Advantages of pursuing a career in nursing
Nurses are the unsung heroes of the healthcare system. Nurses are pivotal in delivering medical treatment and emotional support. They're the bridge between medical expertise and the human touch. They may work on the frontlines or do research and education tasks.
With a projected shortage of 8,000 nurses in Malaysia for 2023 and 2024, exploring all that a nursing career has to offer can help you enter this much-needed profession. Let's explore different nursing jobs and how to choose one.
- Types of nursing careers
- Benefits of nursing careers
- Skills needed for careers in nursing
- Nursing qualifications required
- Considerations for choosing a nursing career
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Types of nursing careers
Becoming a nurse is more complex than passing the boards. There are a lot of nursing career paths. Each one contributes to healthcare delivery. While salaries can vary based on speciality, the salary for registered nurses in Malaysia ranges from RM 2,500 to RM 4,000. Here's a guide on some of the most common nursing roles.
Registered nurse (RN)
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Registered nurses are the backbone of healthcare teams. They provide direct patient care, administer medications, and coordinate treatment plans.
- Requirements: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and passing a licensure exam. Completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) instead of a BSN is also acceptable.
Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
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LPNs provide basic medical care. This includes monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily activities.
- Requirements: Completion of a state-approved LPN program and passing the licensure exam.
Travelling nurse
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Travelling nurses work on short-term assignments in various locations. They provide healthcare where there's a temporary shortage of medical staff.
- Requirements: RN licence and relevant experience.
Nurse midwife
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Nurse midwives specialise in women's reproductive health. They provide prenatal care, assist in childbirth, and offer postpartum support.
Requirements: Advanced degree in midwifery and certification.
Geriatric nurse
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Geriatric nurses specialise in the care of elderly patients. They address their unique healthcare needs.
Requirements: RN licence and other certifications in geriatric nursing.
Psychiatric nurse
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Psychiatric or mental healthcare nurses care for patients with mental health disorders. Mental health nurses deliver care and support to patients who are struggling with their mental health, helping them manage their condition with medication or relevant therapies. They provide therapeutic support and administer psychiatric medications.
Requirements: RN licence with other training in psychiatric or mental health nursing.
Emergency room (ER) nurse
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Requirements: RN licence and other certifications in emergency nursing.
Operating room (OR) nurse
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Operating room nurses assist during surgeries. They ensure a sterile environment and support the surgical team.
Requirements: RN licence and other training in perioperative nursing.
Paediatric nurse
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Paediatric nurses specialise in caring for children. They address their unique healthcare needs and support their families.
Requirements: RN licence and other training in paediatric nursing.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
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CNAs provide basic patient care, including bathing, feeding, and mobility assistance.
Requirements: Completion of a state-approved CNA program.
Certified registered nurse anaesthetist (CRNA)
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Certified registered nurse anaesthetists ensure patients are comfortable and safe during surgical procedures.
Requirements: RN licence, critical care experience, and completion of a nurse anaesthesia program.
Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
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CNSs are experts in a specific area of nursing. They provide advanced clinical care and education to both patients and staff.
Requirements: Advanced degree in a specialised area of nursing and certification.
Nurse practitioner (NP)
NPs provide advanced healthcare services. This includes diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing patient care.
Requirements: Advanced degree in nursing and certification as a nurse practitioner.
Charge nurse
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Charge nurses oversee nursing staff on a particular shift. They ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Requirements: RN licence with relevant experience.
Benefits of nursing careers
Embarking on a nursing career is more than a professional choice. It's a commitment to a dynamic and enriching journey. The profession is noble and personally fulfilling. Here are some of the many advantages that beckon those considering a path in nursing:
- Job security and demand: A nursing profession provides inherent job security. The demand for qualified nursing professionals remains consistently high. This ensures stable and reliable employment.
- Positive impact on patients' lives: Nurses can significantly improve the lives of the people they care for. They offer comfort in times of distress. They're a beacon of support. The role of a nurse goes far beyond medical care.
- Professional growth and advancement: Nursing careers are active. They're a journey of continual growth. Nurses have many opportunities for professional development. These can lead to leadership roles, specialised practices, and research.
- Variety of specialities and work settings: Nursing offers a lot of specialties. These align with almost any interest in paediatric or emergency care. The flexibility extends to work settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health organisations.
- Competitive salaries and benefits: Nursing careers come with competitive salaries. They often have comprehensive benefits packages. This financial stability adds another layer of attractiveness to the profession. This ensures that nurses receive a reward for their dedication and hard work.
Skills needed for a career in nursing
Starting a career in nursing demands more than just medical knowledge. It calls for diverse skills that elevate the profession from a vocation to an art. Here are five skills that every nurse needs to master to provide exceptional care:
Adaptability
Nursing is an ever-evolving field, and adaptability is a cornerstone skill. Nurses must navigate a dynamic healthcare landscape with resilience and flexibility. This can include facing unexpected challenges and embracing new technologies.
Communication
Effective communication is paramount in nursing. Nurses must articulate medical information clearly to educate patients and colleagues. They must understand and act on any critical details. This is vital in establishing trust and fostering a supportive healthcare environment.
Attention to detail
The intricacies of healthcare demand meticulous attention to detail. Nurses are in charge of critical tasks. This can include administering medications with precision and documenting patient information. A keen eye for detail ensures the delivery of safe and effective care.
Time management
Nursing careers often involve juggling many responsibilities within tight timeframes. Nurses must focus on tasks and meet deadlines. This ensures that each patient receives the necessary care without compromising quality.
Empathy
Beyond medical expertise, empathy is the heartbeat of nursing. Empathy creates a healing environment that extends beyond clinical procedures.
Nursing qualifications required
Nursing requires certifications, licences, and ongoing training. Here's an overview of the qualifications needed to become a nurse:
Education and certifications
In nursing qualifications, the foundation lies in education and certifications. These are pivotal aspects that shape a nurse's knowledge and expertise. Here are three educational requirements:
- Nursing degree: Many aspiring nurses pursue a formal education in nursing. These are degrees such as a BSN or ADN. The choice between them depends on your career goals. Also, consider your desired level of qualification.
- Diploma programs: You can also enter the profession through diploma programs that hospitals offer. While less common today, these programs provide a more hands-on approach to nursing.
- Certifications: Taking specific certifications in addition to formal education can enhance your qualifications. Examples include Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
Licences
Licences stand as the bedrock among essential nursing qualifications, serving as legal mandates that validate a nurse's competence and authorise their practice within a specific jurisdiction. In Malaysia, graduates must take the Malaysia Nursing Board to become a registered nurse.
Training
The importance of training emerges prominently in the landscape of nursing qualifications, as it not only refines practical skills but also ensures that healthcare professionals are equipped to handle the dynamic challenges of their roles. Here are two common types of training:
- Clinical training: Practical, hands-on training programs are crucial to nursing education. This training allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. It could also help you develop essential clinical skills and bedside manners.
- Specialised training: You may need specialised training for certain nursing roles. Examples of these roles include critical care, neonatal care, or emergency nursing roles. The training can help you acquire advanced skills.
Considerations for choosing a nursing career
Choosing a nursing career is a significant decision that needs thoughtful consideration. It's important to align your personal and professional goals. Here are valuable tips to guide you through the process:
Reflect on your individual goals and interests
Consider your passions and preferences. Explore nursing specialisations that match your interests. You can also look at specific medical fields that align with your goals.
Research the job market outlook
Investigate the demand for your chosen nursing speciality. Analyse job market trends. Ensure that your desired nursing path offers stable employment prospects. Some specialities may experience higher demand than others.
Consider licensure requirements by location
Be mindful of state-specific licensure requirements. Different cities in Malaysia may have varied licensing regulations. Ensure that the state where you plan to practise recognizes your qualifications. This allows you to pursue your chosen nursing career without a hitch.
Understand salary expectations and growth potential:
Research salary expectations and career advancement opportunities. Check the earning potential of your chosen nursing career. Understand the possibilities for growth. Be aware of whether you need to focus on experience, certifications, or pursuing advanced degrees.
Explore advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles
Consider APRN roles for enhanced earning potential and autonomy. Advanced practice roles offer increased responsibilities and higher salaries. These roles provide nurses with greater independence in patient care decision-making.
Seek mentorship and guidance
Connect with experienced nurses in your desired field. Seek guidance from professionals who have walked the path you're considering. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and help you make informed decisions.
Consider your work environment preferences
Reflect on the type of healthcare setting that aligns with your preferences. Always choose a work environment that resonates with you. Choose what works for you: a fast-paced environment or something relaxed.
Evaluate work-life balance
Assess the work-life balance of your chosen nursing career. Some nursing specialities may need unconventional hours or on-call responsibilities. Consider how the demands of the job align with your interests and commitments outside of work.
Conclusion
Nursing is more than just a profession. It's a calling that demands a unique blend of compassion, expertise, and resilience. As healthcare's unsung heroes, nurses contribute significantly to patient well-being. With diverse specialisations, you can choose what aligns with your passion and goals.
As you reflect, make sure you align the goals, path, and impact you want. Embrace the challenges and rewards of nursing. Embark on a path that builds your career and leaves a lasting positive impact. Your journey in nursing awaits – take the first step today.
FAQs
- What are the considerations for choosing a nursing career?
Choosing a nursing career involves contemplating a lot of factors. You need to have a personal interest in healthcare and compassion for others. You must be able to handle stress. It's also important to have communication skills. Lastly, a willingness to continue learning becomes an important factor as well. - What is the best path to becoming a nurse?
The best path to becoming a nurse means earning a nursing degree. This can happen through various routes. You could choose the ADN or BSN route. After completing the degree, passing the Malaysian Nursing Board exam is necessary. - What is the highest-paying nursing job?
Nurse anaesthetists are one of the highest-paying nursing jobs. They administer anaesthesia and have advanced education. They often hold a master's or doctoral degree in nurse anaesthesia. Other well-paying specialities include nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse administrators. - What are the stages of a nursing career?
Here are the typical stages of a nursing career:
Nursing education: Earn a degree or diploma in nursing.
Entry-level nursing: Begin as a staff nurse or in an entry-level position.
Advanced practice: Pursue specialisations or leadership roles with experience and additional education.
Specialisation: Choose a nursing speciality or area of focus.
Leadership/management: Advance to management or leadership roles. - What is the easiest nursing job that pays well?
Nursing jobs vary in difficulty. What you consider easy may not be the same as what someone else finds easy. The difficulty of a position depends on your individual preferences and skills. However, some nursing roles may be less physically demanding. These roles can still offer competitive pay.
