NURSES and NURSING

What are the Different Types of Nurses?

I am interested in becoming a nurse. What are the different types of nursing roles available, and how do I choose?

Answer: There are many different types of nurses, and many ways to categorize the various nursing roles. If you are thinking of becoming a nurse, it may be helpful to consider the various types of nursing roles that may be available to you once you complete your education and certification process. There are many different ways that nursing roles can be categorized, and they are not mutually exclusive. The nursing career you choose will ultimately result from a combination of education and experience you obtain early in your career:

* Level of Certification or Education: One way to categorize nursing roles is by the level of education or degree they have, or the type of certification a nurse holds. For more details on the various levels of nursing education, see the nursing career profile, which will help you differentiate between an LVN, RN, MSN, advanced practice nurses, and more.

* Population: Some nurses specialize in a particular segment of the population. For example, pediatric nurses specialize in children's health, and there are also nurses who focus their careers on women's health, or elder care (geriatrics).

* Medical Specialty: Nurses may also choose to focus their work and skillset within a particular medical specialty, such as surgery, gastroenterology, OB/GYN, or any other medical specialty.

* Location, Facility or Department: You may choose your nursing career based on the location. For example, you may choose to be a school nurse, flight nurse, hospice nurse, or hospital-based nurse. Additionally, you may choose to be a nurse who works in the Emergency Room (ER), Operating Room (OR) or NICU (neonatology intensive care unit).

Again, a combination of your education, certifications, and experience will determine the career path you take within the field of nursing, so it is important to have an idea of what type of nursing role may best suit you, before investing the time and money to obtain a nursing degree and license.

WEAR and FEEL SAFER

Condoms are a great way to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases. However, for them to be most effective, you have to know how to use a condom correctly.

Here's How:

1. Make a decision to have sex.
2. Talk about safer sex with your parter.
3. Check the expiration date on the condom package. Throw out the condom and open a new box if the condom has expired.
4. Check for any punctures in the condom/wrapper by feeling the package to see if it contains an air bubble. If there is no air bubble, throw out the condom and try a new one.
5. Carefully tear open the package, making certain not to tear the condom.
6. The condom should go on like a hat, not like a shower cap. Make certain that you place it on so that it unrolls easily down the outside of the penis. You shouldn't need to put your fingers inside the condom to unroll it.
7. Pinch the tip of the condom to remove any air. You want to leave room for the ejaculate when you roll it on the penis.
8. Holding the tip of the condom, begin to roll it down the shaft of the penis. There should be room at the end of the condom, but there should not be any trapped air.
9. Roll the condom the rest of the way down the penis. The condom should be put on after the penis is erect, but before there is any contact between you and your partner.
10. After ejaculation, hold onto the base of the condom while withdrawing your penis from your partner. Carefully remove the condom and dispose of it in the trash. Do not flush the condom down the toilet unless you want to risk a large plumbing bill.

Tips:

1. Using lubricants can reduce the risk of condom breakage, but you should use only water-based lubricants with condoms. Oil-based lubricants, such as vaseline, can damage the integrity of the condom.
2. With a little practice, it is possible to put a condom on your partner using your mouth. This can be a fun way to practice safer sex, but be careful not to bite down on the condom and tear it. Also, you might not want to use N-9 lubricated condoms, since the lubricant can make your tongue go numb.
3. Never reuse a condom. Always change condoms each time you have sex, and if you are going to go from penetrating one orifice to another. You should, for example, never have vaginal intercourse after anal intercourse without changing condoms.
4. Some people find that putting a small drop of water-based lubricant inside the tip of the condom can increase the wearer's pleasure. It, however, should be a very small drop, and it is largely a matter of personal preference.
5. Frequent use of N-9 (nonoxynol-9) based lubricants may increase your risk of STDs. If you are having a lot of sex, it is best to use lubricants that do not contain N-9.