Nurses are an essential part of the health care profession. They provide medical care, comfort, and some counseling to the patients with which they come in contact. They also assist doctors and other health professionals in providing treatment and maintaining the clinic or hospital setting. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire seeks to educate the nursing students at the baccalaureate, masters or continuing education level in an environment that fosters scholarly activity. The UW – Eau Claire Nursing Program is a state-accredited program that requires students to apply for entrance during the semester in which 30 credits are completed. A comprehensive major in Nursing is offered as well as a special certification program for those wishing to work as a school nurse.
What will I learn from studying Nursing?
Knowledge:
Students who choose to study nursing at UW – Eau Claire will complete courses from different nursing disciplines such as Adult Health Nursing, Family Health Nursing, and Nursing Systems. These different disciplines will give nursing graduates well-rounded and in-depth knowledge of the many different facets of the nursing profession. Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) will have knowledge of medical procedures and instrumentation, legal and ethical aspects of health care, nursing theory, and teaching strategies that assist patients in the understanding and acceptance of medical conditions they encounter.
Skills:
- Providing physical care
- Coordinating work with others
- Supervising and assessing others
- Following written and oral instructions
- Effective communication
- Explaining and answering questions
- Keeping records
- Analyzing, interpreting and evaluating
What are some of the interests and values related to Nursing?
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Compassion
- Leadership
- Patience
- Desire to help others in need
- Confidentiality
- Understanding of different cultures and backgrounds
What are related student and professional organizations?
Student:
- Best Buddies
- American Cancer Society Colleges Against Cancer
- Nurses Christian Fellowship
- Student Nurses Association
Professional:
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses
- American Nurses Association
- Association of Operating Room Nurses
- American Psychiatric Nurses Assocation
- American Red Cross Nursing
What career fields are related to a Nursing Degree?
Potential Employers:
Nursing graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values, and transferable skills. Some employers of nursing graduates can include hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, clinics, home health agencies, correctional facilities, and schools. Nursing graduates can also be self-employed as midwives.
Potential Job Titles:
- Registered Nurse
- Operating Room Nurse
- Intensive Care Nurse
- School Nurse
- Home Health Nurse
- Educator
- Infection Control Nurse
- IV/Chemotherapy Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Camp Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Occupational Health Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nurse Practitioner
What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Nursing graduates?
- Registered Nurse, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Nurse Anesthetist, Eau Claire Anesthesiologists, Eau Claire, WI
- Clinical Coordinator, Northwest Wisconsin Homecare, Augusta, WI
- Coordinator of Nursing Special Projects, Central Vermont Medical Center, Barre, VT
- HIPAA Project Manager, Colorado Dept. of Health Care Policy & Financing, Westminster, CO
How can I learn more about Nursing?
Department
- Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Nursing
- Nursing Building 127, 836-5287
Career Services:
- Meet with a career counselor
- Take interest inventories and self assessment tests
- Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing
Career Discovery Center:
- Majoring in Nursing, Janet R. Katz
- Career Opportunities in Health Care, Shelly Field
- Opportunities in Health & Medical Careers, Leo Paul D'Orazio & I. Donald Snook, Jr.
- VGM's Handbook of Health Care Careers, VGM Career Horizons
- Opportunities in Gerontology & Aging Services, Ellen Williams
- Careers in Nursing, Terence J. Sacks
- Top 100 Health-Care Careers, Dr. Saul Wischnitzer and Edith Wischnitzer
Internet:
What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Nursing?
Clinicals
Many of the courses in Adult Health Nursing (ADHN), Family Health Nursing (FMHN) and Nursing Systems (NSYS) involve a clinical laboratory component. During these clinicals, nursing students gain a variety of experiences in a hospital, nursing home, or other medical setting
Teaching Apprenticeships
A teaching apprenticeship can enhance a student's knowledge of a specific nursing subject as well as their communication skills. These 1-3 credit courses are available to qualified students who wish to assist in the teaching of a specific course and subject. Teaching apprentices are selected and supervised by Nursing Department faculty members. Contact your advisor about enrolling in FMHN 297, 397 or 497 or NSYS 497.
Directed Studies or Independent Study Class
By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in ADHN 395, 399, 495 or 499, FMHN 395, 399, 495 or 499, NSYS 395, 399, 495 or 499, or CND 495 or 499.