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Nursing is a demanding, but rewarding field offering many ways in which to serve the community and achieve personal growth. Those who choose this field will be required to be dedicated to continuing education and improvement of their skills. They will be expected to show a high level of professionalism and take on highly responsible duties. The work is sometimes very stressful and physically taxing, but it has its rewards which compensate for the long hours and sore feet.

SPEAK TO NURSES WORKING IN VARIOUS CAPACITIES AND AREAS OF HEALTH CARE

Before investing the considerable time and energies in the nursing curiculum, take the time to speak to nurses in various fields of nursing. There are so many. Some of the areas one might pursue are: hospital nursing, working in a doctor's office, community health, school nursing, Hospice nursing, research, teaching, home health nursing, military nursing, and camp nursing. Within the hospital there are many areas of interest one might pursue: surgical nursing, nurse educator, case management, supervisory and management roles, labor and delivery, intensive care nursing, emergency room nursing, oncology nursing, med-surg nursing, and so forth. One might become a physician's assistant, a nurse mid-wife, a nurse certified in anesthesiology, or a nurse practitioner. So, it is evident that there are many avenues to pursue, each unique and attractive to different people. The opportunities and the ways to increase knowledge and professional advancement are abundant.

VISIT A SCHOOL OF NURSING AND SPEAK TO A GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

Find out what classes you will be required to take. Some of the classes are: algebra II, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. A strong interest in and aptitude for the sciences is necessary. Throughout the process a nursing student will be required to pass various fairly simple math exams. But though not complicated, a high degree is of accuracy is required. In order to go beyond an associate's degree in nursing, one will also need to take statistics which is a very difficult class. This is to prepare the nursing student for doing research and writing master's and doctoral theses. The best time to investigate what courses will be required is in the sophomore or junior year of high school. However, there are many older adults who pursue nursing after changing careers. But they too can benefit by looking into the required prerequisites and course requirements.

SHADOW A NURSE DURING

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