Registered nurses (RNs) work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress in patients; assist physicians during surgeries, treatments, and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. RNs also develop and manage nursing care plans, instruct patients and their families in proper care, and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health. While State laws govern the tasks that RNs may perform, it is usually the work setting that determines their daily job duties. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, or NCLEX-RN, is taken after you have received a degree or diploma from an approved registered nursing program. It is administered by state and territorial boards of nursing and measures the knowledge and skills required of registered nurses. You must pass the exam in order to receive your license Approximately 25 percent of nursing students who take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) each year fail on their first attempt. NCLEX-RN For Dummies is essential for any nursing candidate who wishes to join the workforce as soon as possible– and who wants to avoid retaking the exam. Featuring a companion CD-ROM with an extra practice test, this friendly guide provides readers with a point-by-point review of typical test questions, helping them hone their skills in each of the different phases of the nursing process covered in the exam. It also provides savvy test-taking tips and practice exams.
The Rutgers NCLEX-RN course reflects the newest edition of the test plan of the national licensure examination. The course includes discussion of CAT (Computerized Adaptive Testing) and emphasis techniques and strategies to optimize your testing ability. The Rutgers course is the most comprehensive and up-to -date review that provides students with the confidence they need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination. This course is different because: An experienced educator does personal counseling and evaluation of assessment test results. There is more extensive and comprehensive review of material most likely to be on NCLEX-RN (48 hours of instruction versus 30 hours or even 12 hours of instruction offered in other courses). All faculty are experienced educators/clinicians who are knowledgeable about the computerized NCLEX examination. Content is presented in an integrated format just like the licensure examination. Once you are enrolled in the course we will provide supplemental help at no charge until you pass the licensure examination.
Practice tests are given both in and out of class to assist in test-taking ability and preparation for the NCLEX-RN. Methods of coping with test anxiety and relaxation techniques are an integral part of the course.Hospital nurses form the largest group of nurses. Most are staff nurses, who provide bedside nursing care and carry out medical regimens. They also may supervise licensed practical nurses and nursing aides. Hospital nurses usually are assigned to one department, such as surgery, maternity, pediatrics, the emergency room, intensive care, or the treatment of cancer patients. Some may rotate among departments.
Office nurses care for outpatients in physicians?offices, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and emergency medical centers. They prepare patients for, and assist with, examinations; administer injections and medications; dress wounds and incisions; assist with minor surgery; and maintain records. Some also perform routine laboratory and office work.Nursing care facility nurses manage care for residents with conditions ranging from a fracture to Alzheimer disease. Although they often spend much of their time on administrative and supervisory tasks, RNs also assess residents?health, develop treatment plans, supervise licensed practical nurses and nursing aides, and perform invasive procedures, such as starting intravenous fluids. They also work in specialty-care departments, such as long-term rehabilitation units for patients with strokes and head injuries.RNs specializing in treatment of a particular organ or body system usually are employed in specialty physicians?offices or outpatient care facilities, although some are employed in hospital specialty or critical care units. For example, cardiac and vascular nurses treat patients with coronary heart disease and those who have had heart surgery, providing services such as postoperative rehabilitation. Dermatology nurses treat patients with disorders of the skin, such as skin cancer and psoriasis. Gastroenterology nurses treat patients with digestive and intestinal disorders, including ulcers, acid reflux disease, and abdominal bleeding. Some nurses in this field also specialize in endoscopic procedures, which look inside the gastrointestinal tract using a tube equipped with a light and a camera that can capture images of diseased tissue. Gynecology nurses provide care to women with disorders of the reproductive system, including endometriosis, cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases. Nephrology nurses care for patients with kidney disease caused by diabetes, hypertension, or substance abuse. Neuroscience nurses care for patients with dysfunctions of the nervous system, including brain and spinal cord injuries and seizures. Ophthalmic nurses provide care to patients with disorders of the eyes, including blindness and glaucoma, and to patients undergoing eye surgery. Orthopedic nurses care for patients with muscular and skeletal problems, including arthritis, bone fractures, and muscular dystrophy. Otorhinolaryngology nurses care for patients with ear, nose, and throat disorders, such as cleft palates, allergies, and sinus disorders. Respiratory nurses provide care to patients with respiratory disorders such as asthma, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis. Urology nurses care for patients with disorders of the kidneys, urinary tract, and male reproductive organs, including infections, kidney and bladder stones, and cancers.
Because the NCLEX-RN uses Computer-Adaptive Testing (CAT), it is variable in length. Test questions are based on your responses as you go along, and new material is presented until your skill level is determined with 95 percent accuracy. Due to the nature of this method, the exam can range from 75 to 265 questions in length. (The maximum testing session is six hours.) A study of 81 bachelor of science in nursing students found a strong correlation between performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)and achievement on standardized National League for Nursing Achievement Tests. There was a significant relationship between NCLEX scores and grades in nursing courses. (JOW)The NCLEX-RN Exam covers material taught in degree granting nursing programs, focusing on both the practical aspects of health care and the health needs of clients. To do well, you need to demonstrate knowledge in four major areas:Safe Effective Care Environment (Management of Care, Safety and Infection Control)
Health Promotion and Maintenance Psychosocial Integrity Physiological Integrity (Basic Care and Comfort, Pharmacological and Potential Therapies, Reduction of Risk Potential, Physiological Adaptation)There are two kinds of nursing designations in America. The one most people are familiar with is the Registered Nurse, or RN. The other one is the Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN. LPNs in some states are known as Licensed Vocational Nurses, or LVNs. (For all practical purposes, LPN is pretty much the same as LVN, and we’ll use LPN to refer to both, as it‘s more common.) RN is the more advanced designation, as it takes two to four years of study to earn. Some hospitals have diploma programs where they train people for nursing on the job.
This sort of training used to be a lot more widespread, but these days most people become a registered nurse by getting an Associates Degree in Nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The associates degree takes two years to earn, while the bachelor’s program usually runs four years. Of course, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED in order to enroll; and you may be required to take and pass the National League for Nursing Exam before being accepted. There are special programs at some schools where people who already have a bachelor’s degree can get a Nursing degree in a shorter period of time, without having to take the entire course of study.
To qualify as a registered nurse, once a person graduates with either degree, they must then pass the national exam for registered nurses, the NCLEX-RN. NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination. Once a person has their degree in nursing, and has passed the NCLEX-RN, they’re qualified to practice as a registered nurse. To become an LPN usually only takes a year of study, and a degree is not required, although a diploma or certificate will be issued. Some hospitals offer LPN training, and there are many schools across the country where a person can get LPN training. Once they‘ve graduated from the training program, the prospective nurse will need to pass the NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse) test before being certified. That’s the difference in the educational paths to becoming either an RN or an LPN. Of course, most nursing courses of study, whether LPN or RN, are usually somewhat selective, and you’ll have to demonstrate some aptitude for nursing skills and their related academic courses before being accepted. And once you’ve got your diploma or degree, you’ll want to spend some time preparing for the licensing test. The NCLEX is quite a challenge no matter which version you’re taking, and it will require a good grasp of nursing concepts, and a lot of study time in order to pass. A good study guide is essential to preparing for either version of the NCLEX. Each RN’s initial salary step placement is based on years of RN work experience, both inside and outside Los Angeles County, will be retroactive to April 1, 2007, and will appear on the May 15 paycheck.  This is the ONLY time period to credit multiple years.
Home health nurses provide nursing services to patients at home. RNs assess patients? home environments and instruct patients and their families. Home health nurses care for a broad range of patients, such as those recovering from illnesses and accidents, cancer, and childbirth. They must be able to work independently and may supervise home health aides. Public health nurses work in government and private agencies, including clinics, schools, retirement communities, and other community settings. They focus on populations, working with individuals, groups, and families to improve the overall health of communities. They also work with communities to help plan and implement programs. Public health nurses instruct individuals, families, and other groups regarding health issues such as preventive care, nutrition, and childcare. They arrange for immunizations, blood pressure testing, and other health screening. These nurses also work with community leaders, teachers, parents, and physicians in community health education.
Occupational health nurses, also called industrial nurses, provide nursing care at worksites to employees, customers, and others with injuries and illnesses. They give emergency care, prepare accident reports, and arrange for further care if necessary. They also offer health counseling, conduct health examinations and inoculations, and assess work environments to identify potential or actual health problems. Head nurses or nurse supervisors direct nursing activities, primarily in hospitals. They plan work schedules and assign duties to nurses and aides, provide or arrange for training, and visit patients to observe nurses and to ensure that the patients receive proper care. They also may ensure that records are maintained and equipment and supplies are ordered.
At the advanced level, nurse practitioners provide basic, primary healthcare. They diagnose and treat common acute illnesses and injuries. Nurse practitioners also can prescribe medications sot certification and licensing requirements vary by State. Other advanced practice nurses include clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse midwives. Advanced practice nurses must meet educational and clinical practice requirements beyond the basic nursing education and licensing required of all RNs. Most nurses work in well-lighted, comfortable healthcare facilities. Home health and public health nurses travel to patients? homes, schools, community centers, and other sites. Nurses may spend considerable time walking and standing. Patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities require 24-hour care; consequently, nurses in these institutions may work nights, weekends, and holidays. RNs also may be on call available to work on short notice. Office, occupational health, and public health nurses are more likely to work regular business hours. More than 1 in 5 RNs worked part time in 2002 and nearly 1 in 10 held more than one job.
Nursing has its hazards, especially in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and clinics, in all three of which nurses may care for individuals with infectious diseases. Nurses must observe rigid standardized guidelines to guard against disease and other dangers, such as those posed by radiation, accidental needle sticks, chemicals used to sterilize instruments, and anesthetics. In addition, they are vulnerable to back injury when moving patients, shocks from electrical equipment, and hazards posed by compressed gases.