Study abroad - Nursing

More about Nursing

Nursing was first nationally recognized as a profession in New Zealand in 1901. Since then, nurses have been responsible for maintaining quality health care for everyone, while also upholding their code of ethics, standards, and competencies. Nursing requires the use of a combination of concentrations including nursing theory, social science, physical science and technology. To work with nursing, one must take into account the psychological, intellectual, social, emotional and physical needs of patients. Nurses need excellent communication skills, as they discuss sensitive matters with patients and their relatives on a daily basis.

A nurse works with preventive care and giving patients and others health information and advice. Nursing may include administrative work, such as writing referrals, updating journals and keeping in contact with other authorities.

Educational Courses in Nursing

Education courses in nursing vary by country, but in most places, they are given at college and university levels. Courses focus on extensive study of nursing theory and practice and training in clinical skills. A nursing education will usually lead to a degree, which is qualification for nurse registration. To become a registered nurse, students are required to have a Bachelors degree or the equivalent, which usually takes three years of full time study to complete.

To practice nursing, students must earn credentials as either a Licensed Practice nurse or a Registered nurse. Each type of credential determines a different entitlement for practicing, depending on the country.

After nursing registration, there are many choices in orientation of further study. A Masters degree is required to specialize in a number of nursing fields such as midwifery, x-ray or oncology nursing.

Studying nursing abroad is very possible. As with most health professions however, the registration gained in one country does not lead to automatic eligibility to continue working as a nurse in another country. A nursing degree however, is generally relatively transferrable, and registration may simply require an examination in the country to work. In other cases, it may be necessary to complete a nursing education with a few extra courses before being eligible for registration. It is worth checking the exact regulations for each country.

There are a variety of study options available within Nursing:

Diploma in Nursing

Bachelor degree in Nursing

Master’s degree in Nursing

Career in Nursing

There are wide ranges of career prospects open within nursing all over the world. In many areas there is a growing need for new nurses, as technology opens up for new positions at the same time as a large number are retiring from working life. As a registered nurse, there are many options in a number of fields - in a hospital setting, with emergency care, home care or in a private practice. Nurses can also work as researchers in universities, laboratories, or research institutes. Many nurses are also engaged in specialty fields such as surgery, oncology, pediatric or psychiatric nursing to name but a few.