Jump Start -- by David Jurcevic

Here's the monthly look at some training, education, job hunting and networking opportunities, along with career-related information from other media:

If you're the type of person who is patient and enjoys caring for others, then nursing is the field for you. In addition, nurses need to be flexible, critical thinkers and in excellent physical condition. These are just a few of the many traits required to excel as a nurse. Some of the main responsibilities of nursing include restoring health, preventing illness, and promoting physical and mental health.

Nursing has come quite a way from its humble beginnings and continues to evolve. Today's modern nurse is not only a care-giver. The role encompasses such duties as teacher, administer of medications, and even researcher to name a few. Officially, nurses are known by several titles, they include registered nurse or RN, licensed practical nurse or LPN, and registered psychiatric nurse or RPN. A RPN is already a specialized form of nurse, but RNs and LPNs can specialize in a number of types of care. For example, a nurse can specialize in operating rooms to orthopedics, or even working with a particular type of patient such as children or patients on dialysis.

The education requirements differ between registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, and licensed practical nurses. For example, one could be a LPN with a one-year certificate or equivalent nursing training, while a RN needs a minimum of a two-year nursing diploma or a four-year degree. Fortunately there are many facilities located in the province catering to each. In addition, a Practical Nurse National Exam or a Canadian Nurse Registration/Licensure Examination must be completed in order to practice in the province of Alberta.