It has been argued that nursing in the United States is one of the most developed in terms of offering public service. Though this is subject to discussion, the bare facts of its organization could shine right on the issue. Nursing in the United States has been lacked on the top in terms of diversity. A part from the main steam nurses. The field attracts foreign qualified nurses. This has had the effects of stoking US nursing with the best personnel. Such characteristics could be the reason behind the assumption that US nursing is one of the best in the world.
In this regards, nursing in the US is characterized by three types of nurses. These are licensed practice nurses, registered nurses and practice nurses. Licensed nurses are trained for two years in anatomy as well as physiology. This includes practical care to patients and medication. They can perform complex procedures in medicine and will be found largely in clinics. On the other hand, registered ones supervise the work of licensed practice nurses. Their services include contact care to the patient .This may involve at home care, schools or in the offices. For the qualification, registered nurses have a diploma, a bachelors and a certificate from the state board examination. Just like RNs, advanced practice nurses have extra knowledge and skills and are holders of doctoral or masters degree in the field. Their work involves all primary care to patients (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor 20)
Nursing in the US has been able to offer best services through the high number of nurses in the profession. The department of labor and statistics approximates US nursing to constitute about 2.6 million registered nurses with about 60% of these being stationed in hospitals. Of these 2.6 nurses, most have either acquired bachelor’s degree, associate degree or a diploma from a nursing institution (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor 25)
Regardless of the nature of their training, nurses in the US have an all rounded nature of work that include treating patients, educating them about diverse medical situations as well as offering emotional support to patients and relatives. In addition to this, nurses conduct lessons on patients and relatives on how to contain their illness. A part form this, nurses in the US are expected to conduct public education where they educate the general public on general health. Such general health education could include immunization health screening and even seminars. It is this all roundedness of the US nurses that their ranking among the best in the world is based (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor 28).
The working environment of nurses in US is conducive for their work. Nurses work in lit areas as well as comfortable healthcare centers. Public and home health nurses go to the sick wherever they are. This could be at home, in community centers schools and any other place that their services may be needed. Their commitment to their work justifies them to be ranked among the best in the world. Nursing in the US is one of the most engaging occupations with registered nurses spending as much as twenty four hours attending the sick. Registered nurses for example, are able to work on a short notice. Those working in schools and other institutions like offices are the only places that nurses are able to take work on a regular basis (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor 35)
The professionalism characteristic of US nursing is originated from their training. For one to be a registered nurse in the US, a constant path in academic in line with the nursing profession is a must. Individuals aiming to take nursing as their career are advised to weigh all the disadvantages and advantages first, so that he/she can make the best nurse. The nursing program in the US has also provisions for those wishing to change careers to nursing. This program is only reserved for holders of bachelors. Such requirements are set to ensure that quality in nursing is maintained.
Nursing in the US offers prospective opportunities for trained nurses. It is notable that in 2008.nursing as a health occupation offered the highest rate of employment opportunities with 2.6 nurses being employed in the field.
Of these 5% went into nursing care centers, 5% in home care centers, 3% in self employment and 5% in physicians’ offices. Such employment opportunities continue to increase with the department of labor and statistics claiming that there is still a deficit of 5,810,500 nurses (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor 50)
In conclusion, therefore, nursing in the US is a growing area in public health service that is increasingly continuing to diversify. Exploit in the field coupled with the state’s desire to diversify the field has made nursing be among the best in terms of service delivery. With employment change, and the demand that is rising by the day, employment of nurses is bound to grow by 22% by 2018 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor 55).with the current tread in this field, nursing in the US shall continue to be the most dynamic and Successful field in public service delivery.
Reference list
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Registered Nurses, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm
