What does a nurse midwife do?

Nurse midwives are advanced practice registered nurses who have additional education in the discipline of midwifery. They provide women’s health care that focuses particularly on common primary care issues, such as family planning and gynecological needs of women during pregnancy and childbirth, the postpartum period, and the care of the newborn. Certified nurse midwives practice within a health care system that provides consultation, collaborative management, or referral as indicated by the health status of the client.

What might a nurse midwife do in a workday?

  • provide primary care to women, including reproductive health services such as pelvic and breast exams and Pap smears.
  • manage the care of women during pregnancy and labor and attend to women during childbirth.
  • examine newborns and provide information on infant care and nutrition.
  • educate women regarding contraception, conception, personal care, nutrition, exercise, childbirth methods, and other reproductive health issues.
  • consult and collaborate with and refer to physicians as the woman’s and/or fetus’ condition warrants.

Developing a Career as a Nurse Midwife:

Nurse midwives work in settings ranging from hospitals to birthing centers to private homes. They work in private office practices, health maintenance organizations, hospitals, public health departments, community health centers, and Indian Health Service.

How much does a nurse midwife earn?

  • $60,000 - $95,000

How do I become a nurse midwife?

Students interested in becoming certified nurse midwives should begin by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English, including advanced placement courses.

Certified nurse midwives must be registered nurses and complete accredited educational programs to earn a certificate or master’s degree. Finally, they must pass a national certifying exam given by the American Midwifery Certification Board Inc.

Where else can I learn about becoming a nurse midwife?

Virginia Nurses Association
7113 Three Chopt Road / Richmond, VA 23226
tel:  (804) 282-1808 / web:  www.virginianurses.com

American College of Nurse-Midwives
8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1550 / Silver Spring, MD 20910
tel:  (240) 485-1800 / web:  www.midwife.org

American Nurses Association
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400 / Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492
tel:  (301) 628-5000 or (800) 274-4ANA (4262) / web:  www.ana.org

Midwives Alliance of North America
611 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, #1700 / Washington DC 20003-4303
tel:  (888) 923-MANA (6262) / web:  www.mana.org

State License Requirements for Nurse Midwife:

A license is required to practice as a nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing.

Virginia Board of Nursing
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4515 / Email: nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Nurse Midwife:

What does a nurse anesthetist do?

Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthetics to patients undergoing medical, dental, surgical, and obstetrical procedures. They work in collaboration with physicians or dentists, combining professional nursing skills with the science of anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists are an important part of the surgical team.

What might a nurse anesthetist do in a workday?

  • explain upcoming medical procedures and anesthesia to patients.
  • assemble and test medical equipment needed to administer anesthetics.
  • prepare prescribed solutions and start intravenous injections.
  • administer prescribed anesthetics and medications.
  • observe patients to ensure that anesthesia is maintained.
  • monitor patients for warning signs during anesthesia and assist attending physicians with emergency procedures, if necessary.
  • record each patient’s condition (as well as all anesthetics and medications administered) before, during, and after surgery.

Developing a Career as a Nurse Anesthetist:

Nurse anesthetists may work in hospitals, emergency rooms, dental offices and outpatient surgery facilities.

How much does a nurse anesthetist earn?

  • $100,000 - $150,000

How do I become a nurse anesthetist?

Students interested in a career as a nurse anesthetist should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English, including advanced placement courses.

To be a nurse anesthetist, students must first complete education and training to be a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse. Students also must have at least one year’s experience in a critical care setting.

To become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), students attend an approved nurse anesthesia graduate program, which includes 24-36 months of course work and a minimum of 800 hours of clinical experience. Finally, they must pass a national certification examination given by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists.

Where else can I learn about becoming a nurse anesthetist?

Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists
2231 Oak Bay Lane / Richmond, VA 23233
tel:  (804) 754-4122 / web:  www.vana.org

Virginia Nurses Association
7113 Three Chopt Road / Richmond, VA 23226
tel:  (804) 282-1808 / web:  www.virginianurses.com

American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
222 S. Prospect Avenue / Park Ridge, IL 60068
tel:  (847) 692-7050 / web:  www.aana.com

State License Requirements for Nurse Anesthetist:

A license is required to practice as a nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing.

Virginia Board of Nursing
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4515 / Email: nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Nurse Anesthetist:

What does a licensed practical nurse do?

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide routine nursing care for patients. They work under the direction of registered nurses or physicians.

What might a licensed practical nurse do in a workday?

  • take and record patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature.
  • perform some diagnostic tests and treatments.
  • assist patients with daily activities, such as feeding, bathing, and exercising, which may involve lifting and turning patients.
  • observe patients and report any reactions to treatments or medications.
  • care for patients ranging from newborns to adults, to labor and delivery, and to postmortem.

How much does a licensed practical nurse earn?

  • $25,000 - $40,000

How do I become a licensed practical nurse?

Students intending to pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse should prepare by taking high school courses in science, math and English. To become a licensed practical nurse, students must complete an approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN, a national licensure exam.

Where else can I learn about becoming a licensed practical nurse?

National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses Inc.
111 W. Main Street, Suite 100 / Garner, NC 27529
tel:  (919) 779-0046 / web:  www.nflpn.org

National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
1940 Duke Street, Suite 200 / Alexandria, VA 22314
tel:  (703) 933-1003 / www.napnes.org

State Licensure Requirements for Licensed Professional Nurses:

A license is required to practice as a licensed practical nurse in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing.

Virginia Board of Nursing
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA  23233
Phone: (804) 367-4515 / Email: nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Licensed Practical Nurses:

What does a registered nurse do?

Registered nurses care for patients, providing them with treatment, counseling, and education. RNs work closely with a patient’s physicians and other health professionals as part of the health care team. Depending on their area of specialization and work setting, RNs perform some or all of the following:

What might a registered nurse do in a workday?

  • develop and implement individualized plans for a patient’s care.
  • monitor and record patients’ needs and changing conditions.
  • administer prescribed medications and treatments.
  • educate individuals on self-care, including maintaining health and preventing illness/injury.
  • conduct health screening tests and procedures.
  • direct and supervise other nursing personnel.

Registered nurses are sought in a wide variety of work settings: hospitals, physicians’ offices, industrial and corporate sites, clinics, government or community health agencies, nursing homes, hospices, or patients’ homes. RNs also may choose to pursue careers in health administration, teaching, utilization review, consulting, research, and many other specialties.

How much does a registered nurse earn?

  • $40,000 - $65,000

How do I become a registered nurse?

Students intending to pursue a career as a registered nurse should take challenging courses in science, math, and English, including advanced placement courses.

Educational preparation to be a registered nurse is offered in three different types of programs in Virginia: four-year colleges offering baccalaureate degrees; community and junior colleges offering associate degrees; and hospital-based schools offering diplomas. Graduates of all three programs are eligible to take the national licensure exam, NCLEX-RN, to become a registered nurse.

A baccalaureate degree is required to enter graduate programs in nursing, which prepare advanced practice nurses, nursing administrators, and nurse educators.

Where else can I learn about becoming a registered nurse?

Virginia Nurses Association
7113 Three Chopt Road / Richmond, VA 23226
tel:  (804) 282-1808 / web:  www.virginianurses.com

Virginia Partnership for Nursing
7113 Three Chopt Road / Richmond, VA 23226
tel:  (804) 282-1808 / web:  www.virginiapartnershipfornursing.org

American Nurses Association
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400 / Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492
tel:  (301) 628-5000 or (800) 274-4ANA (4262) / web:  www.ana.org

Registered Nurse Professional Association
950 S. Bascom Avenue / San Jose, CA 95128
tel:  (408) 292-6061 / web:  www.rnpa.net

 

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Registered Nurses:

What does a nurse aide, home health aide, or home care aide do?

Nurse aides and home health aides help nurses and other members of the health care team provide patient care. Nurse aides usually work in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term facilities under the supervision of licensed health care professionals. They also may work in private homes or psychiatric care settings.

Home health aides/home care aides provide in-home services for those unable to care for themselves or who require assistance with daily living activities.

What might a nurse aide, home health aide or home care aide do in a workday?

Nursing Aides:

  • take and record patients’ temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and weight.
  • set up medical equipment and perform simple treatments.
  • assist patients in and out of bed.
  • move patients to and from treatment rooms.
  • assist with or provide bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and other hygiene needs.
  • serve meals and feed patients as required.
  • make beds and perform other housekeeping activities to maintain cleanliness in patients’ rooms, nurseries, and operating rooms.
  • assist patients with walking and exercises.

Home Health Aides:

  • taking and recording patients’ temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and weight.
  • assisting with administering medications.
  • changing simple, non-sterile dressings/bandages.
  • assisting with or providing bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and other hygiene needs.
  • helping patients in and out of bed.
  • purchasing food and preparing and serving special diets to patients and families.
  • preparing and serving light meals and assisting or providing feeding.
  • performing housekeeping activities to maintain a healthy home environment.
  • assisting with walking and exercises.

How much does a nurse aide, home health aide or home care aide earn?

  • $22,000 - $28,000

How do I become a nurse aide, home health aide or home care aide?

Students intending to pursue a career as a nurse aide should prepare by taking high school courses in math, English and science. Nursing assistants must complete an approved program and complete a national certification examination to receive the designation “Certified Nurse Aide.”

Home health aides or home care aides also may be required to complete a training program or pass a skills competency test. State requirements can vary for the home care aide. Many states require workers to be Certified Nurse Aides with additional training to work in the home setting. Home health aides or home care aides may be required to have a driver’s license and transportation.

Where else can I learn about becoming a nurse aide, home health aide or home care aide?

National Network of Career Nursing Assistants
3577 Easton Road / Norton, OH 44203
tel:  (330) 825-9342 / web:  www.cna-network.org

National Association for Home Care and Hospice
228 7th Street S.E. / Washington, DC 20003
tel:  (202) 547-7424 / web: www.nahc.org

National Association of Health Care Assistants
501 E. 15th Street / Joplin, MO 64804
tel:  (800) 784-6049 / web:  www.nahcacares.org

State Licensure Requirements for Nurse Aides:

A license is required to practice as a nurse aide in the state of Virginia. For more information, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing.

Virginia Board of Nursing
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4515 / Email: nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Nurse Aides or Home Health Aides:

  1. Discover a career as a PHARMACIST
  2. Discover a career as a PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
  3. Discover a career as a BIOSTATISTICIAN
  4. Discover a career as an ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST