INTRODUCTIONNursing is a more exciting and versatile career than ever before. While hospital budgets are slimming down and nurses are finding less work in acute care settings, many other interesting areas have opened up. There is literally something for every personality type and interest area. Those with a mind for business have access to the corporate environment through many different career avenues. Nurses can satisfy their creativity through writing, their scientific curiosity in biological technology and a penchant for justice through the law. Someone with an independent spirit might want to explore the idea of entrepreneuring a small business. And for nurses who want to continue giving primary care, there are alternative careers for you as well. Most nurses have developed certain characteristics which make them very desirable to employers. The attention to detail, ability to function under stressful circumstances, well-developed communication skills and a strong work ethic, are only a few of the qualities common to nurses which make them highly marketable in any career. The education, skills and professionalism of nursing transfers well into other career areas. The vision of a nurse in a white uniform is archaic for our times. Nurses now have many different styles of uniforms—the business suite, flight jumpsuit, military uniform and even jeans and sneakers for someone with a home-based business. For many, clinical nursing serves as a launching pad to get the necessary experience and professional contacts to move on into other specialty areas. A career should be an expression and extension of one’s self. It should be enjoyable, interesting and fulfill a much higher purpose than simply bringing home a paycheck. With all the options available today, there is no reason for anyone to feel stuck in a job they don’t enjoy. This course begins with a travel through history, to see how much nursing has changed over time. It has always been a profession in transition. You will see that the many diverse areas of nursing were created by strong-willed and dedicated nurses who saw a need and fought to implement services. It is no different today. Nurses have made exciting opportunities for themselves and have proven their value outside the hospital. Sixteen different career alternatives will be explored, along with the idea of entrepreneurship. Then you will have the opportunity to develop your own career goals and a career action plan after exploring the values, needs and personal interests that motivate you. Enjoy this exciting exploration of the opportunities available to you as a nurse, as well as the process of self-discovery needed to achieve your desired goals. |