Career Choice: Nurses

What do Nurses do?

Nurses take care of sick and injured people. They also help people stay well. They watch for the signs of being sick. Nurses then help doctors examine and treat patients. They give people medicine. Nurses tell people how to take care of themselves and their families.

Hospital nurses or staff nurses are the largest group of nurses. Staff nurses provide bedside care. Hospital nurses usually work in one area such as surgery or the ER. Some of them rotate among jobs.

Office nurses help doctors in private clinics and offices. They also help with medical tests, give medicines, and dress wounds. Some also do routine lab and office work. Home health nurses go to people's homes to help them. Public health nurses work in government agencies, clinics, schools, and other public settings. They teach people about health and help prevent disease. They also show people what's good to eat and tell people how to take care of their kids.

Most nurses work in clean, well-lighted facilities. Home and public health nurses go to patients' homes and other sites. Nurses spend a lot of time walking and standing. They need emotional strength to cope with stress. Nurses should also be caring and sensitive.

Nursing has its hazards. Nurses care for people with diseases they can catch too. These include diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. Nurses must guard against these and other dangers such as radiation, chemicals, and drugs.

Because patients need 24-hour care, nurses may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Office, industrial, and public health nurses are more likely to work regular hours.

How do I prepare to become a Nurses?

Nursing education includes class work and clinical training. Classes include anatomy, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and nursing theory. Nurses do most of their clinical work in hospitals. A growing number of programs include clinical practice in nursing homes, public health offices, and home health agencies.

Doing a good job may lead to a promotion. The first step is to head nurse. From there, they can advance to director of nursing and even vice president. Some nurses move into the business side of health care. Some get jobs in big health care firms doing planning, marketing, and quality assurance.

What are the earning potentials?

Weekly Earnings (full time and before tax)

• $900 - All Ages
• $848 - Ages 20-24

Source: ABS Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership, August 2003.

What are the Job prospects for Nurses?

• Very Good < Nurses
• Good
• Average
• Below Average
• Limited