Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer chemicals known as radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive drugs) used in the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases. These drugs are administered to a patient and absorbed by specific locations in the patient’s body, thus allowing technologists to use diagnostic equipment to image and analyze their concentration in certain tissues or organs. […]

Licensed nuclear reactor operators work in nuclear power plant control rooms, where they monitor instruments that record the performance of every pump, compressor, and other treatment system in the reactor unit. Nuclear power plants must have opera­tors on duty at all times. In addition to monitoring the instruments in the control room, the nuclear reactor […]

Numerical control tool programmers, also called computer numerical control tool programmers, develop programs that enable machine tools to produce parts automati­cally. These precisely made parts are used in automobiles, airplanes, industrial machinery, and other durable goods. There are approximately 143,000 numerical control pro­grammers and operators in the United States. Numerical Control Tool Programmer Career History […]

Nurse anesthetists, also known as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), are one of four classifications of advanced practice nurses (APNs). They are registered nurses (RNs) with advanced training in anesthesiology. They are responsible for administering, supervising, and monitoring anesthesia-related care for patients under­going surgical procedures. General anesthesia is not necessary for all surgical procedures; therefore, […]

Nurse assistants (also called nurse aides, orderlies, or hospi­tal attendants) work under the supervision of nurses and handle much of the personal care needs of the patients. This allows the nursing staff to perform their primary duties more effectively and efficiently. Nurse assistants help move patients, assist in patients’ exercise and nutri­tion needs, and oversee […]

Nurse managers are experienced health care profes­sionals who manage the operations of services and personnel in medical offices, hospitals, nursing homes, community health programs, institutions, and other places where health care is provided. Their responsi­bilities vary depending on their position and place of employment. They may be in charge of hiring and fir­ing their staff, […]

Nurse-midwives are registered nurses with advanced training who assist in family planning, pregnancy, and childbirth. They also provide routine health care for women. Nurse-midwives work in hospitals, with physi­cians in private practice, in freestanding birth centers or well-woman care centers, in women’s clinics, and even in the homes of clients. Nurse-Midwife Career History Women have […]

Nurse practitioners are one of four classifications of advanced practice nurses (APNs). APNs are registered nurses who have advanced training and education. This training enables them to carry out many of the responsibilities traditionally handled by physicians. Some nurse practitioners specialize in a certain field, such as pediatrics, oncology, critical care, or primary care. The […]

Nursing home administrators are responsible for the man­agement of nursing homes. Their duties are wide rang­ing, covering everything from keeping track of financial accounts to making sure the facility is up to code to greeting residents at social events. In addition, admin­istrators supervise managers throughout the residence. Nursing home managers head different departments of a […]

Nursing instructors teach patient care to nursing students in classroom and clinical settings. They demonstrate care methods and monitor hands-on learning by their stu­dents. They instruct students in the principles and appli­cations of biological and psychological subjects related to nursing. Some nursing instructors specialize in teaching specific areas of nursing such as surgical or oncological […]