By Deborah Dittner
So much has changed since I began my education in the health field with a four-year degree for a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
There were two-year LPN (licensed practical nurse) and three-year (registered nurse) programs in nursing as well with more focus in a clinical setting.
About two of my years were book learning dedicated to other topics. Finally, my junior and senior years were clinically oriented, but I craved for more.
I remember only one semester on nutrition. Sadly, though what I remember of that class was the color of the textbook (pale orange) and not much else.
In looking back, nutrition should have been in the foreground for each and every person no matter the condition or disease whether it be for adults, pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology and more.
I went on to become a nurse practitioner. Back then there were three possibilities — family practice, pediatrics and obstetrics-gynecology. I chose family practice as that included all three wrapped into one.
Changes have definitely occurred since my time. There are more programs and options where you get to choose your passion from psychiatric, mental health, neonatology, anesthesiology, women’s health, adult gerontology, functional medicine and more.
I recommend exploring your options before settling down on a specific area.
Nursing careers and all it has to offer are not the only health-related careers as I’m sure you are well aware.
Other choices consist of doctors (and the specialties and subspecialties within each), phlebotomist, X-ray technician, pharmacist anddietitian to name a few. From these, the possibilities expand mostly in what is considered as traditional Western medicine.
Times have changed and a more holistic approach is being sought not only by those in search of a career but by patients as well.
Oftentimes, depending on the health concern, integrating both Western and Eastern medicine may provide the best outcome. Consider a team approach for your health and choose wisely.
When a patient seeks the educational knowledge and advice regarding a symptom or a variety of symptoms, one size (medication or approach) does not fit all. If you discussed with your provider about symptoms of allergy, a single protocol for allergy does not fit the bill. The patient needs to be asked a multitude of questions and possibly testing before remedy can be provided.
Another patient with symptoms of gas and bloating is not always reflux or the remedy of an antacid. Again, many questions need to be addressed in order to find the direction necessary for relief. The patient does not necessarily fit into a “protocol” for symptom and relief.
The provider, after in-depth discussion with the patient, is not to simply prescribe the same medication for allergy or reflux to everyone seen. Critical thinking needs to be put into place and one size (medication, protocol) does not fit all. Again, a team approach can be beneficial in helping your patient toward relief.
There are many programs available for a health career of your choice. Be sure to check the requirements, what programs are accepted and once graduated what title you may be able to use depending on the education.
Also, there are so many wonderful avenues to explore when in search of a health career today both traditional and non traditional.
You may know of friends and family who have searched for a more holistic approach to their health as there are so many more possibilities available. The whole body is interconnected therefore a career treating the mind, body and spirit should be your focus and lead to more positive outcomes. Eating whole nutrient dense foods, proper sleep, proper physical movement, self-care, relationships, education, community and more are all involved when leaning toward a holistic health career direction.
Whatever approach you may decide for a career in health, do your research. Ask all sorts of providers about their education, what they loved (or didn’t love) about their programs and what they might have done differently (or not). The options are many and your passion is the key.
Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. www.debdittner.com