Welcome to the ShiftMed blog where we discuss everything nursing, from professional insights to healthcare holidays to helpful hints for working with us.
Nursing may be a profession taken for granted in the U.S. (just like teachers), but the numbers speak differently to their value. As a career, there’s a lot of flexibility, stability, and earning potential working as a nurse.
An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) handles all the same duties as a registered nurse, plus advanced responsibilities within a chosen specialty. Different certifications are necessary for the job, and the certification you need depends on the specialty you choose.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world got a hard look at the nursing profession. Everyone hailed nurses as heroes (which they always have been), watching them battle mental and physical exhaustion and burnout on the frontlines of care. It was apparent nurses weren't okay. Today, they still aren't okay—and our 2022 State of Nursing Survey results reflect that. But, as you'll see, there are specific incentives that would make them feel differently.
Surgical nurses are skilled RNs that work in hospitals and surgical centers. They assist surgeons and other operative staff during procedures. They also ensure that the operating suite is always safe and sterile.
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are registered nurses who specialize in providing care for children, adults, and senior citizens. As advanced RNs, these practitioners are specialists in primary care, disease prevention, and preventive health.
A certified nurse midwife (CNM) helps new mothers throughout their fertility journeys. From pregnancy to postpartum care, they are with their patients every step. But that’s not all — these nurse practitioners treat female patients throughout their lives, from puberty through menopause.
Not all patients’ ailments are physical. They need ongoing support and care for psychiatric conditions, like someone healing from a broken bone or chronic illness. In these instances, they rely on the expert skills of a mental health nurse to lead better lives.
