If you plan to go into nursing, you will work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. You will also be an advocate and health educator for patients, families, and communities.

Nurses have many responsibilities which include:

     observing, assessing, and recording symptoms, reactions, and progress

     assisting physicians during treatments and examinations

     administering medications

     assisting in convalescence and rehabilitation

     developing and managing nursing care plans

     instructing patients and their families in proper care

     helping individuals to improve or maintain their health status

While State laws govern the tasks nurses may perform, it is usually the work setting, which determines their day-to-day job duties.

If you want to become a nurse you will need to take the National Licensing Examination, and a State License is required.

Associate degree nursing is offered by junior and community colleges, requires 2 years In all states, students must graduate from a nursing program and pass a national licensing examination to obtain a nursing license. Licenses must be periodically renewed. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and other behavioral sciences, and nursing. Course work includes liberal arts classes.