NURSING SPECIALTIES IN DEMAND Bedside care is only one application of a nurse’s skill. The range of jobs and specialties nurses occupy are many, probably more than you realize. Every year the Arkansas Times Nurses Guide surveys working nurses and nurse educators to identify a few of the fulfilling careers that are in particularly high demand.
Nurse educators are in high demand and essential to creating the next generation of nurses, like those in this class at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. NURSE EDUCATOR At the very basic level, nurse educators are responsible for teaching future nurses. However, these professionals also fulfill a variety of roles in designing, implementing and evaluation nursing curriculum. “Nurse educators serve as leaders and advocates for both the nursing profession and the patients and families they serve,” Pamela Ashcraft, a professor at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, said. “The goal of all nurse educators is to teach skills and disseminate knowledge necessary to providing the best possible patient care.” Nurse educators play a vital role in ensuring the nursing profession continues to move forward. They enjoy dynamic career options for where they work and what audiences they teach, Dr. Larronda Rainey with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing said. “Nurse educators are employed primarily in hospitals and educational institutions; however, their education and training allows them to work in various locations,” she said. “A few of the nurse educator responsibilities include teaching, advising, mentoring, inspiring, leading and serving others. “Nurse educators are essential in preparing future nurses. Without nurse educators, the number of nurses overall would decline, creating deficiencies in patients’ health care services.” Basic qualifications in this field generally take 68 OCTOBER 2020
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the same amount of time to earn as it takes to become a registered nurse, but most instructors choose to expand their credentials. “At minimum, you must be a registered nurse; however, most nurse educators complete a master’s degree in nursing,” Dr. Julie B. Meaux, professor and Undergraduate Program coordinator for UCA, said. “Many nurse educators who teach in colleges and universities have a terminal degree, of which there are two in nursing. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is a research-focused degree and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a clinical-focused degree.” With the retirement of many baby boomer-age nurse educators, job opportunities are at an all-time high. “Yes, there are jobs!” Janice Ivers, dean of Nursing and Health Sciences for National Park College in Hot Springs, said. “A nurse educator can wear many hats, so the potential to earn a good paycheck is certainly there. As with other professions, the further you advance in your education, the better your chances for an increased salary.” Brenda Trigg, director of nursing at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, said demand is particularly high right now as the medical field strives to attract more nurses to all segments of the health care industry. “As the nursing shortage continues across the nation, the work of the nurse educator in the university setting is even more important,” she said. “According to AACN Baccalaureate and Special Advertising Section
Graduate Programs in Nursing, tens of thousands of qualified nursing students are turned away from nursing school, in part, due to a shortage of nursing faculty. “Nurse educators who teach at the baccalaureate level have the privilege to prepare nursing graduates for entry into professional practice as generalist nurses. Now more than ever, the nursing profession needs these educators.” ADVANCED PRACTICAL PSYCH NURSE A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides mental health services to individuals and families. These health care professionals work in a wide variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, community health centers, private practices, emergency departments, hospitals, schools, prisons and substance abuse programs. They may also serve as consultants or educators. “Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners assess, diagnose, treat and manage mental health problems and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and substance use disorders,” Carol Campbell, clinical instructor with UAMS College of Nursing, said. “They may conduct psychotherapy, prescribe medications, order and interpret labs, and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. With a focus on improving mental health care across the lifespan, PMHNPs are committed to promoting mental health through
