Is Nursing a career for YOU?

Nursing generally is defined as the process of caring for, or nurturing, another individual. Nurse refers to those persons who have had formal education and training in the art and science of nursing. Professional nurses combine many different disciplines, including aspects of biology and psychology, to promote the restoration and maintenance of health in their clients or patients. A a critical member of the healthcare team, nurses provide care to patients, monitors the patient's health status, provides health-related education to the patient and family, and serves as a patient advocate.

If you are a someone concerned with health and well-being, have a desire to help others, and an interest in the functions of the human body in illness and health, nursing might be just the profession for you! If you have a caring, sympathetic nature and enjoy helping others, the nursing profession needs you.

In addition to a caring spirit, you need keen observational, decision making, and communication skills in order to care for your patients. Not only will you be called upon to provide hands-on patient care, you'll also frequently need to use complex medical equipment. You must be able to give and follow directions, and be a "team player" in the health care environment. Often you may need to direct or coordinate the work of other health care providers which demands both leadership and management skills. The nursing profession is demanding and can be stressful, but the rewards are also great.

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