International Nurses Association

Critical care nurses work with patients that are considered in a very vulnerable state. Patient ratio is lower for critical care nurses, as the patients require more one on one care.  Critical care nursing, often referred to as intensive care, or ICU nursing is a specialty field of nursing. This position requires extreme focus and attention to detail, in addition to a great amount of experience to play an active role in monitoring patients. These nurses care for patients with life threatening conditions, which often makes this particular field of nursing very high in demand. Unlike other areas of nursing, where patient care involves vitals, assisting with mobility, bathing, etc. critical care nurses focus on complete patient medical care, essentially keeping the patient alive.  Patients can worsen very quickly in ICU, and the nurse that cares for them is there to stay one step ahead in recognizing problems. As a general rule, critical care nurses are only responsible for one and o

Oncology nurses are in demand more than ever. It takes specialized training to work as an oncology nurse; the degree of training depends on the areas of specialties you plan to work in. The Role of an Oncology Nurse Being diagnosed with cancer is certainly a terrifying and life-changing experience. The impact of cancer on one's life is often the most traumatic event someone has experienced. Some patients under treatment continue to work or care for their families, facing life, using available resources. It is the nurse that provides care to the patient, and education to the patient and family of the patient. The nurse may try to reduce anxiety and improve the patient's ability to cope. The nurse will assess the patient often and determine needs and overall condition.  Oncology nurses play a significant part in the health care team, as they work in all aspects of cancer care. Oncology nurses integrate their technical skills, scientific knowledge, and caring attitude to

A nurse anesthetist provides anesthesia and care associated with it to patients before and after surgery. They may also administer medication for diagnostic and obstetrical procedures, pain management, or emergency services. What is a Nurse anesthetist? A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a nurse that has received specialized training in the field of anesthesiology. The CRNA administers medicine as needed for surgery.  CRNAs work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologist, and other health care providers that work with surgical patients. Additional education and training is required beyond an RN degree. The requirements involve a 4-year undergraduate degree in nursing or a similar health field degree.  You must obtain a license for an RN, and have experience in the acute care of patients.  After working in acute care, it is generally followed by entrance into an anesthesia program, to study and obtain a doctorate. Related: Patients with Clostridium difficile In add

Over the years, medical advances have come to bring huge strides in treating patients with better care and less pain. In the 1980s, a gallbladder surgery was a major surgery, but today it’s laparoscopic and the patient is out of the hospital in a day. These advances have been beneficial to doctors, nurses, and most of all patients. Medical advances continue on a day to day basis, and it's hard to imagine what the future may hold. Much has changed in Nursing as well. No longer are nurses expected to wear dresses, white hats, and white shoes, and nurses are recognized now more than ever before for the hard work and dedication they offer. Through the Years 1960 ·          Nurses were expected to stand when a physician entered the room ·          Most nurses still wore white dresses, and starched nurse caps ·          It was recommended a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as the minimum education requirement for entry into the profession of nursing ·          Male students we

More than half of the American population says they would consider being an organ donor.   Approximately 22% of all people with a driver's license have indicated they are an organ donor on their license.     Facts about Organ Donation Around 120,000 people in the United States are currently on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant. Another name is added to the national transplant waiting list every 10 minutes. On average, 22 people die every day from the lack of organs for transplant. One deceased donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation. Organ recipients are selected based primarily on medical need, location and compatibility. Over 650,000 transplants have occurred in the U.S. since the late 80’s. The cornea is the most commonly transplanted tissues. A healthy person can become a ‘living donor’ by donating a kidney, or a part of the liver, lung, intestine, blood or bone marrow. About 5,000 liv

Despite the fact that coal mines produce our country's coal, the conditions and safety for the workers is often deplorable. Personal events are recounted by Susan, a retired nurse.   Black Lung Disease Black lung disease is actually a common name for any lung disease that develops from inhaling coal dust. The name comes from the fact that those with the disease have lungs that look black instead of pink. The technical name for this condition is coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). There are two types, simple CWP and complicated CWP, which involves progressive massive fibrosis.    The inhalation and accumulation of coal dust into the lungs increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The cause of this condition comes from working in a coal mine, or other coal industries. The dust in the lungs may appear and get worse during the exposure to the dust or after the exposure has ceased. Related: Nursing In