Superheroes in Real Life: Nurses

Today we celebrate the remarkable superheroes who walk among us every day, tirelessly working to heal, comfort, and save lives. They don’t wear capes or possess superhuman strength, but their impact is nothing short of extraordinary. We’re talking about nurses – the unsung heroes of the real world. These amazing people have a special combination of abilities, kindness, and commitment—making them true superheroes.

There are many different types of nurses, but registered nurses (RNs) are often considered the backbone of the nursing system. Registered nurses can work in any specialty and in various healthcare settings. They help the doctor and other healthcare providers in taking care of you, whether it’s at the doctor’s office, at school, in the hospital, or at your home.

RNs provide and coordinate patient care. They also educate patients and the public about illnesses, diseases, and health conditions. They’re licensed medical professionals who work with patients, doctors, and other health care workers. RNs can provide a high level of direct care to patients, while nurses like licensed practical nurses are more focused on assisting RNs or doctors.

There are several ways to study to become a nurse. Once you finish high school, you can study to get a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), which typically takes 4 years. Or you can get an Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or an Associate of Science in nursing (ASN), which usually takes about 2 to 3 years. Some nurses get a diploma in nursing from a hospital or medical center (these aren’t as common as they used to be), which typically takes 2 to 3 years.

In nursing school, student nurses study anatomy and physiology. They also study psychology, along with social and behavioral sciences, and microbiology. Nursing students gain hands-on experience by working with licensed nurses and patients.

All RNs are licensed by the state where they work. Graduating from an approved program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination is required for licensing. Other requirements vary by state. Certain specialties have professional associations which offer certification for RNs. This is usually not required, but it conveys a certain level of mastery and competence, and some employers prefer it.

Nurses can work in a wide variety of specialties with many different patient populations. They can also work in a variety of settings, including:

• schools
• camps
• prisons
• nursing care facilities
• hospitals
• operating rooms
• home healthcare
• doctor’s offices

Different specialties and units nurses may focus on can include:

• pediatrics
• neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)
• labor and delivery
• perinatal, encompassing pregnancy, birth, and the first few months of infanthood
• developmental disability or issues, helping people with Down syndrome or autism
• endocrinology, focusing on endocrine disorders like thyroid issues and diabetes
• forensics, working with crime victims
• emergency room
• operating room
• oncology, working with those who have cancer
• dialysis, working with patients, going through dialysis and providing education
• cardiovascular, focusing on the heart and blood vessel disorders
• pain management, helping those with acute or chronic pain
• infection control, focusing on preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria, similar to a public health nurse
• psychiatric nurse, treating patients with mental health disorders
• refugee nurse, who often works with Doctors Without Borders or other organizations

So, as you can see, nurses can be involved in almost any area of healthcare or medicine. They truly are superheroes!

AIME