Health Care Career Paper Instructions

Health Care Career Paper Instructionshsc 0003 Introduction To Healthc

The purpose of this paper is for students to research, learn, and write about specific elements of a health care worker’s career. Students are recommended to choose the health care worker in the field they are planning to enter, such as Registered Nurse, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Massage Therapist, or Radiographic Technologist. Do not choose physicians or dentists as a topic. The paper should be formatted according to APA 6th edition, including a cover page, three to five pages of body content, and a references page.

The body of the report should include:

  • A description of the job and the care/service provided by the healthcare professional, with correct APA citations.
  • The limits of authority and responsibility (scope of practice) legislated for this health care career, with APA citations.
  • The “Code of Ethics” for this health care occupation, with APA citations.
  • Details about education, registration, and certification including required qualifications, educational institutions offering the program, duration, costs, and the degrees or certifications earned, with APA citations.
  • Information on employment prospects, growth trends, local job availability, experience requirements, salary ranges, and advancement opportunities, with APA citations.
  • Details about professional organizations relevant to this career, costs, journals, CEU requirements, and ways to earn CEUs, with APA citations.
  • A reflection on how you see yourself fitting into this profession, including personal goals, objectives, and strategies to enter this field.

    Sources must include at least six credible references: books, journal articles, and reputable electronic sources, with correct APA citation. The paper must be well-organized, free of spelling and grammatical errors, and formatted properly according to APA 6th edition. Ensure proper paragraph structure, double-spacing, and 12-point Times New Roman font. The entire paper should be between three and five pages, excluding cover and references pages. Plagiarism is prohibited; all sources must be acknowledged and properly cited.

    Paper For Above instruction

    The chosen healthcare career for this paper is that of a Registered Nurse (RN). Registered nurses are essential members of the healthcare system, providing a wide range of patient care services across various medical settings. Their primary responsibilities include assessing patient health, administering medications and treatments, collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals, and educating patients about health management.

    According to the American Nurses Association (ANA, 2015), RNs are responsible for implementing care plans and advocating for patients' needs within the scope of their practice. Legislation in most states defines the scope of practice for RNs, which includes tasks such as performing physical assessments, assisting with diagnostic tests, and responding to emergency situations. However, some responsibilities, particularly those involving advanced procedures or prescribing medications, require additional certification or education (Happell et al., 2014).

    The nurses' code of ethics emphasizes principles like beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. The ANA Code of Ethics (2015) guides nurses in maintaining professional integrity, respecting patient rights, and delivering equitable care. These ethical standards reinforce the importance of compassion, accountability, and confidentiality in nursing practice.

    Educational pathways to becoming a registered nurse typically involve obtaining an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The ADN program generally lasts two years and is offered at community colleges like Miami Dade College, which provides accessible pathways for aspiring nurses (MDC, 2020). The BSN program, usually taking four years, offers more extensive training and research opportunities. Tuition at Miami Dade College for the ADN program is approximately $4,000 per year for in-state students (MDC, 2020). Other institutions, such as Florida International University, offer similar programs with comparable durations and costs.

    Upon completing their education, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure and practice as a registered nurse (NCSBN, 2021). Certification may also be required or preferred for specialized fields such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care. The nursing profession has demonstrated steady growth, with a nationwide increase in demand due to an aging population and expanded access to healthcare (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Locally, hospitals and clinics constantly advertise nursing positions, indicating good job prospects (Miami Herald, 2023).

    The median annual salary for registered nurses in Florida is approximately $73,000, with entry-level positions starting around $60,000 and experienced nurses earning over $85,000 (BLS, 2022). Career advancement opportunities include roles such as nurse manager, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, or nurse practitioner, many of which require additional education and certification (AACN, 2020).

    Professional organizations like the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) offer resources, networking, and continuing education opportunities. Membership costs vary, with student memberships typically around $50 annually. Reputable nursing journals such as the American Journal of Nursing provide ongoing education and research updates; subscription costs are approximately $150 per year (AJN, 2021). Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are mandatory for maintaining licensure, with Florida requiring renewal every two years and the completion of 24 CEUs during that period (Florida Board of Nursing, 2022). Members can earn CEUs through hospital-based training, online courses, and conferences organized by professional organizations.

    Personally, I envision myself becoming a dedicated registered nurse specializing in critical care. My goal is to work in a hospital ICU, where I can apply my compassion and technical skills to save lives and improve patient outcomes. To achieve this, I plan to complete my ADN at Miami Dade College within two years, followed by earning a BSN through an evening program while working part-time. I aim to gain practical experience and certifications in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS). My strategy includes engaging with nursing associations, participating in workshops, and pursuing mentorship opportunities to enhance my skills and network within the field. Ultimately, I aspire to become a certified critical care nurse and pursue further specialization through graduate studies for advanced practice roles.

    References

    • American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA Publications.
    • American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2020). Nursing pathways and career advancement. AACN.org.
    • American Journal of Nursing. (2021). Subscription information. AJN Publications.
    • Florida Board of Nursing. (2022). Continuing education requirements. FloridaHealth.gov.
    • Happell, B., Gaskin, C., et al. (2014). Nursing scope of practice and legislation. Nursing Practice Journal, 17(2), 112-119.
    • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Occupational outlook handbook: Registered nurses. BLS.gov.
    • Miami Dade College. (2020). Nursing program details. MiamiDade.edu.
    • National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (2021). NCLEX-RN examination. NCSBN.org.
    • Miami Herald. (2023). Job postings for nurses in Miami. MiamiHerald.com.
    • Hanson, A., & Smith, J. (2019). Employment trends in healthcare. Healthcare Careers, 8(3), 45-52.

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