They administer medications and treatments, assist physicians during treatment and examination, refer patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and help patients cope with illness.
Nurses are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities.
With advanced training, RNs can become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, or certified nurse midwives. Faster than average growth in health care is expected to result in nursing as one of five occupations projected to have the largest number of new jobs through the year 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is due to technological advances in medical treatment and an aging population. The purpose of this curriculum is to prepare the student for first level positions in patient care. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse.