Purpose Of Health Care Career Paper ✓ Solved
Purpose of Health Care Career Paper The purpose of this paper
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 profession that they are planning on pursuing. Examples of paper topics include: Registered Nurse; Diagnostic Medical Sonographer; Physician Assistant; Pharmacy Technician; Massage Therapist or Radiographic Technologist. The Miami Dade College Campus’s (Medical Campus) Library has resources dedicated to these careers. In addition, students will interview a health care professional in their chosen field of study to include in their paper.
This paper is broken down into TWO (2) sections: Section 1 – Choose ONE of the FOUR topics below to research regarding the chosen profession (topic).
Section 1
- Job Description
- Education, Registration or Certification
- Employment
- Professional Activities
Section 2 - Reflection on chosen topic in Section 1
What to Include in the Topic You Have Chosen
As part of your section, you will also interview a health care worker in the field you are researching to attain their expertise on the section you have chosen.
Job Description
- Describe the care/service provided by the healthcare professional.
- Describe the limits of authority and responsibility legislated “scope of practice” for this health care career.
- Describe the “Code of Ethics” for this health care occupation (choose 1 or 2 of the codes).
Education / Registration / Certification
- Describe the requirements for the profession/occupation.
- Identify at least two different types of educational institutions/schools offering the program.
- State how much time it takes to complete the program.
- Describe the approximate cost for each of the educational institutions required.
- What degree or certification that can be earned for this health care career?
- Identify the professional certification or registration required and by what organization or government agency.
Employment
- What is the job availability for this profession?
- Growth trends in the field nationally.
- Number of jobs advertised locally or in the area where you want to secure employment.
- Is experience required? Explain.
- Salaries - Entry level and with experience.
- Advancement Opportunities – With and/or without additional education.
Professional Activities
- Local/State/National Professional Organizations (cost to join as a student).
- Professional journals with address and cost.
- Are continuing educational units (CEUs) required for this profession? If so, how many, and how often?
- Describe ways that members of a professional organization can gain continuing education requirements and earn CEUs.
Reflection / Personal Career Plan
- Reflect on how you see yourself “fitting” into this profession.
- Share what life experiences have brought you to the decision to pursue this profession.
- Describe a personal career plan for you to enter this field.
- Discuss alternative plan if your initial plan does not progress as anticipated.
Sources of Information
At least 3 substantial references shall be used. These may include books, professional journal articles, web sites, and personal communication. All references should be correctly cited on the Reference page in correct APA 7th edition format.
Organization, Format, Spelling, Grammar
Paper should be well organized containing appropriate content. Correct spelling and grammar. Double spaced, 12-pt font size, left justification, 1” margins. APA 7th ed. Format. No abstract or introduction. Include in-text citations. The paper length is three to five pages. No less than 3 and not to exceed 5 pages (not including cover page and reference page). No lists, bullets, graphics, tables, or pictures. Work is to be expressed in paragraph form only.
Plagiarism
The health care career paper is to be the student’s original work. Plagiarism is the improper borrowing of another person's words, ideas, or methods. If you use another person's material, you must acknowledge your source.
Paper For Above Instructions
Choosing a career in health care is a pivotal decision for individuals driven by a desire to help others and make a meaningful impact in society. For this paper, I have chosen to focus on the profession of a Registered Nurse (RN). This profession stands out not only for its scope of practice but also for the profound relationships that nurses develop with patients. Throughout this paper, I will explore essential elements of the Registered Nurse profession, from job description and educational requirements to employment opportunities and professional activities, drawing upon my own reflections and experiences.
Job Description
Registered Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system. They are responsible for providing patient care, administering medications, and educating patients about their health conditions. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), “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 responses” (American Nurses Association, 2021). Additionally, nurses operate within a defined scope of practice, which varies significantly by state. The scope of practice outlines the roles, responsibilities, and regulations that govern nursing practice, ensuring patient safety and quality care.
The Code of Ethics for Nurses, as established by the ANA, emphasizes the nurse's commitment to patient dignity and responsible care. For instance, the first provision states that “The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person” (ANA, 2015). This ethical framework guides Registered Nurses in delivering high-quality patient care while respecting individual values and preferences.
Education / Registration / Certification
To become a Registered Nurse, individuals must meet specific educational requirements, typically earning either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Institutions such as Miami Dade College and the University of Miami offer accredited nursing programs. An ADN program usually takes about two years to complete, while a BSN program typically requires four years. The costs can vary; for example, tuition at Miami Dade College for the ADN program is approximately $5,000, while the BSN at the University of Miami costs around $45,000, excluding additional fees and textbooks (Miami Dade College, 2023; University of Miami, 2023).
Upon completing an accredited program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). This certification is crucial for obtaining a nursing license and practicing legally in any state (NCSBN, 2023).
Employment
The job outlook for Registered Nurses is very promising, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a growth rate of 6% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS, 2022). Factors contributing to this growth include an aging population that requires more healthcare services and a growing focus on preventive care. In South Florida, numerous job opportunities exist, evidenced by advertisements in local publications such as the Miami Herald and online job platforms. Entry-level RNs can expect an average annual salary of approximately $70,000, while experienced RNs can earn significantly more, particularly in specialized areas such as critical care or pediatrics (PayScale, 2023).
Advancement opportunities in nursing often require further education, such as obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or pursuing certifications in specialties like Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). However, many nurses can also advance into management positions without additional formal education based on experience and demonstrated leadership skills.
Professional Activities
Registered Nurses can join various professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National League for Nursing (NLN). Membership fees for students typically range from $30 to $150 annually, depending on the organization. These organizations not only provide networking opportunities but also access to resources and professional journals where nurses can stay updated on the latest practices and research in nursing (ANA, 2021; NLN, 2022).
Continuing education units (CEUs) are essential for maintaining nursing licensure and can be obtained through various means, including workshops, courses, and conferences. Most states require RNs to complete around 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years (State Board of Nursing, 2023).
Reflection / Personal Career Plan
Reflecting on my journey, I see myself fitting into the nursing profession seamlessly. My passion for healthcare ignited during high school when I volunteered at a local hospital, experiencing firsthand the positive impact nurses have on patients’ lives. This experience solidified my decision to pursue nursing. My personal career plan includes completing a BSN program and obtaining my RN license, with aspirations to further specialize in pediatric nursing, driven by my lifelong love for working with children.
If my initial plan does not progress as anticipated, I have devised an alternative plan to consider further education in Public Health Nursing, focusing on outreach and community health education. Ultimately, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals through compassionate and competent nursing care.
References
- American Nurses Association. (2021). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Registered Nurses. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
- Miami Dade College. (2023). Nursing Program. Retrieved from https://www.mdc.edu/health/nursing/
- University of Miami. (2023). BSN Program Overview. Retrieved from https://www.miami.edu
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2023). NCLEX Examination. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm
- PayScale. (2023). Registered Nurse Salary. Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Salary
- National League for Nursing. (2022). Membership Information. Retrieved from https://www.nln.org
- State Board of Nursing. (2023). Continuing Education Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.nursing.ohio.gov
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice.
- National League for Nursing. (2022). Research and Education Framework for Nursing Education.