Can online nursing degree programs address the shortage of nurses in America? There are 2.5 million nurses working in the United States. Even as many pursue different online nursing degree, supply is hardly able to meet demand.
The healthcare industry is experiencing a boom. There are several factors contributing to this: continued studies to develop treatments for diseases, an aging population needing medical attention and technological advancements that have made it easier to detect and treat illnesses.
Why nursing duties devolved
This development means more nurses will be needed to provide patient care services. But nursing is no longer a task solely performed by registered nurses or RNs. Costs are a primary reason why their functions have devolved. RNs or those with a bachelor of nursing degree, among others, are paid premium for their knowledge, skills and expertise. Health care facilities need to manage operating expenses if they are to survive and remain competitive.
Thus was born the certified nursing assistant (CNA) and the licensed practical nurse (LPN). They are taking over the most basic functions that RNs used to be in charge of. Still they both work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, even if they gain enough experience in their profession.
Yet, it is for the very same reason that CNAs and LPNs pursue further studies to become a registered nurse: higher financial compensation. This explains the increasing enrollment in nursing programs, in all levels. And what better way than through distance education made easier by the Internet.
Online nursing degree programs are many. There are the traditional associate, bachelor and master-s degrees earned between two to four years. Until 2013 when they are eventually phased out, you can still complete a nursing diploma program, within three years. A nursing diploma is usually offered at a hospital, in conjunction with a community college.
Education and training options
If you are looking to begin a career in nursing, you have several options to get your education and training aside from the usual degree programs (associate-s, bachelor-s, master-s):
LPN to RN Transition Program - this program is for licensed practical nurses currently employed who wish to become registered nurses, but for reasons of finances, time and responsibilities to families, have difficulty furthering their education to career growth. From the comfort of your home and at a pace you set, you can earn an associate degree in nursing or BSN online.
LPN to BSN Degree Program - this is another bridging program for a licensed nurse who needs the basic level of education to become a BSN-RN. Other than the medical-related courses, there are also subjects on leadership and management, community health nursing, risk reduction and disease management.
RN to BSN - this program is offered by nursing schools for registered nurses who completed either an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma but are aiming for career advancement and more responsibilities in the workplace.
RN to MSN Bridge Program - if you're already a practicing RN but want to specialize in other aspects of nursing, you can choose to enroll in this bridge program that abbreviates your studies after considering your previous educational credentials. There are nurses who later on want to become educators or administrators and there are specific programs and training for such ambitions. Alternative Opportunities
There are other nursing fields that will be open to you as you practice your profession and become exposed to numerous medical and health care situations and see the need for providing allied health services in other fields. And specialized online nursing degree programs continue to be developed to meet the demand.
Nurse Practitioner Program - a nurse practitioner means you completed advanced studies in nursing (usually master-s) and have had training in the diagnosis and management of medical conditions, including chronic diseases. They almost perform the same functions as physicians, and often work closely with them, even if they can serve as your regular health provider.
Legal Nurse Consulting - is combining your medical expertise with legal knowledge to assist lawyers and others in the legal profession on matters related to medical malpractice, personal liability, health care licensure investigations or product liability. Training involves becoming familiar with the law and how you can apply knowledge in the field of healthcare and medicine to resolve civil and criminal cases. Kaplan University is one of accredited schools offering this program.
Forensic Nursing - this specialized field usually handles victims of violent crimes that require medical attention. They are also asked to compile evidence for certain investigations, usually taken from the victims, to aid in a criminal investigation. While already knowledgeable in the field of medicine, further training and education are required to focus more on the use of scientific analysis to solve crime.
There are several ways by which you can enter and grow in the nursing profession. Technology has merely made it simpler to get the necessary training and education to prepare you for numerous job opportunities. From regular bedside nursing to specialized nursing, the possibilities keep growing. Online nursing degree programs can help you make up your mind.
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