Nursing Pathways in the USA

Nurses are an integral part of healthcare, be it private or state-funded. Without nurses, the healthcare systems would be considerably less efficient and caring. They are focused on caring for individuals and their families, as well as the wider communities, in order to attain, maintain or recover health and quality of life. Nurses work alongside the doctors, midwives and medical practitioners to ensure that every patient's needs are being met, providing care before, during, and after any procedures.

The content of an undergraduate degree will depend on what type of nursing course you choose to study. You will have options to study adult nursing, children's and young people's nursing and mental health nursing, among others. Whichever degree course you choose, you will be given a foundation knowledge of nursing, along with many opportunities to develop your nursing skills. A nursing degree will be focused on both the theory and practical application of your knowledge, making sure that you are fully prepared to enter the workplace after successfully completing your degree.

Your course will be delivered in a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as technical and practical sessions. You will likely be required to participate in a clinical practice placement, which will aid your professional development and improve your clinical skills.

Once you have chosen the type of nursing you wish to work in, you might be given the opportunity to specialise throughout your degree. This specialisation can influence the specific area of nursing you choose to pursue. Common specialisation options include:

• Intensive Care
• Occupational Health
• Chronic Health Conditions
• Emergency Care
• Acute Mental Health

When you are taking part in your clinical placement, you will be able to experience what it is like to work as a nurse in a work environment, which will not only improve your practical skills, it might also help you to decide on your career path.

The accreditation awarded for a nursing degree will depend on where you choose to study, as well as your specific course. Generally, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc), or a Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs). Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, you may be able to gain postgraduate awards, either at a university, or through your workplace.

As well as your degree, you will need to be a registered nurse in order to gain employment in healthcare. The specific registration or licensing needed will be individual to your country, so make sure to check with your institution for more details. Some degree courses will be designed to prepare you for registration or licensing.

Typically, you can expect an undergraduate degree in nursing to take three to four years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years, when studied full-time.

Once you have completed your nursing degree, you can choose to either seek employment in your chosen area, or further your studies. Continuation of your studies could be in the form of a postgraduate degree, such as a master or PhD, or a graduate certificate or diploma. As a nurse, you will be expected to continuously improve and update your knowledge and skills. Healthcare is an ever adapting sector, so your commitment to continuing education is vital.

The most common destination for nursing graduates is to work within the healthcare sector as a nurse. You might work in public or private healthcare settings, but there is a constant demand for nurses. You could work as a school nurse, or perhaps work as a nurse in a residential home. The wide range of skills you gain throughout your degree will mean that you would be able to find work in many different fields. These skills include adaptability, effective communication skills, being well organised and flexibility.