Advanced Practice: The Next Level in Nursing Degrees |
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June 19, 2007
by AJ Fanter
ajfanter@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses represent the largest number of employees in the health care industry - with over 2.4 million jobs. What's more, job opportunities for nursing school graduates, particularly those with advanced and specialty degrees in nursing, are expected to keep increasing through at least 2014.
If you're considering a career in healthcare, here's a brief review of your advanced practice nursing career options.
Advanced Practice Nursing Careers
There are four primary categories of APNs. Nurse Practitioners, or NPs, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. Their advanced nursing degrees allow them to conduct physical exams and help patients manage various chronic conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Some NPs even have their own private practices.
Next are CRNAs, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, the oldest advanced practice speciality. CRNAs are responsible for roughly 65% of all anesthetics administered to patients in the U.S. each year. Those who have completed this specialized nursing degree can be found working in surgical centers, operating rooms and even dental offices.
CNMs, or certified nurse-midwives, provide prenatal and gynecological care to women, as well as delivering babies and providing post-partum care. Demand for these specialized nurses is growing dramatically.
Finally, there are CNSs - clinical nurse specialists. These nurses not only provide acute care in such fields as mental health, oncology, cardiac, neonatal, and pediatrics, they often go on to serve as educators and consultants.
As you can see, by obtaining your advanced practice nursing degree, your career options are nearly unlimited.
Sources:
About the Author
AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, NV.
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