Placenta previa is obstetric complication in which the placenta is inserted partially or wholly in the lower uterine segment. It is a leading cause of antepartum hemorrhage. In the last trimester of pregnancy the isthmus of the uterus unfolds and forms the lower segment. In a normal pregnancy the placenta does not overlie. If the placenta does overlie the lower segment, as is the case with placenta previa, it may shear off and a small section may bleed.
Signs and Symptoms
Women with placenta previa often present with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. This common occurs around 32 weeks of gestation, but can be as early as late mid trimester. This bleeding often starts mildly and may increase as the area of placental separation increases. Previa should be suspected if there is bleeding after 24 weeks of gestation.
Causes
Exact cause of placenta previa is unknown. It is hypothesized to be related to abnormal vascularisation of the endometrium caused by scarring or atrophy from previous trauma, surgery, or infection. These factors may reduce differential growth of lower segment, resulting in less upward shift in placental position as pregnancy advances.
Risk Factors
Maternal age >40
Illicit drugs and alcohol
Previous C-section
Parity > 5
Prior abortion
Smoking
Congenital anomalies
Male fetus
Pregnancy induced hypertension
Diagnosis
History may reveal antepartum hemorrhage. Abdominal exam usually finds the uterus non-tender, soft and relaxed. Leopold's Maneuvers may find the fetus in an oblique or breech position or lying transverse as a result of the abnormal position of the placenta. Malpresentation is found in about 35% cases. Vaginal examination is avoided in known cases of placenta previa.
Management
Treatment for placenta previa depends on various factors. For little or no bleeding, bed rest at home is recommended. For heavy bleeding, bed rest in a hospital is recommended, as well as, a blood transfusion and medications to prevent premature labor.
PE is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by a substance that has traveled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream. PE usually results from a blood clot in the leg that travels to the lung. The risk of blood clots is increased by cancer, prolonged be rest, smoking, stroke, certain genetic conditions, pregnancy, obesity, and after some types of surgery. A small proportion of cases are due to the embolization of air, fat, or amniotic fluid. Pulmonary embolisms affects about 300,000 and 600,000 people a year in the U.S, which results in about 50,000 to 200,000 deaths. Rates are similar in males and females. They become more common as people get older.
Because pulmonary embolism almost always occurs in conjunction with deep vein thrombosis, most doctors refer to the two conditions together as venous thromboembolism. Although anyone can develop a DVT and PE, factors such as immobility, cancer and surgery increases your risk. A PE can be life threatening, but prompt treatment can greatly reduce the risk of death. Taking measures to prevent blood clots in your legs will help protect you against a pulmonary embolism.
Signs and Symptoms
Pulmonary embolism symptoms can vary greatly, depending on how much of your lung is involved, the size of the clots and your overall health - especially the presence or absence of underlying lung disease or heart disease.
Common signs and symptoms include
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Cough
Leg pain or swelling or both usually in the calf
Clammy or discolored skin
Fever
Excessive sweating
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Causes
Pulmonary embolism occurs when a clump of material, most often a blood clot, gets wedged into an artery in your lungs. These blood clots most commonly originate in the deep veins of your legs, but they can also come from other parts of your body.
Risk Factors
Certain medical conditions places you at high risk for PE
Hear disease
Cancer
Prolonged immobility such as
Bed rest
Long journeys
Surgery is one of the leading causes of blood clots, especially seen after joint replacements of the hip and knee.
Other risk factors are
Smoking
Being overweight
Supplemental estrogen
Pregnancy
Complications
Pulmonary embolism can be life threatening. About 1/3 of people with undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolism don't survive. PE can also lead to pulmonary hypertension.
Tests and Diagnosis
PE can be difficult to diagnose, especially in people who have underlying heart or lung disease. For that reason, your physician may order a series of tests to diagnose the presence of a PE
D-dimer - high levels may indicate the likelihood of blood clots
Chest X-ray - used to rule out other conditions that may mimic a PE
Noninvasive Ultrasound
CT scan of the chest
Pulmonary angiogram
MRI
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at keeping the blood clot from getting bigger and preventing new clots from forming. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent serious complications or death.
A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The subarachnoid space is the area between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater surrounding the brain. This may occur spontaneously, usually from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, or may result from head injury.
SAH is form of stroke and comprises 1 - 7% of all strokes. It is a medical emergency and can lead to death or severe disability, even when recognized and treated at an early stage. Up to half of all cases of SAH are fatal and 10 - 15 percent of casualities die before reaching a hospital, and those who survive often have neurological or cognitive impairment.
Signs and Symptoms
Severe Headache
Vomiting
Confusion
Altered LOC
Seizures
Neck stiffness
Sensitivity to light
Decreased vision
Coma
Causes
Most cases are d/t trauma
Rupture of cerebral aneurysm
Use of blood thinners
Disorders of blood vessels (AV malformations)
Diagnosis
Medical history
Physical examination
CT scan of Head without contrast
MRI of the brain
Lumbar puncture
Cerebral angiography
ECG changes
Classification
Grade 1: Asymptomatic or minimal headache and slight neck stiffness; 70% survival
Grade 2: Moderate to severe headache; neck stiffness; no neurologic deficit cranial nerve palsy; 60% survival
Grade 4: Stuporous; moderate to severe hemiparesis; possible early decerebrate rigidity and vegetative disturbances; 20% survival
Grade 5: Deep coma; decerebrate rigidity; moribund; 10% survival
Treatment
Management involves general measures to stabilize the patient while also using specific investigations and treatments. These include the prevention of rebleeding by obliterating the bleeding source, prevention of a phenomenon known as vasospasm, and prevention and treatment of complications.
Stabilizing the patient is first priority. Those with a depressed LOC may need to be intubated and mechanically ventilated. Monitor VS and LOC.
Neurosurgeon consult for possible ventricular drain placement.
Prevention of rebleeding and vasospasm
The PCCN Exam covers a wide range of topics. This particular article will focus primarily on the Renal section of the PCCN Exam. The Renal portion of the PCCN Exam will cover the following content areas, Anatomy and Physiology, Fluid Balance Concepts, Acute Renal Failure, Acute Tubular Necrosis, Chronic Renal Failure and Dialysis, Electrolyte Imbalance, and Renal Trauma. The Renal section is a very small portion of the overall PCCN Exam. This section will contribute perhaps 5 to 8 questions on the exam. Listed below are a few examples of some PCCN Renal practice questions that will help prepare you for the PCCN Exam.
Renal System Overview
The urinary system, also known as the renal system, consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. Each kidney consists of millions of functional units called nephrons. The purpose of the renal system is to eliminate wastes from the body, regulate blood volume and blood pressure, control levels of electrolytes and metabolites, and regulate blood pH. The kidneys have extensive blood supply via the renal arteries which leave the kidneys via the renal vein. Following filtration of blood and further processing, wastes (in the form of urine) exit the kidney via the ureters, where it is stored and subsequently expelled from the body by urination (voiding). The female and male urinary system are very similar, differing only in the length of the urethra. The urinary system is regulated by the endocrine system and hormones such as antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, and parathyroid hormone.
Renal System Function
Removal of waste products from the body (mainly urea and uric acid).
Regulation of electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium and calcium).
Regulation of acid base homeostasis
Controlling blood volume and maintaining blood pressure
Urine Formation
Average urine production in adult humans is about 1-2 L/day, depending on state of hydration, activity level, environmental factors, weight, and the individual's health.
Polyuria is urine production > 2.5 L/day
Oliguria is urine production < 400 mL/day
Anuria is urine production < 100 mL/day
The first step in urine formation is the filtration of blood in the kidneys. In a healthy human the kidney receives between 12 and 30% of the cardiac output, but it averages about 20% or about 1.25 L/min.
Regulation of Concentration and Volume
The urinary system is under influence of circulatory system, nervous system and endocrine system. Aldosterone plays a central role regulating blood pressure through its effects on the kidney. It acts on the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the nephron and increases reabsorption of sodium from the glomerular filtrate. Reabsorption of sodium results in retention of water, which increases blood pressure and blood volume.
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is a neurohypophysial hormone and its primary function is to retain water in the body and to constrict blood vessels.
Vasopressin regulates the body's retention of water by increasing water reabsorption in the collecting ducts of the kidney nephron.
PCCN Renal Exam - Practice Questions
1) A patient experiencing renal transplantation has been having an unremarkable recovery over the previous 4 days. Which of the following findings would the nurse need to report to the physician immediately?
A) Abdominal discomfort and bladder distention
B) Increasing urinary output with decreasing serum creatinine
C) RUQ tenderness with elevated serum bilirubin
D) Elevated glucose and decreasing LOC
2) Approximately 4 minutes after the first CRRT treatment is begun, a patient complains of severe back pain and itching. The patient's VS are BP 85/45 mm Hg, HR 120 bpm, RR 28 bpm. The nurse's initial intervention for this patient would be to
A) Administer 100 mL NS fluid bolus
B) Check for bleeding at the access site
C) Administer Benadryl 12.5 mg IV
D) Disconnect the patient from the machine
3) A patient is receiving high dose diuretic therapy for fluid overload secondary to heart failure. The patient's ECG demonstrated prolonged PR and QT intervals, broad flat T waves, and multifocal PVC's. The initial management of this patient needs to include administration of
A) Magnesium
B) Hypertonic saline
C) Potassium
D) Acetazolamide
4) An ESRD patient receiving hemodialysis three times per week is admitted with an acute anterior wall MI. The patient's BP is 105/48, HR 64 bpm, and RR 22 bpm. The nurse should anticipate that this patient's dialysis will be managed by
A) Slow continuous ultrafiltration
B) Continuous venovenous hemodialysis
C) Hemodialysis
D) Peritoneal dialysis
5) Which of the following patient descriptions suggests a late complication of renal injury?
A) Blunt trauma to the flank region with absent bowel sounds
B) A gunshot wound to the flank region with a WBC count of 16,000
C) A laceration of the right ureter with a serum creatinine of 6
D) A stab wound to the left flank with a BP of 185/87 mm Hg
PCCN Renal Exam - Practice Questions Answer with Rationale
1) Correct Answer - A) Abdominal discomfort and bladder distention
Rationale - Abdominal discomfort and bladder distention indicate urinary tract obstruction, which could progress to renal transplant graft failure. An increase in urinary output and decreasing serum creatinine indicate improved renal function.
2) Correct Answer - D) Disconnect the patient from the machine
Rationale - The patient should be immediately disconnected from the circuit and machine because these findings suggest that the patient is experiencing a dialyzer or hemofilter reaction. Signs of this reaction include hypotension, pruritis, back pain, angioedema, and/or anaphylaxis. Once removed from the treatment, the patient is reassessed, and the symptoms are managed.
3) Correct Answer - A) Magnesium
Rationale - Magnesium needs to be administered because this patient is exhibiting ECG evidence that suggests hypomagnesemia. Although the patient may be hypokalemic and/or hypocalcemic owing to diuretic therapy, the patient's ECG changes are consistent with hypomagnesemia. Hypertonic saline is used for SIADH, potassium administered for hypokalemia, and acetazolamide for hyperphosphatemia.
4) Correct Answer - C) Hemodialysis
Rationale - The patient is currently on hemodialysis, and it would be continued. Hemodialysis is the most effective of all of the renal replacement therapies and is considered the gold standard for the treatment of acute and chronic renal failure. Hemodialysis is contraindicated in patients with hemodynamic instability, hypovolemia, coagulation disorders, or vascular access problems.
5) Correct Answer - D) A stab wound to the left flank with a BP of 185/87 mm Hg
Rationale - Late complication of renal injury include: hypertension, hydronephrosis, chronic pyelonephritis, calculus formation, and intrarenal calcification. Early complication include ileus, sepsis, shock, impairment or loss of renal function, perinephric or renal abscess, and fistula formation.
Congratulations on your recent accomplishment. You have finally become eligible to sit and take the PCCN National Exam. The PCCN Exam was designed for those nurses who provide care for acutely ill adult patients who are moderately stable with an elevated risk on instability. Specialty nurses interested in the PCCN Certification may work in areas such as intermediate care, direct observation, step-down, telemetry and transitional care units. The PCCN Exam is a very tough exam to pass; so we have put together some strategies that we feel will help increase your chances of passing this exam on the first time.
Strategy One: Purchase A Review Course
Now I know what you are thinking, but before you jump to conclusions, read a little further. We definitely recommend you purchasing a PCCN Exam Review Course. A good solid review course will cover all of the content currently listed on the PCCN Exam in addition to some practice questions. Be sure to select a course that will give you a thorough overview of content. If you do not have any study materials, we highly recommend purchasing a review course. If you do not currently have one in mind, we offer an online study course that will definitely help prepare you for taking the exam. If not our course, then do a google search. Be sure and find a review course that offers some sort of guarantee for passing.
Strategy Two: Multiple Choice Practice Questions
Currently the PCCN Exam consists of 125 multiple choice practice questions (AACN.org). Although this number changes from time to time, it will not deviate that much. We believe the learning curve for this exam is somewhere between 1500 to 2000 practice questions. In other words, in order to be successful the first time, you need to answer at least 1500 multiple choice questions prior to exam day. Please be sure an answer 125 questions in one sitting prior to exam day. Most people fail this exam due to fatigue so you need to be able to go the distance of the exam. Although we offer some review questions, there are tons of books on the market that offer questions as well. Ideally you want to purchase an online question bank because this method mimics what you will see on exam day; computerized format.
Strategy Three: Study Habits
You must develop good study habits prior to taking the exam. The last thing you want to do is cram towards the end. Cramming doesn't work very well for this type of exam. Sit down and map out a study plan, leaving time for rest and relaxation as well. Be sure to include a day where you don't do any studying at all. Burn out can lead to test failure. Please do not study or answer any test questions on the day prior to the exam because this method tends to raise your anxiety level. Just relax the day prior to the exam and get a good nights rest, preferably 8+ hours.
Conclusion
In order to be successful on passing the PCCN Exam on your first attempt, you must have a strategy. Develop a good plan prior to purchasing the actual exam from AACN.org. Once you purchase the exam, you only have so many days before you have to take the exam. Be sure to study all parts of the exam outline and practice at least 1500 multiple choice questions prior to your exam. Good luck on your exam.....
If you are interested in some of the courses we offer, click on the links below for more information....
Recently, studies have shown that in the United States there are 2.7 million working nurses. While this number may appear to be a lot, there is actually an extreme lack of individuals pursing nursing degrees. To make matters worse, this is not a recent phenomenon. Since 1965, the nursing field has been operating on a shortage and the reasons are based on the schooling.
Reasons for the Nursing Shortage
The problems stems from education and training that is required. Both are extremely taxing on and require dedication to complete and is demanding of time and knowledge. The workload is so rigorous that causes students to drop out. Even students whose commitment is unwavering face issues when it comes to finding clinical training slots and teachers. Many nursing students are turned away every year simply because there are not enough instructors.
Negative Effects Caused by the Shortage
The effects of this shortage can be seen in hospitals everywhere. Attention given to each patients has the potential to suffer greatly when the ratio of patients to nurses teeters too high for the nurses to handle. Since nurses are needed for assisting doctor’s, important aspects of care, such as surgery, are delayed because there are not enough on staff to fill the gaps.
Since individuals can only work so many hours in a day, hospitals struggle to fill shifts properly. If nurses are overworked, there is the potential for mistakes to occur. Or worse, nurses will leave the profession because the toll it takes upon their health is too great.
Staffing Models
There are several staffing models employed by hospitals since no one models is a great fit for every environment. They include:
• Budget-based staffing which is the most common method used. It is determined by the number of nursing hours per patient day or the nursing hours dived by the total number of patient days.
• Staffing by nurse-patient ratio which is based on the number of patients on a unit. With this model comes the possibility of not admitting any more patients when they hit capacity.
• Staffing by patient acuity takes into consideration the complexity of care a patient will require. It will then break down how long each task it will take a nurse to complete. This is not the most reliable method.
What Needs to Change
First, the educational aspect of nursing needs to change. Hiring more instructors for the program. Considering how students are turned down from programs every year due to lack of space shows that it does have interest.
Budget is where the problem truly lies and funding needs to be allocated in order to truly make a difference in this shortage. More clinical space and instructors need to be provided for students. As well as a budget to hire more nurses since the methods used for staffing fall extremely short of their intended purposes.
Nursing Exam Assistance
The lack of nurses and the problems it stems from should not deter any nursing student. Know that you building towards a career that is in demand and where you can make a difference in more ways than one. Not only will you be filling gaps but doing so for the betterment of care provided to individuals who need it.
At Elite Reviews, we provide the assistance nursing students need when it comes to acing their exams. For additional information about our services, visit us online or click on the links below.
The CEN is for nurses working in the emergency department. Flight nurses may also take this certification as well. The CEN Exam covers the following topics; gastrointestinal emergencies; genitourinary, gynecology, and obstetrical emergencies; maxillofacial and ocular emergencies; neurological emergencies; psycho/social emergencies; respiratory emergencies; environment and toxicology emergencies; shock; medical emergencies and communicable diseases; and professional issues. The CEN Exam is divided up based on the following; assessment 26%, Analysis 23%, intervention 30% and evaluation 20%. There is a total of 175 questions on the exam; 150 are scored and 25 unscored pretest items. You will be allowed 180 minutes to complete the exam. After the exam is complete, you will receive a score report indicating whether you passed or failed the exam. If you do not pass the exam, there is a 90 day waiting period for retesting.
CEN Preparation Strategies For Success
Taking and passing the CEN Exam on the first attempt can be a tough ordeal. Some nurses are successful and some are not. I have seen in times past where really smart nurses fail the CEN exam, and nurses that are not so bright, pass the exam on the first attempt. That backwards scenario has nothing to do with luck or lack of preparation on either of the nurses part. It has everything to do with fatigue. If you are studying for the CEN exam and plan to be successful, you have to prepare for that 150 question exam the same way you would prepare for a marathon. We call it, "The Marathon Effect." "The Marathon Effect" is all about mental and physical preparation. I have never seen a runner go run a marathon and finish it or win it, without adequate preparation. When preparing for the CEN Exam, it is always best to train yourself to take and complete the 150 question exam. Start by taking 25 questions a day for 7 days, then 50 questions per day for 7 days, then 75 questions per day for 7 days, until you reach 150 questions. If you prepare this way, you will know doubt pass the CEN exam on the first attempt.
CEN Practice Questions
Undoubtedly the toughest past of the CEN exam has to be the questions. The primary key to answering the questions correctly has to do with content. You will not be successful at answering the questions appropriately without a firm content base. There is no replacement for content. If you have a firm content base, you can answer any question that is thrown your way. Make sure you have a firm grasp on the content then practice well over 3000 practice questions scoring an average of 80% or better and you should be fine. Be sure to practice taking 175 questions in one setting without taking a break. On test day, you will have to just that. Most people fail the exam due to fatigue, not because of lack of knowledge. If you develop a good content base and practice over 3000 questions, you should be able to master the CEN exam without having to retake the exam.
Nursing is a field that is demanding, but extremely rewarding, for the individuals who pursue it. Long hours walking around and keeping track of a myriad of patients is physically taxing. It is the same for across the board, from experienced nurses to the newcomers. What helps is having certain traits that all great nurses should possess. We have compiled a list to check against your personality or use as a guide.
Personality Traits of a Great Nurse
As someone who is caring for other people, it is imperative that you possess a caring nature. If you cannot care about people you are serving then you will never grow as a nurse. It is important to the peace of mind of a patient and their family, that the nurse in charge of their well-being shows that they care about them.
Along with caring comes empathy. More often than not, their patients and family will be pain and scared. You must be able to see their situation from their perspective in order to give quality care. Thinking about the manner in which you would like to be treated will ensure your patients remain happy and cooperative through the duration of their stay.
Detailed-oriented individuals are needed in the nursing field. It is vital that all information is recorded in their chart. They must also remember to bring patients the right medication and dosage at the correct times. On top of these responsibilities are countless others that need to be juggled on a daily basis. Along with being able to handle surprises.
Adaptability is key to managing every day as a nurse since no two days are the same. All nurses need the ability to acclimate to their surroundings without stressing. Being well-aware the people and events are unpredictable will enable them to think on their feet. Which is another trait needed as a nurse. There will be times when you will notice something is not right and have to make a split-second decision. When it comes to the health field, taking a second to second guess yourself is the difference between life and death. The better judgement you have, the more good you can do in your field.
Hard-working and possessing the physical endurance it takes to be on your feet all day are two skills required of a nurse. Nursing is a never ending job as someone is always ill or in need of care. You would be hard-pressed to find a hospital that is overstaffed which means your workload will be extremely full. Those who lack hard-work will crumble under the pressure.
As a nurse you will constantly be on your feet, zipping back and forth between patients. 12 hour shifts can be grueling which means you will want to be at your physical best. Do so by trying to train when you can and maintaining a healthy diet. These simple steps can go farther than you think.
CEN Review Course
While nursing is a taxing career, ask any nurse and they will assure you that it is worth it. All you need is a little perseverance and these traits, you are well on your way to becoming a great nurse. At Elite Reviews, we ensure you get started early by providing a wonderful program that prepares you for your nursing exams. Whether you are about to take the CEN or NCLEX exam, we have a course that is tailored to help you pass with flying colors.
For additional information about our course, check out our course page or contact us at (901)286-3884.
If you are reading this post, then you are somewhat familiar with the PCCN exam or at least interested in taking the exam. Allow me to give you a modest breakdown of the PCCN exam. This exam is administered by American Association of Critical Care Nursing (AACN) organization which is based in California. This exam is primarily for those nurses that work on Telemetry units, and/or Step-down units, etc. This test has a total of 125 questions and you will be allotted approximately 2 hrs to complete the exam. 100 of the questions are scored, and the other 25 questions are used to gather statistical analysis for future PCCN Certification Exams. You must master a minimum of 70% of the exam in order to pass. Preparation is the key to success on this exam. You must practice as many questions as you can and review all of the core content listed on the exam according to AACN.
Study The Smart Way
Studying for the PCCN Exam has become a very tedious task for a lot of nurses who have decided to take the PCCN certification plunge. The good part about it is, it doesn't have too. You can leverage today's technology and make wiser use of your time and money. Making wiser use of your time and money allows you the opportunity to spend more time with your family and not feel so stressed out about taking the exam in the first place. When preparing to study for the PCCN exam, it is imperative that you do your research on all of the available online and classroom lecture options available. Here at Elite Reviews, we have designed all of our courses with the learner in mind. We have a wide range of course options that is catered to today's working professional. Listed below is a detailed list of some of the courses we have to offer. The good thing about the courses are, they are all available online and mobile compatible. Take a look at the options below under the PCCN Review Courses heading.
PCCN Practice Questions
This part seems to be where the most questions are asked. A lot of nurses who plan to take the PCCN exam often have questions about what is on the exam. AACN has a done a great job in outlining exactly whats on the PCCN Certification Exam. Here at Elite Reviews, we have tried to put the learner's mind at ease in terms of practice questions. We have included all of the practice questions your mind can stand within our PCCN Review Courses. We did our very best to stick with the outline set forth by AACN when writing the questions within the review courses and practice exams. We covered all of the subject areas in great detail and then some. For those of you looking for the learning curve in terms of questions, you should strive to practice answering greater then 2000 PCCN practice questions prior to exam day. This will give you more than enough practice to be successful on the national exam.
PCCN Review Courses
Here at Elite Reviews, we pride ourselves on offering a superb customer experience. We not only want you to enjoy and learn from our products, we want you to pass your exam as well. We have a wide array of products for you to choose from. If you are trying to decide which of the following PCCN Courses is best for you, take our PCCN Predictor Exam first. The PCCN Predictor Exam will give you a baseline of where you currently stand in your studies. One of the best features of the PCCN Predictor Exam is, you can take it multiple times within the allotted subscription time frame and it's reasonably priced. Listed below are some of the PCCN Review Courses we have to offer.
Whether you purchase one of our courses or not, we wish you all the success in the world on passing you PCCN Certification Exam. Please visit us or call us at any time during the course of your studies should you need further assistance........ Best Wishes
The healthcare industry is constantly growing and in some respects, that means it is becoming more complex. For this reason, more and more nursing students are deciding to focus their efforts on a specific area of nursing. Choosing a particular area to specialize, such as the ICU (CCRN), grants a nurse greater job security, more career satisfaction, and in some cases an increased chance of salary. There are many factors to consider in order to truly determine the field of study that is best for you. Here is what you should factor in when picking a field.
Aspects to Consider When Picking Your Nursing Specialty
Many factors should be considered when choosing you are picking your nursing field but the most important is your personality. Every specialty comes with its own pace and you need to decide on one that best fits your personality type. For example, if you do not buckle under pressure then nursing in the emergency room or trauma center can be a great fit for your personality type. Being in a field that allows your best traits to shine can lead to promotions.
Job position is another factor you should keep in mind. An executive decision is perfect if you are comfortable in a leadership position then a field where you are allowed to grow. . Alternatively, there are nursing specialties that allow you to solely work with patients or alone in a clinical environment. It all depends again, on your personality and tasks you are comfortable with. While each specialty has their own set of pressures, this should not be a discouragement as you will come to be an expert in your field after you have gained the experience. Remember than nursing does not always mean that you have to work in a hospital setting either.
When you research nursing specialties, you will find that nurses also work in non-hospital settings including schools, public health departments, research labs, and more. If you decide on a typical hospital setting, it is still important that you consider an alternative setting before making a concrete decision. Even a clinical specialty comes with their own unique set of demands and overall environment but with higher demands comes a set of perks. One that you will see in your bank account.
Stated before, there are certain positions that can offer a better salary or at least a chance to earn it. As with any job, an increase of salary typically comes with more responsibility such as an executive position. If you are one of those individuals who is not interested in a leadership position then there are other options for you. You are not bound to run a department if you do not want to. Clinical specialty is also in-demand but also has a high salary potential. Keep in mind that a high salary always means higher demands, after a while this should not be a problem as you will be a pro in your respected field.
Sample CCRN Questions
It is a good rule of thumb to consider these factors prior to starting your nursing studies. As any nurse knows, the first hurdle to completing your dream is completing your schooling. That is another pressure that is all of its own. That does not mean you have to be discouraged by it.
At Elite Reviews, we provide resources for nursing students that make it easier to achieve their goals. We have online sources that offer reviews and samples questions for important tests like the CCRN. For additional information about our packages, peruse our site here.
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