Staff Nurse
A staff nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who provides direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Staff nurses are responsible for assessing patients' health conditions, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, providing wound care, and educating patients and their families about their care.
Education
To become a staff nurse, individuals must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Nursing programs can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and universities. The length of these programs varies, but they typically take two to three years to complete.
Scope of Practice
Staff nurses have a limited scope of practice compared to other nursing roles, such as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. Staff nurses are responsible for carrying out physician orders and providing basic patient care. They may also perform some advanced nursing tasks, such as inserting intravenous lines and administering blood transfusions.
Career Opportunities
Staff nurses have a wide range of career opportunities. They can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Staff nurses can also work in home healthcare, school nursing, and public health nursing.
BSc Nursing
BSc nursing is a four-year undergraduate degree program that prepares students for a career in nursing. BSc nursing programs provide students with a strong foundation in the sciences, nursing theory, and clinical practice. Graduates of BSc nursing programs are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses.
Education
BSc nursing programs are offered at universities and colleges. The curriculum for these programs includes courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing theory, and clinical practice. Students also complete clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
Scope of Practice
BSc nursing graduates have a broader scope of practice than staff nurses. They can provide more advanced nursing care, such as conducting physical examinations, diagnosing medical conditions, and developing patient care plans. BSc nursing graduates can also work in leadership and management positions in the nursing field.
Career Opportunities
BSc nursing graduates have a variety of career opportunities. They can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. BSc nursing graduates can also work in home healthcare, school nursing, and public health nursing. They can also pursue advanced nursing degrees, such as a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP).