The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are more than 27 million nurses worldwide. Although nursing can truly prepare you for many other professions, whether as a nurse or in a related field, for so many of those people, it’s a vocation.This article will examine the field of nursing, covering typical educational pathways, typical pay scales, and Six professions that a nursing degree can lead to.
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What is nursing?
Although the field of nursing is broad, its fundamental goal is to advance people’s health and wellbeing. From the hospital to the home, nurses have intimate patient relationships. Their duties include evaluating the health of patients, keeping an eye on how those treatments are being received, and providing assistance as needed.
In addition to physicians and other medical specialists, they provide care for adults, children, persons with mental health issues, and those with learning disabilities.
What are the different types of nursing degrees?
Prior to becoming a nurse, you must be eligible for a nursing degree program.
There are four primary specializations for nursing degrees. You will choose which to concentrate on or specialize in while you are learning. Among the four primary nursing specialties are:
- nursing in adults
- breastfeeding a child
- nursing in mental health
- Studying nursing for people with disabilities
This will nearly invariably be a three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) in nursing program in nations like the US, UK, and Australia; in the US, this is sometimes shortened to BSN.
A two-year associate’s degree in nursing is also an option for students in the US, but it will have fewer job opportunities than a complete bachelor’s. See our post on the many degree kinds in the UK for a thorough explanation of each type.
Postgraduate nursing degrees
In order to advance in their careers or assume managerial positions within organizations, a large number of nurses may also choose to pursue postgraduate education. A general master’s degree in nursing would be appropriate for this.
More specialized postgraduate nursing degrees include, for instance:
- Nursing in Oncology
- Nursing in the community
- Midwifery
- Hospice care
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Nursing salary expectations
The abundance of growth prospects in the nursing field is one of the best aspects about the profession. As a newly qualified nurse, you can advance to become a matron, chief nurse, or advanced practitioner.
The average yearly salary of nurses in a few different nations is provided below:
- UK: average salary of £40,668 per year
- USA: average salary of $102,982 per year
- Australia: average salary of A$85,000 per year
- India: average salary of ₹2,52,675 per year
Remember – The yearly pay listed above is merely the mean for all nursing positions in these nations. You will probably begin as a newly qualified nurse with a lesser pay and work your way up to a better one.
What jobs can you do with a nursing degree?
Even though an undergraduate nursing degree equips you with the fundamentals of the field, there are a plethora of career options available to you once you graduate.
To provide you with an idea of what to expect in each profession, we’ve chosen a handful of the most popular careers for those with nursing degrees.
1. A & E nurse
An A&E (also known as an ER Nurse) is a front-line healthcare worker; it’s not for the timid. You will provide care for emergency patients in an emergency room, handling anything from serious injuries to acute illnesses.
As you collaborate with physicians and other experts to deliver vital medical care to patients, every day will be unique.
2. Nurse paramedic
A nurse paramedic, in a similarly hectic duty, offers critical care to patients en route to a hospital or other medical facility. You’ll probably need more training to take on the role, working alongside paramedics who have received additional training, but a nursing degree is a great place to start.
3. District nurse
Treating patients in the community is one of a district nurse’s duties; it’s a little less demanding but no less important. Creating individualized healthcare programs for people may frequently require you to work in their homes.
In order to provide the best possible social and health care, talking with loved ones may also play a significant part in the function.
4. Children’s nurse
A paediatric nurse, often known as a children’s nurse, provides care for patients from birth to age eighteen. You might collaborate with other experts in a medical office or an educational setting, offering a variety of services to youth. This profession can be anything you want it to be, from listening to their concerns to diagnosing illnesses and administering medication.
5. Mental health nurse
As a mental health nurse, you will assist people with mental health disorders by collaborating with experts such as psychologists and psychotherapists. Giving counsel, giving prescriptions, and conversing with patients’ friends and relatives are all common parts of your job description.
6. Learning disability nurse
Ensuring that your patients lead happy and productive lives is a crucial role for individuals with learning difficulties and their families. Understanding each person’s unique needs in great detail, you’ll seek to enhance mental and physical well-being and remove obstacles to independent life.
The comprehensive care of patients with learning disabilities is the area of expertise for a learning disability nurse. In order to meet each patient’s specific needs, these medical specialists evaluate, diagnose, and design individualized treatment programs. They are essential in maintaining general health, giving out prescriptions, and standing up for the rights and preferences of people with learning difficulties. In addition to working with interdisciplinary teams, learning disability nurses also provide patients and their families with information and support and step in during emergencies. Essential components of this nursing profession are effective communication and a dedication to improving the quality of life for those with learning difficulties.
Study nursing with FutureLearn
We offer nursing courses for all skill levels, whether you’re looking to learn more about a certain specialty or would like an introduction to nursing. Finding a nursing education that works for you is possible because we only work online with some of the top universities in the world.
Do you want to pursue an online degree in nursing? Explore our selection of online nursing degrees and begin your path to a new profession from the convenience of your home.