So, you’re curious about what goes on in 간호학과 nursing class? Well, let me tell you, it’s not all textbooks and lectures! In nursing class, you’ll not only gain the knowledge needed to care for patients, but you’ll also develop a whole set of essential skills that will shape you into a compassionate and competent nurse. From mastering the art of patient communication to mastering the ins and outs of medical equipment, 간호학과 nursing class will equip you with the necessary tools to excel in this rewarding profession. Let’s take a closer look at some of the essential skills taught in nursing class. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey filled with learning and growth!
Fundamental Nursing Skills
Vital Signs Assessment
In nursing class, you will learn one of the most essential skills for providing effective patient care – vital signs assessment. This involves measuring and monitoring the key indicators of a patient’s overall health, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature. By regularly assessing these vital signs, nurses can detect any changes or abnormalities in a patient’s condition and respond accordingly. Through hands-on practice and theoretical knowledge, you will develop the necessary skills to accurately assess and interpret vital signs, allowing you to provide timely and appropriate care to your patients.
Medication Administration and Management
Another crucial skill that you will acquire in nursing class is medication administration and management. As a nurse, you will often be responsible for administering medications to your patients, which requires a deep understanding of dosage calculations, medication interactions, and proper administration techniques. Nursing class will teach you how to safely administer different types of medications, such as oral medications, injections, and intravenous drugs. Additionally, you will learn how to properly document medication administration, monitor for potential side effects, and educate patients about their medications. With this knowledge, you will be able to ensure the safe and effective use of medications in your nursing practice.
Wound Care and Dressing Changes
Proper wound care is another vital skill that you will learn in nursing class. Whether it be caring for a surgical incision, a pressure ulcer, or a traumatic wound, nurses play a crucial role in promoting wound healing and preventing infections. Nursing class will provide you with the knowledge and techniques needed to assess and clean wounds, apply appropriate dressings, and prevent complications. You will also learn about different wound care products, such as specialized dressings and topical medications, and how to select the most suitable option for each patient. By mastering wound care skills, you will be able to promote optimal healing and comfort for your patients.
Patient Bathing and Personal Hygiene
Maintaining the personal hygiene and comfort of patients is an important aspect of nursing care. In nursing class, you will learn the proper techniques for assisting patients with bathing, grooming, and other activities of daily living. This includes understanding the importance of maintaining privacy, using proper infection control measures, and ensuring the patient’s safety and comfort. Through role-playing and practical training, you will develop the skills to provide sensitive and effective personal hygiene care to patients of all ages and health conditions. These skills will not only contribute to the physical well-being of your patients but also enhance their dignity and overall sense of well-being.
Assisting with Mobility and Transfers
Nurses often play a crucial role in assisting patients with mobility and transfers, especially those who have limited physical capabilities or are recovering from surgery or illness. In nursing class, you will learn the proper techniques for safely and effectively assisting patients with activities such as walking, transferring from the bed to a chair, and using assistive devices. You will also learn how to assess the patient’s mobility needs, provide appropriate support and assistance, and minimize the risk of falls and injuries. Through hands-on practice and simulations, you will develop the skills to promote patient independence and prevent complications related to immobility.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
Effective communication is a cornerstone of nursing practice, and nursing class will emphasize the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Verbal communication involves the use of spoken words to relay information, provide instructions, and engage in therapeutic conversations with patients and their families. Non-verbal communication, on the other hand, includes body language, facial expressions, and gestures, which often convey emotions and attitudes more powerfully than words alone. In nursing class, you will learn how to communicate, empathetically, and respectfully with patients, healthcare team members, and other stakeholders. Developing strong communication skills will enable you to establish trust, gather accurate information, and provide compassionate care.
Active Listening
Active listening is a crucial communication skill that allows nurses to fully understand the concerns and needs of their patients. Nursing class will teach you how to engage in active listening by giving your full attention, using appropriate body language, and providing verbal and non-verbal feedback. By actively listening to your patients, you will be able to gather important information, identify their emotional needs, and promote a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. This skill is especially valuable when communicating with patients who may be anxious, in pain, or experiencing difficulty in expressing themselves.
Assertiveness and Advocacy
As a nurse, it is important to have the confidence and assertiveness to advocate for your patients and ensure they receive the best possible care. Nursing class will teach you how to effectively communicate your concerns, assert your professional opinions, and advocate for the rights and well-being of your patients. You will learn strategies for assertive communication, such as using “I” statements, active listening, and negotiating compromises. By being an advocate for your patients, you will help them navigate the healthcare system, make informed decisions, and receive the highest quality of care.
Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity
In today’s multicultural society, nurses must be culturally sensitive and aware of the diverse needs and beliefs of their patients. Nursing class will help you develop cultural competence by teaching you about different cultural practices, beliefs, and healthcare traditions. You will learn how cultural factors can influence a patient’s perception of illness, their health-seeking behaviors, and their attitudes toward healthcare providers. By understanding and respecting cultural differences, you will be able to provide patient-centered care that is sensitive to individual cultural needs and preferences.
Therapeutic Communication Techniques
Nursing class will also teach you a variety of therapeutic communication techniques that can be used to establish rapport, build trust, and facilitate healing with your patients. These techniques include active listening, offering empathy and support, providing information clearly and understandably, and using therapeutic questioning. By mastering these techniques, you will be able to create a safe and therapeutic environment for your patients, promote their physical and emotional well-being, and enhance the effectiveness of their healthcare experience.
Assessment and Diagnosis Skills
Health History Taking
Taking a comprehensive health history is a critical skill for nurses, as it provides a foundation for identifying potential health problems, assessing risk factors, and developing appropriate care plans. In nursing class, you will learn how to gather relevant information about a patient’s medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors, and psychosocial well-being. Through role-playing and case studies, you will gain the skills to conduct a thorough health interview, ask relevant questions, and document the information accurately. This skill will enable you to gather a holistic understanding of your patient’s health status and provide individualized care.
Physical Examination Techniques
In addition to health history taking, the nursing class will teach you the fundamental physical examination techniques that are essential for assessing the health status of your patients. You will learn how to use inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation to systematically assess different body systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems. Through hands-on practice and supervised clinical experiences, you will develop the skills to identify abnormal findings, perform basic assessments, and communicate your findings to the healthcare team. By becoming proficient in physical examination techniques, you will be able to contribute to the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of your patients.
Recognizing Abnormal Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing abnormal signs and symptoms is a crucial skill for nurses, as it allows for the early detection and intervention of potential health problems. In nursing class, you will learn about the common signs and symptoms associated with various health conditions, such as infections, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory disorders, and neurological disorders. You will also learn how to differentiate between normal variations and abnormal findings and prioritize and communicate your observations to the healthcare team. By honing your ability to recognize abnormal signs and symptoms, you will play a key role in ensuring timely and appropriate interventions for your patients.
Differentiating Normal from Abnormal Findings
In nursing class, you will develop the ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. You will learn about the expected range of findings for different body systems, including vital signs, laboratory values, and physical assessment findings. This knowledge will help you identify deviations from normal and prompt further investigation or intervention. By accurately differentiating between normal and abnormal findings, you will contribute to the early detection and management of potential health problems, improving patient outcomes.
Documentation and Report Writing
Accurate and thorough documentation is a critical aspect of nursing practice, as it provides a permanent record of patient care and facilitates effective communication among healthcare providers. In nursing class, you will learn the principles of good documentation, including objective language, proper formatting, and adherence to legal and ethical standards. You will also learn how to write clear and concise reports to communicate important patient information to other members of the healthcare team. Through simulated scenarios and clinical experiences, you will develop the skills to accurately document your assessments, interventions, and patient responses, ensuring continuity of care and promoting patient safety.
Critical Thinking and Decision-Making Abilities
Problem-Solving Skills
Nursing class will nurture your problem-solving skills, which are essential for providing safe and effective patient care. You will learn how to systematically approach complex situations, gather relevant data, and analyze the information to identify potential solutions. You will also learn how to critically evaluate the pros and cons of different options, anticipate potential consequences, and make informed decisions. By honing your problem-solving skills, you will be equipped to address challenging situations and provide optimal care for your patients.
Prioritization and Time Management
As a nurse, you will often face competing demands and multiple tasks that require your attention. Nursing class will teach you how to effectively prioritize and manage your time to ensure the delivery of safe and efficient care. You will learn how to assess the urgency and significance of different tasks, make informed decisions about task sequencing, and delegate appropriate responsibilities. By mastering prioritization and time management skills, you will be able to provide timely interventions, meet deadlines, and optimize patient outcomes.
Analyzing Complex Situations
Nursing practice involves complex and dynamic situations that require critical analysis and sound judgment. In nursing class, you will develop the ability to analyze complex situations by considering multiple factors, gathering relevant data, and identifying the underlying issues. You will learn how to critically evaluate the available information, recognize patterns and trends, and generate appropriate interventions. Through case studies and simulations, you will refine your analysis skills and enhance your ability to make informed decisions in real-world nursing scenarios.
Clinical Judgment
Clinical judgment is a fundamental skill for nurses, as it involves the synthesis of knowledge and experience to make accurate and timely decisions about patient care. Nursing class will foster your clinical judgment abilities by exposing you to a variety of clinical scenarios and patient cases. You will learn how to prioritize competing concerns, recognize potential complications, and modify care plans based on individual patient needs. By developing strong clinical judgment skills, you will be able to provide safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered care in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Ethical Decision-Making
Ethical decision-making is an integral part of nursing practice, as nurses often encounter situations that require balancing the needs and rights of patients, families, and other stakeholders. Nursing class will help you develop the skills to navigate ethical dilemmas by providing you with a solid foundation in ethical theory and principles. You will learn how to identify ethical issues, consider different perspectives, and apply ethical frameworks to guide your decision-making. By developing ethical decision-making skills, you will be able to advocate for your patients, uphold their autonomy, and provide care that respects their values and beliefs.
Medical Knowledge and Technical Competencies
Anatomy and Physiology
A solid understanding of anatomy and physiology is essential for nurses, as it provides the foundation for comprehending the structure and function of the human body. In nursing class, you will learn about the various body systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. You will explore the interrelationships between different systems and gain an understanding of how they work together to maintain homeostasis. By mastering the principles of anatomy and physiology, you will be able to apply this knowledge to assess, plan, and provide nursing care that is tailored to the individual needs of your patients.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on the human body, and it is a crucial component of nursing class. You will learn about different drug classes, their mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and potential side effects. You will also learn how to calculate medication dosages, administer medications safely, and monitor for adverse drug reactions. By acquiring a solid foundation in pharmacology, you will be able to ensure the safe and effective use of medications in your nursing practice.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology is the study of how diseases and disorders disrupt the normal functioning of the human body. Nursing class will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of various diseases and conditions. You will learn about the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatments of common diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory disorders, and infectious diseases. By grasping the principles of pathophysiology, you will be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of diseases, provide appropriate interventions, and contribute to effective patient management.
Medical Terminology
Medical terminology is the specialized language used in healthcare to describe anatomical structures, medical conditions, and procedures. In nursing class, you will learn the fundamentals of medical terminology, including word roots, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms. You will also learn how to break down and interpret complex medical terms, enabling you to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals and accurately document patient information. By becoming proficient in medical terminology, you will enhance your ability to understand, interpret, and communicate healthcare-related information.
Using Medical Equipment and Technology
Advancements in medical technology have revolutionized healthcare delivery, and nurses must have the knowledge and skills to utilize various types of medical equipment and technology. In nursing class, you will gain hands-on experience with common equipment used in patient care, such as blood pressure monitors, thermometers, IV pumps, and cardiac monitors. You will also learn how to use electronic health records, telehealth technology, and other digital tools to enhance patient care. By becoming proficient in the use of medical equipment and technology, you will be able to provide safe and efficient care while staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in healthcare.
Patient Safety and Infection Control
Identifying and Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections
Patient safety is a top priority in nursing practice, and nursing classes will emphasize the importance of infection control in healthcare settings. You will learn how to identify potential sources of infections, implement appropriate preventive measures, and recognize the signs and symptoms of healthcare-associated infections. You will also learn about strategies for hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and environmental cleaning and disinfection. By mastering infection control practices, you will help prevent the spread of infections and protect the health and well-being of your patients.
Proper Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is one of the most effective and basic measures for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases. Nursing class will teach you proper hand hygiene techniques, including handwashing with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. You will learn when and how to perform hand hygiene, as well as the importance of maintaining clean and healthy hands in healthcare settings. By practicing good hand hygiene, you will protect both yourself and your patients from infections.
Isolation Precautions
In nursing class, you will learn about different types of isolation precautions that are used to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. You will learn when and how to implement precautions such as contact isolation, droplet precautions, and airborne precautions. You will also learn about the appropriate use of personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, gowns, and goggles. By understanding and adhering to isolation precautions, you will contribute to the safety and well-being of your patients and minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
Sterilization Techniques
Sterilization is a crucial process for ensuring the cleanliness and safety of medical instruments and equipment. In nursing class, you will learn about different sterilization techniques, including steam sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization, and disinfection methods. You will also learn about the principles of aseptic technique and how to maintain a sterile field during medical procedures. By mastering sterilization techniques, you will help prevent infections and promote patient safety in healthcare settings.
Safe Medication Practices
Medication errors can have serious consequences for patients, so ensuring safe medication practices is a vital skill for nurses. Nursing class will teach you about the medication administration process, including proper medication storage, preparation, and administration techniques. You will learn how to verify medication orders, perform medication calculations, and check for potential drug interactions or allergies. You will also learn about strategies for medication reconciliation, double-checking procedures, and patient education regarding medication use. By implementing safe medication practices, you will minimize the risk of medication errors and promote patient safety.
Collaboration and Teamwork Skills
Working with Multidisciplinary Healthcare Teams
Nursing practice often involves collaborating with various healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, therapists, and other members of the healthcare team. Nursing class will teach you the importance of effective teamwork, communication, and collaboration in achieving optimal patient outcomes. You will learn how to contribute as a valuable member of a multidisciplinary team, actively participate in team discussions, and share information and insights. Through simulated scenarios and interprofessional education experiences, you will develop the skills to promote collaborative practice and provide coordinated care for your patients.
Delegating and Assigning Tasks
Delegation is a vital skill for nurses, as it allows for the efficient distribution of workload and the optimization of resources. Nursing class will provide you with the knowledge and guidelines for effective delegation and task assignment. You will learn about legal and ethical considerations, as well as factors to consider when delegating tasks, such as the complexity of the task, the competence of the individual, and the workload of the team. By becoming proficient in delegation and task assignments, you will be able to manage your workload effectively, ensure the delivery of timely care, and promote the professional growth of your colleagues.
Effective Communication within a Team
Effective communication is essential for successful teamwork and nursing class will teach you the communication skills needed to collaborate effectively within a team. You will learn how to convey information, provide concise and accurate reports, and actively listen to the input and concerns of other team members. You will also learn about strategies for resolving conflicts, giving and receiving feedback, and promoting a positive and respectful team environment. By honing your communication skills, you will foster effective teamwork and enhance the quality of care provided by your healthcare team.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict is inevitable in any team environment, and nursing class will equip you with the skills to recognize and resolve conflicts constructively. You will learn about different conflict resolution strategies, such as negotiation, compromise, and mediation. You will also learn how to manage conflicts that arise from differences in opinions, values, and work styles. By developing strong conflict resolution skills, you will be able to address and resolve conflicts efficiently, maintaining a harmonious and productive team environment.
Promoting a Positive Work Environment
Promoting a positive work environment is crucial for the well-being of both healthcare providers and patients. In nursing class, you will learn about strategies for promoting a positive work culture, such as fostering open communication, recognizing and celebrating achievements, and supporting the well-being of team members. You will also learn about the importance of self-care, stress management, and work-life balance. By actively promoting a positive work environment, you will enhance job satisfaction, improve team morale, and ultimately provide better care for your patients.
Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Understanding and Managing Emotions
Emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage emotions, is a crucial skill for nurses. In nursing class, you will learn about different emotions and their impact on individuals and healthcare relationships. You will learn strategies for recognizing and managing your own emotions, as well as those of your patients and colleagues. By enhancing your emotional intelligence, you will be better equipped to respond empathetically to the emotional needs of your patients, provide emotional support, and promote healing.
Showing Empathy and Compassion
Empathy and compassion are central to nursing practice, and nursing class will emphasize the importance of these qualities in providing patient-centered care. You will learn how to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of your patients, as well as how to communicate empathy effectively. Nursing class will also teach you about the importance of self-care and managing compassion fatigue, as caring for patients can be emotionally demanding. By cultivating empathy and compassion, you will create a therapeutic and supportive environment for your patients, enhancing their holistic well-being.
Building Trust and Rapport with Patients
Building trust and rapport is essential for establishing strong nurse-patient relationships. In nursing class, you will learn techniques for building trust and rapport, such as active listening, maintaining confidentiality, and providing empathetic care. You will also learn about the importance of cultural sensitivity and patient-centered care in establishing trust and rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds. By developing these skills, you will be able to establish a therapeutic alliance with your patients, promote open communication, and enhance their overall healthcare experience.
Coping with Stress and Burnout
Nursing can be a demanding and stressful profession, and nursing class will provide you with strategies for coping with stress and preventing burnout. You will learn about the signs and symptoms of stress and burnout, as well as techniques for stress management and self-care. You will gain an understanding of the importance of work-life balance, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed. By developing effective coping mechanisms, you will be better equipped to manage the stressors of nursing practice, maintain your well-being, and provide quality care to your patients.
Promoting Emotional Well-being in Patients
In nursing class, you will learn how to promote the emotional well-being of your patients, recognizing that emotional health is integral to overall health and healing. You will learn therapeutic communication techniques, such as active listening, empathy, and validation, that can help address patients’ emotional needs. You will also learn about the importance of patient education, providing emotional support, and connecting patients with appropriate resources for mental health and emotional well-being. By promoting emotional well-being, you will contribute to the holistic care of your patients and foster a positive healing environment.
Professionalism and Ethics
Nursing Code of Ethics
Professionalism and ethical conduct are fundamental expectations for 간호학과 nurses, and nursing class will introduce you to the nursing code of ethics. You will learn about the core values of nursing, such as altruism, integrity, and respect for human dignity. You will also learn about the ethical principles that guide nursing practice, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Nursing class will emphasize the importance of upholding professional standards, maintaining patient confidentiality, and practicing within the scope of nursing. By adhering to the nursing code of ethics, you will ensure that your practice is guided by ethical principles and aligned with the values of the nursing profession.
Maintaining Patient Confidentiality
Patient confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical nursing practice, and nursing class will emphasize the importance of maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of patient information. You will learn about the legal and ethical requirements for protecting patient privacy, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. You will also learn strategies for maintaining confidentiality in various healthcare settings, such as using secure electronic health records and appropriately disposing of sensitive information. By respecting patient confidentiality, you will uphold the trust and confidence that patients place in healthcare providers.
Professional Boundaries
Maintaining professional boundaries is essential for building and maintaining therapeutic nurse-patient relationships. In nursing class, you will learn about the importance of setting appropriate boundaries, recognizing and managing boundary crossings, and avoiding boundary violations. You will learn strategies for managing personal and professional boundaries in the context of complex healthcare relationships. By establishing and maintaining professional boundaries, you will enhance the therapeutic nature of your interactions with patients and uphold the ethical standards of nursing practice.
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Nursing class will provide you with an understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with being a nurse. You will learn about the legal frameworks that govern nursing practice, such as nurse practice acts and the nurse’s role as an advocate for patient rights. You will also learn about ethical dilemmas that nurses may encounter, such as end-of-life decision-making, informed consent, and resource allocation. By understanding your legal and ethical responsibilities, you will be able to navigate morally complex situations, uphold professional standards, and advocate for the best interests of your patients.
Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare
Healthcare is fraught with ethical dilemmas, and nursing class will expose you to various ethical dilemmas and facilitate critical thinking and decision-making in ethically complex situations. You will explore case studies and engage in discussions that address issues such as the allocation of limited resources, withholding or withdrawing of treatments, and cultural or religious conflicts. Nursing class will help you develop the skills to recognize and analyze ethical dilemmas, consider ethical principles and values, and make ethically sound decisions. By grappling with ethical dilemmas, you will strengthen your moral reasoning abilities and provide ethical, compassionate, and patient-centered care.
Leadership and Management Skills
Delegation and Supervision
Delegation and supervision are vital leadership and management skills for nurses. Nursing class will teach you the principles of effective delegation, including assessing the competence of team members, assigning tasks appropriately, and providing clear instructions. You will also learn how to supervise and monitor the performance of others, provide constructive feedback, and support professional growth. By developing leadership and management skills, you will be prepared to assume roles that involve coordinating care, managing resources, and facilitating teamwork and collaboration.
Conflict Management
Conflict management is an important leadership skill for nurses, as conflicts can arise in healthcare settings due to various factors. Nursing class will teach you strategies for managing conflicts constructively and productively. You will learn how to identify the underlying causes of conflicts, facilitate open communication, and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. By mastering conflict management skills, you will be able to maintain a harmonious and cooperative work environment, enhance patient safety, and promote positive outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers.
Quality Improvement and Risk Management
In nursing class, you will learn about quality improvement and risk management principles, which are essential for ensuring safe and effective nursing care. You will learn how to identify quality indicators, collect and analyze data, and implement evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes. You will also learn about strategies for identifying and mitigating risks, such as conducting root-cause analyses and implementing preventative measures. By embracing a culture of quality improvement and risk management, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality, safe healthcare.
Patient Advocacy
Patient advocacy is a core aspect of nursing practice, and nursing class will emphasize the role of nurses as advocates for their patients. You will learn strategies for promoting patient rights, autonomy, and well-being, and for ensuring that patients have access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions. You will also learn about ethical considerations related to patient advocacy, such as balancing the rights and choices of patients with ensuring their safety and well-being. By becoming a patient advocate, you will empower your patients, promote their best interests, and enhance the quality of their healthcare experience.
Leading and Motivating the Nursing Team
Nursing class will provide you with the knowledge and skills to lead and motivate the nursing team in delivering high-quality patient care. You will learn about leadership theories, styles, and strategies for inspiring and motivating your colleagues. You will also learn about the importance of effective communication, setting goals, and providing feedback to foster a positive work environment. By becoming an effective leader, you will enhance teamwork, promote staff engagement and satisfaction, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
In nursing class, you will acquire a wide range of essential skills that are necessary for providing safe, effective, and compassionate 간호학과 nursing care. These skills encompass various aspects of nursing practice, from fundamental clinical skills such as vital signs assessment and wound care to communication and interpersonal skills, assessment and diagnosis skills, critical thinking and decision-making abilities, medical knowledge and technical competencies, patient safety and infection control, collaboration and teamwork skills, emotional intelligence and empathy, professionalism and ethics, and leadership and management skills. By mastering these skills, you will be well-prepared to embark on a fulfilling and impactful nursing career, making a positive difference in the lives of your patients.