by Cup Of Nurses | Feb 11, 2023 | Nursing Student
6 Good Reasons to Become a Nurse Today
There are many reasons to become a nurse. In addition to addressing the demand for nursing professionals, nursing offers unique experiences not found in other professions. If you are pursuing a nursing degree, these six reasons to become a nurse can encourage you to continue your education. Here is what you need to know.
Good Reasons to Become a Nurse
- Nursing jobs are experiencing steady growth.
Registered nurses are among the most sought-after occupations in many states nationwide. They are among the top 50 in-demand jobs and help alleviate the nursing shortage in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing jobs will continue to grow until 2030 as the number of aging and retiring nurses increases. This means that nursing jobs will always be in high demand.
Great earning potential
Nursing is considered one of the top-paying professions globally. Although it comes with many responsibilities, it is well-compensated. A registered nurse’s median salary ranges from $48,000 to $75,000 per year, with some making as much as $145,000. If you hold an MSN or other nursing degrees, you can expect to earn even more. All in all, it’s not a bad deal.
Expanding career
Your job as a nurse is not limited to bedside care. You can also be an administrator, entrepreneur, doctor, or policymaker. Take Cup of Nurses, for example; they’re bloggers and nurses; now that’s something exciting!
You can be anyone you want to be, even as a nurse. As long as you take classes to take classes that pertain to more than just patient care, you can achieve anything.
As nurses become more available throughout healthcare, politics, and business, their jobs will expand to more areas. You will always have a choice to choose a career path without leaving the nursing field entirely.
The Ability to choose a specialty that you enjoy.
Nursing is one of the most versatile careers available. You can choose from a variety of specialties based on your interests. If you enjoy psychology, consider psychiatric nursing. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, emergency room nursing may be for you. Forensic nursing is an option if you are passionate about assisting victims and helping them with their cases. You can even become a nurse anesthetist and join the operating room team.
With a nursing degree, you can qualify for almost any nursing specialty. Furthermore, you can change specialties until you find the one you want to pursue.
The nursing community is vibrant.
Nurses may work long hours, but they have a community that provides help and support to one another. There are organizations, boards, bloggers, and interactive blogs where nurses can discuss anything and socialize, like our nursing podcast. Larger associations, such as the American Nursing Association, are also integral parts of the nursing community that provide support to nurses.
Be part of a respected profession.
Nurses are among the most respected professionals in the country. Their career involves caring for the sick and dying, making it a source of pride to be a part of this field. Nurses are highly regarded by the public, and although it may not be the first job that comes to mind in the medical field, it is often the first one associated with honest and ethical work. By working in this field, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, which is truly something to be proud of.
Your takeaway
If you are a student nurse thinking about being a nurse, it’s time to stay put. Don’t quit yet! Nursing is a rewarding career that touches people’s lives and creates a good path for yourself. There is financial stability and career growth for you that not many jobs can give.
We understand how tough nursing school is; we’ve been there ourselves. But if you keep pushing towards your goals, you’ll see it’s all worth it. Trust the process and us when we say you can do it. We need more frontline warriors, and we believe you are called to be one. We are rooting for you; good luck!
by Cup Of Nurses | Jan 16, 2023 | Nursing Student
10 Must-Have Skills of Nursing Students
So, you chose to be a nurse? Excellent choice! But do you have the must-have skills of nursing students? To be successful, you must have innate qualities and skills to help you through studying and succeed as a nurse in the future. Here’s what you need to have.
1. You must have confidence.
Being a nurse requires you to meet and communicate with people from all walks of life. If you are not confident with yourself or have the confidence to talk to patients, how can you provide quality care? Not only that, but you will make decisions for your patient’s care and needs. Confidence is about being able to carry yourself and being optimistic, assertive, and independent. It is about your enthusiasm for your work and emotional maturity to help you do your job at a higher level.
2. You must have communication skills.
Communication is the number one skill you must have as a nurse. You will always be talking to people in the hospital. Proper communication also helps in giving quality care to patients. Remember that you will also be talking to doctors and other medical professionals. Good communication skills also foster meaningful workplace relationships with your peers. It will also aid you and your group in studying for nursing school.
3. You must have leadership skills.
As a future nurse, one of your roles is to handle patients and families looking to you for guidance and updates. You will also work with your fellow nurses that may require your leadership. Managing your time is also a wonderful skill, especially when you have projects, emergencies, and conflicts in school or your future job. You have to be able to advocate for others as well as advocating for yourself.
4. You must have critical thinking skills.
As a student nurse, you will constantly face situations that require you to observe, think critically, and make the right decisions. You must also remember that nursing students are often exposed to high-stressed situations like demonstrating procedures at school. You may have the skills to do the procedure, but the ability to think and decide quickly in high-stressed situations will bring you great success. Thus having critical thinking skills are vital.
5. You have a passion for nursing.
Besides your critical thinking and leadership skills, you must also have a passion for nursing. There has to be a passion for helping others. Otherwise, you won’t be happy with your career. As a student nurse, you’ll be constantly challenged to learn new skills. You will also study for exams. And if you are truly ready to become a nurse, your hard work and passion for this profession will be worth it.
6. You have the drive to learn.
The learning is still ongoing once you have earned your degree. As you prepare for your job and even as a nurse, your learning does not end. You will constantly explore, develop your critical thinking skills, and question things you encounter at work. The healthcare field is always changing, just like a nurse’s role evolves. You must be ready, and having the desire to learn and adapt is essential. Whether a student or professional nurse, you’ll always have something to discover and learn about.
7. You must have teamwork skills.
As a student nurse, you’ll meet people from different places and with whom you’ll study. There will be situations where you will work together in class or hospital exposures. Without cooperation, you will fail nursing school. Understand that nursing and nursing school are collaborative fields. Working together as a team to accomplish goals is essential. You will also need this skill to succeed as a nurse and as you work with doctors, health aids, lab techs, and other healthcare team members.
8. You know how to handle high-stress situations.
Nursing school can become stressful, especially in the months leading to your graduation. You will be dealing with many exams, papers, projects, and many requirements to pass and graduate. As you become a professional nurse, you will also be constantly on the go and face stressful situations. You will deal with patients, their families, as well as other members of the healthcare team. When your patient is in critical condition, that stressful time is when you are most needed. Managing these situations and keeping a clear head will help you become a great student nurse and future nurse.
9. You must have the skills to ask for constructive criticism and feedback.
As a student nurse, you are there to learn everything in your school’s textbooks. You’ll probably feel clueless when you start, so be ready to seek guidance. Ask questions and accept constructive criticism from your mentors or instructors. Remember, everyone has been in your shoes, but it’s time you filled theirs. Seeking humility and accepting advice will help you become the best nurse you can be.
10. You must be an advocate for patients.
As a nurse, you will be your patient’s advocate. Learning this skill will help you better assist a patient and become the person to debrief team members or interpret tests. You’ll also explain procedures and instructions for patients and families. All of these are vital as you become a patient advocate.
Your Takeaway
Nursing is a wonderful profession, and if you want to succeed as a nurse, you must train yourself to be the best while still in nursing school. Honing these must-have skills of nursing students will help you in the future. And the more you adapt to that mindset, the easier it will be for you to handle any difficulties you’ll encounter in this job. Start now; you’ll be glad that you did!
by Cup Of Nurses | Nov 19, 2022 | Nursing Student
10 Best Jobs for Nursing Students in Need of Extra Income
Nursing students can get a job even while they are still studying. And in this post, we compiled the best jobs for nursing students.
The pandemic has affected many nurses and health care facilities. Because of Covid-19, many hospitals are experiencing a shortage of nurses. Thankfully, nursing students help out with other jobs that hospitals need.
Why Should Nursing Students Get a Job?
Having a part-time job as a student nurse is helpful in your career. For one, it enhances your skills as a future nurse. It also allows you to work alongside actual healthcare workers and get first-hand experience on what it’s like to work like a pro. Your work experience is also valuable once you apply for nursing jobs in the future. So, what kind of jobs can you work for as a nursing student? Here are a few:
1. Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist is a person who draws blood from patients that need to be tested for donations or procedures. As a student nurse, you can work as one. Blood is collected from patients to be analyzed for illnesses, the effectiveness of medication dosage, and evaluate nutritional levels in the body.
Nursing students can work in this position and gain valuable healthcare experience while interacting with patients. A phlebotomist can earn around $12.50 to $17.70 per hour, which is very helpful as a college student who wants extra spending money.
2. Orderly
One of the best jobs for nursing students is being an orderly. An orderly is someone who helps sanitize various rooms and equipment used. They also provide help for patients who need wheelchairs and other equipment required for mobility.
An orderly also helps transport patients or escorts them to various treatment rooms like X-rays or wheel them in for surgeries. According to PayScale, orderlies make around $8.96 to $16.81 per hour if you want to work in a part-time position.
3. Certified Nurse Assistant or CNA
Nurse assistants provide help for nurses during critical situations [1]. Usually, nurse assistants can work in healthcare facilities, camps, schools, hospitals, etc. Most of the time, this job involves working with young children and are often offered in pediatric facilities. Depending on their working facility, CNAs can earn around $13.00 to $16.00 per hour.
4. Home Health Aide
A home health aide is an essential job for nursing students interested in working as private nurses in the future. This job allows nursing students to work with patients within their homes and provide assistance. Usually, patients are disabled, injured, mentally or physically ill, and confined at home.
One of the main jobs for nursing students working in this position is to work with a nurse who supervises the patient’s care. Home health aides can help you hone your nursing skills, and you can earn around $9.00 to $12.00 per hour.
5. Monitor Technician
As monitor techs, you get to work within the Intensive Care Unit and monitor patients’ heart rates. Your job is to watch for irregularities or patterns and alert the nurse or physician on duty. This job is an excellent opportunity for nursing students interested in cardiac care or planning to work as cardiac care nurses. Monitor technicians can make $16.00 to $20.00 per hour.
6. Transporter
Another job that nursing students can apply for is being a transporter. A transporter gets to see the logistics involved in transporting patients from one part of the facility to another. To qualify, all you need are excellent communication skills, being personable, and being someone who enjoys interacting with patients receiving care.
One of your primary responsibilities includes working with other nurses and physicians to help transport patients to their procedures or examinations. A transporter typically earns around $9.00 to $15.00 per hour, not bad if you are a student looking for part-time work.
7. Hospital Clerical Worker
As a hospital clerical worker, your job is to work with different healthcare officials, patients, and healthcare providers. One of your jobs is to encode doctor’s orders in the electronic system, answer patient questions, answer phone calls, and provide other secretarial duties. A hospital clerical worker earns $11.00 to $19.00 per hour if you are interested in working as one.
8. Caregivers
One of the best jobs nursing students can try being a caregiver. A caregiver is someone who assists patients who need a companion. Their job is to help patients go to their appointments, report changes in their condition, and assist with their medication and meals. And if you are interested in working as one, a caregiver can earn around $9.00 to $15.00 per hour, depending on the client.
9. Dietitian Aide
Another exciting job for nursing students is being a dietitian aide. If you are interested in preparing meals for patients, this is an excellent way to learn about it.
Patient meals often come with physicians’ orders, and dietitians prepare them. Your job is to make sure that patients follow the guidelines as ordered by their doctors. Dietitian aides make about $8.00 to $12.00 per hour.
10. EMTs or Emergency Medical Technicians
Nursing students seeking an exciting job can work as emergency medical technicians [2]. They are the first to respond to emergencies and evaluate and treat patients as they are transported to hospitals. Among your responsibilities include administering oxygen, CPR, or providing interventions to sick and injured people. As EMTs, you can earn around $16.80 to $21.00 per hour.
Your Takeaway
Nurses and nursing students alike do not stop learning. There is always something new to do and situations to gather experience from. And if you are a nursing student, the chance of learning different skills from these jobs can help you. Now that you know what the best jobs for nursing students are choose the one you want to pursue. We hope that our list has helped. Good luck!
by Cup Of Nurses | Jul 23, 2022 | Nursing Student
5 NCLEX Myths That Are Holding You Back
Are you planning to take the NCLEX but there are NCLEX myths that are holding you back? If this is the case you are facing right now, this post will help debunk their reasons. Here are the most common NCLEX myths that you’ve probably heard of.
Myths About NCLEX
Myth 1. The length of the NCLEX exams matter.
Many test-takers believe that the more questions you answer, the more likely you are to pass the exams. However, this is not always the case.
The NCLEX has a maximum of 265 questions [1], and if you get to answer them all, the myth says you’ve failed. On the contrary, reaching only around 75 questions means you’ve passed.
While this may sound believable, NCLEX does not work that way. The length of the exams has nothing to do with you passing it. Instead, the length of your exam is based on how you are answering the questions. If you have answered correctly, the test presents you with more complex questions. The easier the questions means you have answered incorrectly. Your exam will only stop when the computer has determined your competency level.
Myth 2. You have to be computer savvy to take the NCLEX.
Even if you don’t have computer skills, you can still take the exams. The test administrator will brief the test-takers on how they can answer the exams on the computer and work through a tutorial. In this tutorial, you are taught how to use the keys and record your answers.
Administrators will also teach you how you can answer test questions that do not require a multiple choice. So, don’t worry; the main thing you need to use during this exam is the space bar and cursor to highlight your answers and lock them. It will be a piece of cake!
Myth 3. NLCEX in other states is easier.
One of the many NCLEX myths that are holding you back is the idea that NCLEX examinations vary from state to state. In case you are planning to take this exam in a different state because it’s “easier”, stop right now!
It is not true though, keep in mind that this exam is a national exam. It means that the one you are taking is the same as other nursing students in other states. NCLEX is used nationwide, so it doesn’t matter where you take it. It is still the same exams wherever you choose to take it.
Myth 4. The “select all that applies” answer shows that you are doing well in the examination.
Among NCLEX myths, this one is probably my favorite. According to gossip, the more “select all that applies” or SATA choices given to you mean you are passing the exam. But are you, though?
Again, this is not true as it could be subjective. Some may have ten SATA answers, while others may have more. However, the best thing to do is focus on how you answer the examination and not on the types of questions you are getting. Do your best and answer all questions to the best of your ability.
Myth 5. It will take a long time before you can reapply for an NCLEX exam.
Absolutely not; you have 45 days till you can apply for another NCLEX examination [2]. And this is enough time for you to study for the tests again. If you failed on your first try, the nursing board would send you a CPR or Candidate Performance Report.
This report will show you which exam areas you should focus on more so you don’t have to repeat the same mistakes. It shows your strengths and weaknesses as well, which helps assess yourself. CPR also breaks down your performance and shows if you are above or below the passing competency level.
Don’t Let the Myths Take You Down
Now that you know five of the NCLEX myths that are holding you back, go ahead and sign up for the examination. Don’t just believe the myths. Give it a try and see how you do. If you fail, do not worry, you can always try again. You just have to figure out if you are on the right track or not. We hope that our list helped you identify these myths so that you can take the next step towards your RN license, good luck!
by Cup Of Nurses | Jul 8, 2022 | Nursing Student
Preparing for the Future: 4 Educational Paths for Nursing Professionals
The educational paths for nursing have improved over the years. Pursuing a nursing education can lead you to a lucrative and rewarding career. According to the BLS, there are about 194,500 job openings for registered nurses every year.
That number is expected to increase by 9% between 2020 and 2030, making it easy for aspiring nurses to find work. The median salary for registered nurses is $77,600, higher than the national average.
To prepare for a career in nursing, there are many educational paths to choose from. Most nurses start out with a bachelor’s degree, but those that seek higher positions can pursue a master’s or doctoral degree. Below, we’ve outlined four educational paths nursing professionals can pursue.
Associate Degree In Nursing
The fastest way to open doors to nursing roles is to take an associate degree in nursing (ADN). ADNs are undergraduate degree programs that focus on the technical and practical, teaching core nursing knowledge and clinical nursing skills.
Shorter ADN programs take 18 months to complete, but the average ADN program will run for 2 years. ADN graduates can pursue a number of basic nursing roles, such as personal care nursing, care facility nursing, rehabilitation nursing, and public health nursing. The average ADN graduate earns $70,000 annually.
Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
Aspiring nurses that want to pursue more in-depth educational programs can take a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Whereas ADNs last two years, BSNs last four. BSNs go beyond the technical to teach the theoretical.
On top of honing clinical skills, the most comprehensive BSN programs provide training in administrative roles, leadership roles, and management roles. Naturally, BSN graduates have more career options than ADN graduates to become nurse practitioners. The average annual salary of a BSN graduate is $84,000.
Master Of Science In Nursing
After completing your BSN, you can pursue a Master of Science In Nursing (MSN). Applicants of MSN programs are required to first earn a bachelor’s degree, though that degree does not have to be related to nursing. The main difference between a BSN and an MSN is specialization.
BSN programs cover broader nursing topics, while MSN programs require each student to select a specific nurse practitioner concentration. MSN graduates typically go on to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or clinical nurse specialists. Experienced MSN graduates can make up to $110,000.
Doctor Of Nursing Practice
The highest level of education a nurse can attain is a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). To qualify for a DNP, applicants must first complete an MSN or a master’s degree in a health-related field. DNP programs typically take two to three years to complete.
The goal of a DNP program is to train students for high-level healthcare positions by teaching them advanced theory and healthcare procedures. DNP graduates can take roles in research, academia, policy management, and healthcare management. The average yearly income of a DNP graduate is $126,000.
Furthermore, nurses have a wide range of choices when it comes to concentrations. Some of the most in-demand nurses today include nurse advocates, nurse educators, nurse researchers, and travel nurses.
Nurses have a lot of flexibility when it comes to the kind of work they can do, and how they can attain the education they need to qualify for their target roles. That level of flexibility is one of the many things that make nursing such an attractive career.
Post solely for the use of cupofnurses.com By Roxanne Brent
by Cup Of Nurses | May 28, 2022 | Nursing Student
Should You Volunteer as a Student Nurse?
Volunteering gives you the chance to experience what it is like to work as a real nurse. It allows you to see if it is indeed the right path for you. So should you volunteer as a student nurse?
What to Consider When Volunteering
As a student nurse, your time is preoccupied with a lot of things in nursing school. However, if you want to gain experience in nursing, signing up as a volunteer can help you in many ways. So what should you consider before giving it a shot?
Consider the time you give
When you volunteer, you are adding more responsibilities to your plate. It could lead to more problems in the future and might even affect your school performance and grades.
Before you volunteer, consider how much time you are willing to give into it. Remember, your commitment is needed when you volunteer for something. It will also show on record how trustworthy you are with the opportunity granted to you.
Your reasons for volunteering
What are your reasons for volunteering? If you know why you are volunteering, then all is well. Although there is no concrete reason why people volunteer sometimes, it is still best to narrow down why you want to volunteer. And once you know why you can prioritize the things you would like to pursue.
The requirements needed
Keep in mind that not all volunteer opportunities are the same. Some may ask for minimal requirements, while others might require you to train first before they accept you. Before volunteering, it is best to check the conditions first to see if you fit the part or not. It will save you time and effort.
The responsibilities
Before volunteering, you should also consider the responsibilities that it comes with. As a student nurse volunteer, you will be dealing with patients and nurse staff, so quitting once the odds are not in your favor is not an easy option. You must see through it before you say no.
Should You Volunteer as a Student Nurse? YES!
Now that you know the things to consider, here’s why you should do it:
Networking opportunities
As a volunteer, you have the chance to reach out to other nurses and student nurses alike. Get to know the people you work with when you volunteer. You might be working with the best people in the healthcare field. Having them as part of your network gives you better opportunities when applying for a nursing job in the future.
It’s good for your health
Volunteering improves your health in general. According to PublicHealth.org, research done by the University of Exeter, people who volunteer adjust better to stress, cope better with changes, have lower rates of depression, and get to live longer and healthier lives.
Enhances your resume
Applying as a nurse means sending out your resume, and for it to stand out, you must have an impressive resume ready to go. Volunteering gives your resume the spark it needs. It will also show that you are not afraid to take responsibility and are dedicated to the profession. Your experience as a volunteer will also give you the confidence you need when answering an interview and increase your chance of being selected for the job.
Hands-on experience
Of course, the main reason why you volunteered is to gain first-hand experience. While you are not licensed as a nurse yet, your experience as a volunteer gives you the chance to see what it is like to be one. As a student nurse, your knowledge is also an asset to the facility. So, it is like a give-and-take relationship. You volunteer to help the nurses, and your time as one shapes your skills and comprehension about the job.
Volunteer Today and Enjoy the Experience
If you have plans to volunteer, do it. You will not regret it – not only will you enjoy the time you allotted in it, but you will also learn a lot of things as you go, call it a sense of satisfaction. Volunteering seals your commitment to saving lives. So, head to the nearest healthcare facility and sign up as one.
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