Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional

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Retail Price: $19.95

Amazon Price: $8.99

by Amy Nutt

There are many professions that one can embark on in a lifetime, and when you reach the age of retirement, there will probably be very many under a person’s belt. In this economy, one of the best things to think about when starting a new kind of profession, whether it’s because the last profession is no longer there, or the love of it is gone is what is still needed. By doing this, you can essentially assure that you will have as much work as you like, and the career is something that will constantly be in demand.

The Nurse’s Joy

One of the things that are not going away is the need for nurses, as there will always be people that are sick, unfortunately. While this is something that is kind of bleak, it is a reality. Even for people who have had many jobs and professions, it is never too late to pursue a career as a nurse. And in the case of many nurses, you will find that they are some of the happiest and most fulfilled people, as there is great joy in helping people.

Helping people is essentially what we are put on this planet to do, and this is why many will find that nurses are probably some of the most pleasant people to be around. With this evident, you would think that the pursuit of something such as being a nurse is a thing that is quite difficult to do. Fortunately, for those who are willing to educate themselves, it is something that is quite attainable.

The Education

A second career nurse isn’t something that is a walk in the park, but people who would really like to become one, they will find out that it is something that is definitely worth every second. In most community colleges, this can be achieved in about two years, depending on location. In state schools it can be a little longer, as there would be pre-requisite classes one would need to take. While this may seem like a bit of a journey, think about the joy that only comes from helping someone in need.

After the education, nurses will enjoy a competitive salary that is quite handsome, along with helping doctors in the essential tasks that they need to perform. Without a nurse, hardly any of this would be possible, and without nurses, patients would not get the care that they deserve. After the road that it takes to become a nurse, the newly appointed practitioner will find out that they have opened up a new door to success, as well as a totally different outlook in life.

The joy that comes from being a nurse is something that is unmatched by many other professions, and while it can be hectic, at the end of the day you would rather do nothing more than to do it again the next day. Once you hear the first thank you and a smile from someone in need, you will realize why you pursued this profession in the first place.

The Pharmacy Technician, 2nd Edition

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Retail Price: $54.95

Amazon Price: $38.00

by Amy Nutt

The Pharmaceutical industry is growing in leaps and bounds. Most people can say that theyve viewed a commercial about a new drug thats been developed or spent time talking with a pharmacy tech at their local drug store. With earnings averaging in the mid to high $100K annual range, and an above average growth rate expected for careers, there are many opportunities to work in this field if this interests you. Heres how you can find the right education path you need to obtain pharmacist jobs.

A pharmacist job generally requires a good deal of education, starting with a Bachelors degree in Science from an accredited college or university. In 1992, a majority of the nations schools voted to create a Doctorate program in pharmaceutical studies, so that is generally the standard that professional pharmacists adhere to in their educational pursuits. So, on average, Pharmacists must get the same number of years of education as a Physician or Lawyer before they can take a state board exam and become a professional working pharmacist. Thats a total of six years of post-secondary education.

In general, the education that pharmacists must have consists of studies in Pharmacology (the study of drugs), Chemistry, Clinical Care and Administration. In addition, pharmacists must have a solid background in mathematics and general biological science. Excellent writing and communications skills are vital to success in pharmacy as are knowledge of literature, history, government and social studies. Pharmacy is unique in that it combines the people aspect of care to the field of science, so being able to manage people and their needs is an important skill for any pharmacist to have.

In addition to the regular college classes they take, many pharmacists choose to work in either a pharmacy technician program as part of their learning process. There are multiple opportunities for pharmacy students to get all or part of their educational expenses paid for while they are in school if they become employed by a major pharmaceutical company or retailer. There is a big need for skilled pharmacists so companies are often ready to help with the costs of education to recruit them after graduation.

Once all college or university courses have been completed, the next step in the process is to take a state licensing exam. This is similar to a doctor or legal professional taking their state board exams. At the successful completion of the testing process, the pharmacy student or technician may begin working as a professional pharmacist. Each year, pharmacists are required to retrain or get additional coursework to keep their licenses and knowledgebase up to date.

Becoming a pharmacist is a rewarding career choice for individuals who enjoy helping others manage their medical care via drugs and medicine treatments. This allows them to work with patient care, but stay out of the clinical setting. By following the above tips, you can be well on your way to getting an education in pharmacy too.