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We all know medicine for doctors and physicians, but one of this sector’s most vital professionals is nurses. Nurses and the other medical staff work like the pillars for any healthcare facility. From taking care of the patients to listening to them when they’re lonely, nurses work all day for people’s rehabilitation. And while most of us don’t realize the importance of this field, there are many complexities. Nursing is a field that requires optimum studies and experience to pursue a long-term career in it. And just like any other field, there are different areas of specialties. Based on your focus and interest, you can select a career pathway for yourself. If you are confused about this choice, then the following nursing careers pathways will help you find your true passion:
1. Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nursing is another great career option for people who like to work with kids and infants. But since this field requires special skills to deal with stubborn patients, not everyone can succeed here. That said, if you are good with kids and love to be around them, then you should consider this field. The bonus point of becoming a pediatric nurse is that you get a lot of job options. You can do anything from emergency management to outpatient help and care. Sometimes, you have to tend to kids who injure themselves in accidents or sports. Other times, you have to calm down a stubborn baby because he/she isn’t complying with the working staff. This field is incredibly vast and offers a lot of exposure to different areas of healthcare. But to work as a professional nurse, you will need a degree from a college or online MSN in nursing. And after you get your license, you can practice as a registered pediatric nurse easily.
2. Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Every surgical procedure requires some anesthesia and sedation. No matter how simple or complex the operation is, it always needs preparatory anesthesia to calm the patient. That is where anesthesiologists and nurses come to help. Because sedation is quite tricky and requires proper monitoring and checkup, we need professionals for this job. Sometimes, hospitals have trained professionals, and other times, they hire registered nurse anesthetists. These nurses scrub in with the surgeons and help maintain anesthesia while they operate. It might seem simple, but these jobs are one of the most critical healthcare positions in reality. Anesthesiologists have to work hand in hand with urgent cases daily. The duty hours are long, and the work is more challenging, but it is equally rewarding. Thus, if you want to have a career that holds importance in the industry, you should consider getting a degree in this field.
3. Nursing Midwife
The idea of choosing a career to become a professional midwife nurse is relatively unique. Not everyone has the vision to select this field that challenges nurses daily. Opposite to what many believe, midwives are equally trained and educated like any other OB/Gynae officer. A midwife-nurse not only delivers the baby safely and soundly but also takes care of the mother’s health. Not only that, but after birth, a nurse also has to use their professional training to examine the baby’s health. Likewise, if the new mother wants to check on her newborn’s health, the midwife has to do follow-ups. Meaning, a midwife nurse is not only skilled for delivery, but she also gets training for general medical treatments. So, if you want to explore this unique area, you should look into the master’s program in midwife nursing.
4. School Nurse
If you like to work with children but are not good with clinical settings, you might want a school nursing career. A school nurse is responsible for any mishap or medical emergency that happens in schools or colleges. Because the students are usually clumsy with sports or simply irresponsible, they tend to get hurt a lot. Moreover, school fights and bully attacks are severe problems in many educational institutes. To deal with such issues and to control these situations, schools need trained nurses. To become one, you will require a license and at least a bachelor’s degree. Generally, these nurses do not require a lot of experience to get a job, but it can vary from school to school. The duty hours are limited to the institute’s timing; thus, you won’t have to sit late hours. Therefore, if you want a challenging job that offers flexible duty hours, you should consider becoming a school nurse.
5. Psychiatric Nurse
Every psychiatric facility requires a team of skilled nurses who can take care of mentally challenged patients. This job is challenging compared to other options, but it is one of the most rewarding career choices. When you work in a facility filled with mentally challenged people, you need skills and a lot of patience. Some of the patients can get out of control and even become violent when they are on medications. In such cases, you have to learn the proper protocol for working things out. Meaning, if you choose to work in a psychiatric facility, you will have a lot of exposure to different conditions. And since these patients are usually left alone, their nurses are all they’ve got. So if you want to work for this community’s betterment, consider this field for your career pathway. Sure, the job is difficult, and you will require a master’s degree, but it’s all worth it in the end. Lastly, if you have emotional stability and can work in dynamic environments, then you should opt for this path.
The Bottom Line
Nursing is a field that requires hard work and dedication. And while it challenges the workers each day of their job, it rewards them as well. There are many branches of this field, and the above described are only a few of them. If you aspire to become a nurse but are confused about choosing your specialty, this list will guide you. Based on your interest and passion, select what you can do best to excel in your career.