Three Nursing Certifications All Nurses Should Consider
Higher Education Articles April 12, 2013Nursing will always be a field that survives change, whether it is recession, depression or even a boost in economy. Nursing is a profession that is required to take care of citizens, and to support health care facilities. The sick and the elderly are not a minority part of “us”, but are us, because we all age and we all become sick at various times in our lives. Nursing is an exciting profession to break into and a bachelor’s degree, or in some cases, an associate’s degree, is all you need to get started.
However, if you truly want to stand out from the competition, and rise above all economic changes in the country and the world, then it is best to pursue something above standard education. Employers want nurses that have passed the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) exam, and continue to reach out and pursue even greater education. There are at least three other degrees you should consider, so you can show employers you are indispensable and worthy of a promotion when the need arises.
Basic Life Support
Basic Life Support (BLS) Training is actually required by most big-city hospitals and clinics, while you could get a job without it, this training will allow you to apply anywhere. The good news is that two major organizations offer this training such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. The BLS certificate will allow you to legally practice procedures that can help people suffering from choking to cardiac arrest. CPR and AED (or Automated External Defibrillator) are two subtopics that will be taught in this basic training.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Advanced Cardiac Life Support or ACLS is necessary for all nurses who wish to work in recovery departments, intensive care units or in the emergency room. This type of certification ensures that you can fully help patients to the hospital, and you know more than just the basics. This certificate will teach you the essential process of resuscitation. You will learn compressions-to-breathing ratios, as well as adult-versus-pediatric resuscitation training. All of these factors must be taught to ACLS trainees, and nurses must stay up to date with the newest technologies.
Intravenous Therapy
This training is geared towards experienced nurses who will be able to help with all sorts of advanced procedures with patient care. Techniques taught in this course include IV preparation, vein selection and other concentrations. Not only will nurses learn puncturing techniques, but there is also the need to understand the legality and standard regulations for IV treatment.
These are the training courses that you need, should you want to progress to a trusted and well paid nurse. Of course, the field you are working in will determine what training and certifications you will need. There are plenty of other training programs that would be of assistance to you, and it depends on where you would like to work within the medical field (For examples, with anesthesiologists, surgery, etc.).
Nursing continues to be a growing profession, and it is expected to grow at a rate of 22% up until 2018. These certificates will help you find your dream career.
