This memorandum will discuss a number of factors affecting nursing careers. How this research may affect my decision to go into this field. The requirements for certification, education, salary, and the prospective job market. How these factors can influence personal identity.
Education and Certifications
A nursing degree can take time to complete, depending on your level of dedication. It normally takes two years for Associate\’s degrees to offer entry-level opportunities. Four years are required to complete a bachelor\’s program. Three years are required for a bachelor degree with direct entry. Two years are required for Master\’s programs. You must take the National Council Licensure exam after completing your degree program. To attend the examination, you need to apply for your nursing license from your state board of nursing. Oklahoma nurses are required to renew their licenses every two years (All Nursing Schools, n.d).
Many nursing jobs require physical strength and stamina, being in good physical condition is a big plus in the job. A nurse also needs physical strength to complete emergency procedures such as CPR.
Debt and Income
It is well-known that working as a nurse can be highly rewarding. At the same time, it can be expensive to obtain the necessary education and nursing licenses. Nursing courses can cost up to $118,000 depending on the field of study. With those higher prices, aspiring nurses are more likely to need a student loan. Almost 70 percent of graduate nurses are graduating in enormous debt, according to a press release (Register Nursing.org, n.d).
Nursing remains an essential service to the American public. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics\’ (BLS) current Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median expected salary for registered nurses is $68,450. Real salaries vary according to a degree, location, experience and many other factors (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018-19).
Influences on Identity
Nurses have developed into a health profession with a lot of knowledge, but the public does not always value education and innovation in skills and competencies. Nurses should increase their visibility to improve their public image as well as to gain a stronger position in healthcare organizations. This can be achieved through continuous education and a rewarding workplace that encourages nurses to stand up for themselves. In order to demonstrate to the public what their work really entails, the nurses must make better use of strategic positions as the case manager, nurse instructor or clinical nurse specialist (Baum, 2019).
Attitude plays a large role in the ability to become and serve as a culturally competent caregiver. The “attitude” refers to a level of awareness in yourself and your patients regarding stereotypes, rules of interaction and communication customs. This means that stereotypes of other cultures need to be identified and debunked. Some situations do not show sensibilities unless we know how our actions can affect others. Reflect on your cultural attitude so that your patients do not experience even the subtlest stereotypical trends (Preston, 1863).
You can develop a capacity to enhance your cultural competence by focusing on skills such as communication and conflict resolution. The report is an important component of qualified nurses. Knowledge, attitudes, and abilities are central to cultural competence in nursing practices. Working consistently for cultural competence is a compassionate and respectful practice.
The National Student Nurses of the Association encourage nurses to provide personalized, cultural care in line with the values, beliefs, traditions, practices, and lifestyle of the patient. The link promotes awareness of diversity, which means “an ongoing, active, and sensitive process in which the similarities and differences between different cultural groups are recognized.”In this collaborative environment, the nurse provides encouragement, hope, assistance, and compassion to contribute to reaching the desired outcomes. Patient interaction with the nurse is based on mutual respect and trust. (Preston, 1863)
Conclusion
In reality, a nurse\’s career is very difficult, complex and expensive. In spite of all these problems, I believe all of these can be justified if someone has a true passion for this field and the implications. I am a realistic person, so I see this career as one I will have to work very hard and sacrifices may be necessary along the way.
References
- All Nursing Schools. (n.d.). Registered Nursing Degrees; A Complete Overview.
Retrieved March 21, 2019, from https://www.allnursingschools.com/registered-nursing/degrees/ - All Nursing Schools. (2018-19). Registered Nurse Salary Comparison. Retrieved
March 21, 2019, from https://www.allnursingschools.com/registered-nursing/salary/ - Registered Nursing.org. (n.d.). During and After RN School. Retrieved March 22, 2019,
from https://www.registerednursing.org/guide/in-school/ - Preston, A. (1863). American Nursing: An Introduction to the Past. Retrieved March 9, 2019, from https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/nhhc/american-nursing-an-introduction-to-the-past/
- Baum, M.J. (2019). Register Nurse: Past and Present Experiences. Retrieved March 8, 2019, from an interview at work.
- Pertaining to the previous reference I interviewed the Nurse Practitioner I work with Jaime M. Baum on March 9, 2019.
- I asked her a few questions since she studied and has a lot of knowledge on the career, I am aspiring to work in the future.
