Medical nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, and they are responsible for providing patients with quality care. Becoming a medical nurse is a very rewarding career choice, but there are several things you need to consider before making the decision. Here are some things to consider.
Certification
The first thing you need to consider is whether or not you want to become a registered nurse (RN) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). APRNs are allowed more independence in the workplace, and they often have more authority. They can choose which staff members to hire, as well as who does what job. However, getting a degree in nursing and becoming a medical nurse does not mean you have to become a registered nurse. In many cases, it’s possible to work as an unlicensed assistant in the healthcare industry, and this can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
There are also compliance certificates to think about. And when it comes to certification for healthcare workers, an important one is HIPAA compliance. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a set of federal regulations that protect the privacy of patients’ health information. All medical nurses need to be HIPAA compliant, and this can be achieved by completing a certification course.
Workload
Another thing to consider is what you want out of the medical nurse profession. Is it important for you to work in a position that involves night shifts or weekend shifts? Does your schedule need to allow you to be home every evening with your family, or are the occasional nights and weekends off okay? Medical nurses work hard, but they can set their own schedules to a certain extent, so you need to ask yourself if that’s acceptable.
A big part of being a medical nurse is administrative tasks, such as performing tests or keeping records. If you don’t want administrative responsibilities taking up much – or any – of your time, this might not be the right career for you.
Patient Interaction
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a medical nurse is interacting with patients. This can involve anything from providing emotional support to answering their questions. If you’re someone who enjoys talking to people and helping them, this could be the perfect career for you. However, if you’re not comfortable around patients, this might not be a good fit.
To illustrate patient interaction, keep in mind that some medical nurses work with patients who are dying, and this can be emotionally trying. However, there are ways to help prepare yourself for patient interaction. One way is by volunteering at a local hospice or hospital, which gives you firsthand experience of what death is like. If that’s not enough to get the hang of it, there are also online resources that can help you prepare.
Work Environment
Another thing to consider is the work environment. Medical nurses can work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices. They might also be employed by insurance companies or pharmaceutical companies. Each setting has its own unique set of pros and cons to think about.
Hospitals can be very chaotic, with a lot of noise and activity. However, they also offer a variety of different departments, so you can find a specialty that interests you. Clinics are often smaller and more intimate, and this can be a great setting for those who want to get to know their patients well. Doctors’ offices are generally quiet and organized, which can be soothing for some medical nurses. And finally, pharmaceutical and insurance companies offer a corporate setting, which can be both challenging and rewarding.
Salary
Another thing to think about is salary. Medical nurses can earn a variety of different salaries, depending on their experience, certifications, and setting. The average salary for a medical nurse is around $60,000 per year. However, there are many nurses who earn much more than that.
Also, keep in mind that medical nurses typically don’t work on salary. Instead, they earn an hourly wage or get paid per visit, so the amount they take home per month varies.
For example, some nurses work on a salary with benefits. If you’re willing to negotiate your salary and benefits, you can increase what you earn. What’s more, there are plenty of opportunities for overtime pay if you’re needed during off-hours. And if you want to increase your earnings, even more, you can always learn new skills to keep up with the latest medical advances.
So, if you’re thinking of becoming a medical nurse, you’ll want to do your research on the field. What are some important considerations? Think about patient interaction, administrative responsibilities, scheduling flexibility, the work environment, and salary. If you can get excited about all of these things – or at least be okay with them – then becoming a medical nurse could be an excellent career choice for you.
