Nurse Appreciation A supplement of
Times-Republican | Marshalltown, Iowa | Friday, May 6, 2022 | Nurse Appreciation 2022 | 2 timesrepublican.com
Thank You Nurses for Your Continued Covid Response. You Are Invaluable!!
The outlook for nurses is very strong Many people consider the right job one that provides both a sense of fulfillment and the opportunity to achieve financial security and stability as one’s career advances. Given that criteria, the field of nursing should make for an attractive career path. The outlook for registered nurses, often referred to as “RNs,” is very strong. In its recent “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, issued a highly favorable employment outlook for registered nurses. Estimating the projected percent change in employment between 2018 and 2028, the BLS estimated that employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 12 percent during that 10-year period. That’s more than double the average growth estimate for all occupations. While the outlook in terms of availability of work is strong for current nurses and those who aspire to one day follow this career path, that out-
H A LL C OU N T AR S Y M PREVENT PROMOTE PROTECT PUBL IC HEALTH
Pat Thompson BSN, R.N. Director
641-750-1929 pthompson@marshallcountyia.gov
look should not alone compel people to pursue a career in nursing. Few fields can be as demanding as nursing, which means not everyone is necessarily cut out to be a nurse. The demands are perhaps best exemplified by examining the hours registered nurses may expect to work, especially at the beginning of their careers when they have no seniority. The BLS notes that hospitals and nursing care facilities require roundthe-clock employees every day of the year. That means nurses can expect to work long hours on nights, weekends and holidays. That requires considerable sacrifice on the part of nurses, and those aspiring to enter this line of work should consider if they’re willing to make those sacrifices before enrolling in a nursing program. Estimates suggest the employment outlook for qualified nurses will be very strong over the next several years, which should compel more and more talented people to pursue this fulfilling career path. TF204813
There are millions of nurses nation- roughly 3.8 million registered nurses wide. According to the American Asso- in the United States. That number figciation of Colleges of Nursing, there are ures to grow along with the demand for qualified, highly trained nurses. Nurses perform a variety of functions, some of which may come as a surprise to those outside the medical profession. Learning more about what nurses do on a daily basis can paint a clearer picture of just how vital these health care professionals are. Nurses are on the front lines of the medical profession, often interacting with patients more than any other professional within the health care field. Nurses communicate concerns, answer questions about conditions and care and even administer such care. While there are many tasks nurses can perform, some of their main responsibilities are observing and recording behavior, performing physical exams and diagnostic tests, collecting
patient health histories, counseling patients and their families, and educating about treatment plans. Nurses also are responsible for administering medications, addressing and treating wounds and interpreting doctors’ patient information to make decisions about necessary actions, where appropriate. Nurses excel at listening to patients and analyzing their physical and emotional needs. Nurses also coordinate care with other health care providers and stay current with treatment options and cutting edge research and technology. In addition to the aforementioned tasks, nurses may draw blood and perform other health-related tests. Testing may differ based on the subspecialty of the nurse. For example, obstetrics nurses may initiate sonograms or oversee urine testing for pregnancy hormones. Pediatric nurses may plot growth charts
and administer routine immunizations. Nurses are also there to listen to patients, and some may offer compassionate advice as they aim to help patients navigate difficult situations. According to CareerBuilder, nurses who work in physicians’ offices, community health centers, schools, and other health environments may enjoy a regular working schedule and shifts during typical business hours. However, nurses working in hospitals and trauma centers tend to work rotating shifts to ensure patients receive round-the-clock care. Many nurses work outside traditional business hours, including during evenings, on holidays and on weekends. Some nurses are even on-call like doctors. Nurses possess a distinct skill set that enables them to handle various tasks. TF204819
3 | Friday, May 6, 2022 | Nurse Appreciation 2022 | Times-Republican | Marshalltown, Iowa
What nurses do each day
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The role of school nurses The health care industry leans heavily on nurses. Qualified nurses play integral roles in hospitals, assisted living facilities, private practices, and community health centers. Nurses also play vital roles in schools. School nurses are valued members of both the medical and educational communities, and have been for more than a century. According to the National Association of School Nurses, the practice of school nursing dates back to 1902. Lina Rogers was the first school nurse, and she was hired as a means of combatting absenteeism. School officials felt Rogers could play a vital role in reducing absenteeism by helping students and their families understand their health care needs in relation to communicable diseases. And the role of school nurse has been evolving ever since. Advocacy The NASN notes that school nurses act as advocates for individual students, working with them in promotion of self-management practices that enable students to manage their conditions and make life decisions. In addition, school nurses affect policy by serving as agents of change whose experience can be invaluable in health care reform and the implementation of new policies. Community health Modern school nurses follow in the
footsteps of Lina Rogers by educating students and their parents on a wide range of topics, including healthy lifestyles, preventive self-care, risk-reducing behaviors, and developmental needs. These efforts can help reduce the spread of communicable diseases, which can affect both the school and overall community. School nurses also can share information about local health care services and financial resources with local families who may have difficulty uncovering those services on their own. Care coordination The NASN notes that school nurses can serve as case managers who coordinate student health care after working with physicians, families and school officials. School nurses can deliver care during the day by administering medication and performing routine treatments and procedures. School nurses also can educate their fellow educators about students’ chronic conditions or special health care needs to ensure children’s needs are effectively managed during the school day. These are just a few of the roles school nurses play every day as they work to provide quality care for their students and protect the health of the communities in which those students reside. TF204820
Nursing can be a fast-paced, exciting occupation. Nursing is a vibrant field that includes talented professionals who specialize in various areas of health care. Depending on which type of medicine they find appealing, nurses can work in various settings. Demand for nurses is high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that the demand for nurses in the United States would soar in the early years of the 2020s. The ongoing global pandemic has increased demand for nurses even more and highlighted how essential these workers really are. New nurses or seasoned applicants ready for something a little different may appreciate the growth potential in a vari-
ety of in-demand specialties. • Geriatric nurse: The population of senior citizens is expected to increase by 75 percent between 2010 and 2030, according to Husson University Online. Many nurses have no geriatric training, making a career in geriatric nursing a viable option — and one that can provide for quality care for the aging population. • Cardiac nurse: The World Health Organization reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death across the globe. So it should come as no surprise that the demand for nurses with a specialty in cardiac health is growing. Cardiac nurses can advise about preventing heart disease and assist in surgical procedures.
• Certified nursing anesthetist: This interesting career option involves nursing and anesthesia. A certified nurse anesthetist administers anesthesia to patients under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. These nurses work closely with doctors in various fields. • Nursing midwife: In this specialty, nurses deliver babies and provide health care to pregnant patients. They also are instrumental in offering prenatal and postnatal care. • Critical care nurse: Critical care nurses are especially educated and trained for emergency situations. They are called on to tend to serious wounds and monitor life-support systems. • Family nurse practitioner:
THANK YOU to the
Marshall County Public Health Nurse and all the Nurses from Marshall County Emergency Management and Marshall County Board of Health
An individual who becomes an FNP is trained in primary care health services for people of all ages. The duties of an FNP are similar to a primary care physician in diagnosing and treating illnesses, providing physical exams and prescribing medica-
tions. The opportunities in nursing are endless. Individuals have many options when they decide to become a nurse, and many fields that fall under the nursing umbrella are experiencing a shortage. TF214829
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These nursing specialists are in demand
We appreciate all your extra hard work through the pandemic!!
VISIT US ONLINE https://protectingmarshallcountyiowa.org/
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https://www.facebook.com/ marshallcountyiowaemergencymanagement
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Happy Nurses Week to all of our IVH Nurses and the Nurses in our community.
We Appreciate all you do! We have positions available please come join our team.
641-753-4400
or check our website at:
ivh.iowa.gov/careers 1301 Summit St., Marshalltown
Thank you to all of our Oakview and Oak Estates nurses! We are so lucky that you are part of our family! We couldn’t care for our residents like we do, if it wasn’t for you!
OAKVIEW NURSING HOME 511 East Center Street Conrad, IA
& OAK ESTATES Great Places In Our Community To Call Home!
ASSISTED LIVING 110 South Alice Street Conrad, IA
Kara Butler, Administrator
PHONE: 641-366-2212
Thank You To All The Nurses We Appreciate All You Do!
Karen Neff Financial Advisor
AT 2501 S. Center St. Marshalltown, IA • Nicholas Center Store Only
14 E. Southridge, Marshalltown, IA • 641-752-5401 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, • Members SIPC
Thanks for all you do for our Patients!
39 Years of Compassionate Care! Making moments matter Since 1983
Emily
Conny
Trisha
Lee
Allie
Amy
Cathy
Michele
Felicia
Lois
Pat
Our family would be honored to care for your family. Not Pictured-Paige Chix, Sue Olson, Joy Pieri, Sara Riley, Maria Villagomez, Cindy Perez, Sherri Stoakes
Karla
Ann
McKenna
YOUR LOCAL HOSPICE
Ellen
Pam
Jenny
Sally
Molly
502 Plaza Heights Rd., Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-753-7704 • iowariverhospice.org
Karen
Megan
7 | Friday, May 6, 2022 | Nurse Appreciation 2022 | Times-Republican | Marshalltown, Iowa
Celebrating our FABULOUS Nursing Staff
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Times-Republican | Marshalltown, Iowa | Friday, May 6, 2022 | Nurse Appreciation 2022 | 8
Emerson Salutes All Nurses
Because of you, we live in a healthier world. Thank You.