursing academia

6. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Education requirement:
Doctorate

Scope of Practice: Usually involved in the fundamentals and theory of nursing and research

Specialties and Practice Settings

Nursing is the most diverse of all health care professions. Nurses practice in a wide range of settings but generally nursing is divided depending on the needs of the person being nursed.

The major populations are:

communities/public

family/individual across the lifespan

adult-gerontology

pediatrics

neonatal

women's health/gender-related

mental health

informatics (eHealth)

acute care hospitals

ambulatory settings (physician offices, urgent care settings, camps, etc.)

school/college infirmaries

Demand for Nurses in the USA

The demand for nurses has been on the rise for several years, spurred by various economic and demographic factors.

The Department of Labor's estimated increase percentage per nurse employer type is:

25% - Offices of physicians

23% - Home health care services

34% - Outpatient care centers, except mental health and substance abuse

33% - Employment services

23% - General medical and surgical hospitals, public and private

23% - Nursing care facilities

We at Nurse Career Promotion, provide our service to Nepalese, Indians and Bhutanese nurses to increase their nursing knowledge through continuous assessment and proper guidance.

We also provide all the essential materials that they can use to practice and do better in their exam.

All the learning resources are available which are mentioned below:

Online learning modules

Live webinars

Personal guidance and many more as per the requirement of learners.