Thinking About a Career in Nursing?

The definition of professional nursing: NURSING is the protection, promotion and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations. (American Nurses Association's Nursing's Social Policy Statement, Second Edition, 2003)

The Web site of the American Nurses Association at www.nursingworld.org/nursecareer/ answers some questions, including "what does a nurse do?"

Work Hours

Work hours vary greatly depending on the type and practice area of nursing that you select. Nursing is likely the most versatile health profession that could be entered. School nurses have work days and schedule that follow the K-12 and college class schedules. Public health nurses may have the traditional office hours of 8 AM to 5 PM. In 24/7 (patient care that is 24 hours a day/7 days a week, there are three shifts of nurse staffing that need to be covered. There are variations of these time frames as well.

Educational Preparation

Nursing has a "career ladder" not found in many other professions. Many start as a nurse aide, medic, emergency medical technician and take additional classes that qualify them to sit for nursing licensure. There are currently two academic preparation paths for RN licensure-- an Associate Degree in Nursing - A D N granted by a community college or the Bachelor's of Science in Nursing BSN granted by a college or university.

Length of Education

The length of education depends on the level of the nursing career you want to practice at. Board of Nursing regulations require at least one year of academic study to qualify for the licensure exam as a licensed practical nurse and at least two years of academic study to qualify for the licensure exam as a registered nurse. www.legis.state.ia.us/Rules/Current/iac/655/6552/6552.pdf See the definition of “program” in Chapter 2 of the Iowa Board of Nursing administrative rules.

Membership Fee in the Iowa Nurses Association The current membership dues are $22.67/ month which is $272/year.

Licensure as an RN

To view the fees related to initial licensure, national examination and three year license renewal go to http://www.state.ia.us/nursing/fees.html. To renew the three-year license, Iowa Board of Nursing regulations require 36 hours of continuing education to be taken.