Career Research Paper
Sandy Garvin
Prof. Colson
Psy 115
27 April 2012
Career Research Paper I. Questions II. Nursing III. Nature of the work: Registered Nurses (R.N.s) work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. They are typically concerned with the whole person, providing for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of their patients. When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress; assist physicians during treatments and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. R.N.'s 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. a. Major Duties: Registered nurses often work in hospitals or outpatient facilities, where they provide hands-on care to patients by administering medications, managing intravenous lines, observing and monitoring patients' conditions, maintaining records and communicating with doctors. They are also relied upon to give direction and supervision to nurse aides and home health aides. b. Technological Influences 1. Advancements: Better computers 2. Emerging conditions IV. Describe the working conditions a. Typical hours worked: Typical hours worked: Because patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities need round-the-clock care, nurses in these settings usually work in rotating shifts, covering all 24 hours. They may work nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also be on call. Nurses who work in offices, schools, and other places that do not provide 24-hour care are more likely to work regular business hours. In 2010, about 20 percent of registered nurses worked part time. b. Workplace environment: The remainder worked mainly in government agencies,
Prof. Colson
Psy 115
27 April 2012
Career Research Paper I. Questions II. Nursing III. Nature of the work: Registered Nurses (R.N.s) work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. They are typically concerned with the whole person, providing for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of their patients. When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress; assist physicians during treatments and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. R.N.'s 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. a. Major Duties: Registered nurses often work in hospitals or outpatient facilities, where they provide hands-on care to patients by administering medications, managing intravenous lines, observing and monitoring patients' conditions, maintaining records and communicating with doctors. They are also relied upon to give direction and supervision to nurse aides and home health aides. b. Technological Influences 1. Advancements: Better computers 2. Emerging conditions IV. Describe the working conditions a. Typical hours worked: Typical hours worked: Because patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities need round-the-clock care, nurses in these settings usually work in rotating shifts, covering all 24 hours. They may work nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also be on call. Nurses who work in offices, schools, and other places that do not provide 24-hour care are more likely to work regular business hours. In 2010, about 20 percent of registered nurses worked part time. b. Workplace environment: The remainder worked mainly in government agencies,