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The Sensibility of Studying Nursing Online
The modern day definition of nursing
Nursing is a difficult profession to define. The nursing profession interacts with almost everyone at some point in life. The art of nursing has come a long way since Florence Nightingale tried to assist soldiers during the Crimean War. In the early years of nursing the definition was simply: To look after or to advise another on illness and disease. That concept expanded over the years and by the 20th century a more concise definition of nursing gained acceptance. Nursing now is the art of promoting the quality of life.
Nursing promotes the quality of life by providing services to individuals, families and communities who have emotional, psychological, physical, social, intellectual and spiritual needs. Nursing combines social and physical science, medical theory and technology and applies that knowledge to promote wellness and longevity. No other profession offers so many diversified areas to study. Some of those areas include mental health, administration, teaching, pediatrics, geriatrics, long term, home healthcare, cardiac surgery and oncology.
Why choose a career in nursing?
Recent statistics show that by the year 2010 the healthcare industry will need 213,000 new nurses. The population is living longer and needs more care, which is why nursing offers such incredible opportunities. The law of supply and demand is certainly in play in the nursing profession. In order to keep up with the expansion and to replace the nurses that are retiring, almost 382,000 will be needed by 2015 and by 2020, 800,000 nurses will be needed to fill healthcare vacancies. In order to attract new nurses, hospitals are creating lucrative employment packages. Some hospitals are even offering bonuses and advances for nurses with experience.
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) can expect to earn $35,000 to $40,000 for the first year of service, not including overtime. Registered nurses (RN) with a BSN degree earn around $52,000 the first year and if a nurse receives a MSN degree that figure could jump to over $63,000. A nurse with a doctorate degree can earn $72,000 to $75,000 the first year. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are offering nurses flexible hours and three day work weeks along with attractive insurance, vacation and retirement plans.
Is classroom study better than online study?
Classroom study is the traditional way to earn nursing certification. The common belief about classroom study is that the student gets personal attention and the information given in the classroom is extensive and complete in terms of theory, as well as clinical topics. The diversity within the classroom environment limits one-on-one interaction, so the instructor usually teaches the class, not each student. Classroom study usually has activity fees and other fees which are not part of online study. Some students have always had an issue with classroom study. Work responsibilities and personal commitments make it difficult to study in the same place at the same time five days a week.
Online study has opened a window of opportunity for students who need flexibility. A student can study the same theory and clinical information online and still maintain work and personal responsibilities. Students can study and interact with the instructor in several different ways, so personal interaction is usually the norm. Telecommunications, emails and online interaction make online study more personal, as well as less expensive.
Can I complete my clinical studies online?
The classroom usually has a venue for theory and clinical study on site, but there is usually not enough flexibility to accommodate all students. Online clinical study is done through local hospitals with visiting instructors. Some hospitals use staff nurses as instructors and when the clinical work becomes more advanced mentors are assigned to students, so information can be discussed and evaluated. Video communications as well as video demonstrations help the student complete some of the clinical work at home. Forums and chat rooms are available so the student can share clinical experiences with other students, as well as the instructor. When all the options are considered online study is a flexible, as well as affordable way to receive nurse certification.
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