Health Care Career Paper Instructions HSC 0003 Introduction ✓ Solved

Health Care Career Paper Instructions HSC 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 should choose a healthcare profession they plan to enter, such as Registered Nurse, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Massage Therapist, or Radiographic Technologist. The paper should not focus on physicians or dentists.

Format: The paper must follow APA 6th edition guidelines. It should be neat, well-organized, with correct spelling and grammar, using Times New Roman, 12-point font, with one-inch margins, double-spaced, and left justification. The paper should be three to five pages in length, excluding cover and reference pages. No abstract, no bullets, graphics, or tables are permitted. Use the provided APA Word template available through the MDC Learning Resources Website.

The paper must include a cover page in APA 6th edition format and a references page, which should list all sources cited in the text. All references must be credible and properly formatted. A minimum of six sources are required, including two books, two professional journal articles, and two electronic sources. Wikipedia is not acceptable.

The content should cover the following areas:

  • Job description and the care/service provided by the healthcare professional, with proper APA citations.
  • The limits of authority and scope of practice as legislated, with APA citations.
  • The code of ethics relevant to the occupation, with APA citations.
  • Education, registration, and certification requirements for the profession, citing sources.
  • At least two institutions offering relevant educational programs, including the duration and costs, with citations.
  • The types of degrees or certifications obtainable, and professional certification or registration needed, with citations.
  • Employment outlook, including job availability, growth trends, local advertisements, and whether experience is required, with citations.
  • Entry-level and experienced salary ranges with citations.
  • Advancement opportunities, with or without additional education, with citations.
  • Professional organizations at local, state, and national levels, their membership costs for students, and relevant professional journals, with addresses and costs, all cited.
  • Whether Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are required, their frequency, and ways to earn CEUs, with citations.

Additionally, the paper should include a personal reflection on how the student envisions fitting into this profession, outlining personal career goals, objectives, and strategies.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The nursing profession is integral to healthcare, providing essential patient care and supporting the broader health system. This paper explores the role of registered nurses (RNs), detailing their job description, scope of practice, educational requirements, career outlook, professional organizations, and personal career aspirations. By understanding these elements, aspiring healthcare professionals like myself can better prepare for a successful career in nursing.

Job Description and Scope of Practice

Registered nurses are vital frontline healthcare providers responsible for assessing patient conditions, administering medications, and coordinating care plans. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA, 2020), RNs engage in health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education, often working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals. Their scope of practice varies by state but generally includes performing diagnostic tests, documenting patient histories, and advocating for patient needs (ANA, 2020).

Code of Ethics

The American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics emphasizes principles such as respect for human dignity, ethical obligation to provide safe and compassionate care, and advocacy for patients' rights (ANA, 2015). These guiding standards ensure that RNs uphold professionalism and integrity in their practice, fostering trust and accountability.

Educational, Registration, and Certification Requirements

Becoming a registered nurse requires completing an accredited nursing program, which can be a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an associate degree (ADN). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2022) states that BSN programs typically take four years, while ADN programs take two to three years. Upon graduation, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure (NCSBN, 2023).

Two prominent institutions offering nursing programs are Miami Dade College and the University of Miami. Miami Dade College offers an ADN program that takes approximately two years with costs around $4,000 for in-state students (MDC, 2023). The University of Miami provides a BSN program requiring four years, with tuition exceeding $50,000 annually (UM, 2023). Certification as a registered nurse requires successfully passing the NCLEX-RN exam and maintaining licensure through continuing education.

Employment Outlook and Salaries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) reports that employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population and increased demand for healthcare services. In Miami-Dade County, numerous job postings are regularly advertised in local newspapers and online job boards, indicating a robust local job market.

Entry-level salaries for RNs in Florida range from $55,000 to $65,000 annually, while experienced nurses can earn over $85,000 (BLS, 2023). Career advancement opportunities include becoming nurse managers, clinical specialists, or pursuing further education for roles such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist (AACN, 2022).

Professional Organizations and Continuing Education

The Florida Nurses Association (FNA) and the American Nurses Association (ANA) are key professional organizations offering networking, resources, and advocacy. Membership costs for students vary but are generally affordable, around $20-$50 annually (FNA, 2023). Membership provides access to journals such as the Journal of Advanced Nursing or the American Journal of Nursing, which cost approximately $30-$50 per year.

CEUs are mandatory for license renewal in Florida, typically requiring 24 hours every two years (Florida Board of Nursing, 2022). Members can earn CEUs through online courses, conferences, and workshops approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, ensuring ongoing professional development and maintenance of clinical competencies.

Personal Reflection and Career Plan

As an aspiring nurse, I envision myself integrating compassion, dedication, and continuous learning into my professional identity. My goal is to complete my BSN within the next three years, gaining practical experience through internships and volunteer work. I aim to pursue certifications in specialized areas such as gerontology or critical care, and eventually advance to roles in nursing management or healthcare administration. Strategies include enrolling in reputable nursing schools, engaging with professional organizations, and dedicating time to lifelong learning and skill development.

Conclusion

The nursing field offers abundant opportunities for growth, impact, and personal fulfillment. Understanding the educational pathway, scope of practice, ethical standards, and professional development avenues prepares motivated individuals like myself to excel in this vital healthcare career.

References

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2022). Nursing education statistics. https://www.aacnnursing.org
  • American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA Press.
  • American Nurses Association. (2020). Nursing scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.). ANA.
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
  • Florida Board of Nursing. (2022). Continuing education requirements. https://www.floridasnursing.gov
  • MDC. (2023). Miami Dade College Nursing Program Costs and Details. https://www.mdc.edu
  • NCSBN. (2023). NCLEX-RN Examination Candidate Bulletin. https://www.ncsbn.org
  • University of Miami. (2023). Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. https://www.miami.edu
  • United States Census Bureau. (2022). Miami-Dade County Demographics. https://www.census.gov
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Nursing Workforce Data. https://www.who.int

References

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