Synonyms: Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurses evaluate patients’ health, create and follow nursing care plans, and keep medical records. They provide care for sick or injured patients, teach about health and prevention, offer emotional support, and work with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best patient outcomes.
$86,070 annually or $41.38 per hour.
Typically three 12-hour shifts per week that can include nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts, requiring them to balance intense, fast-paced work environments with personal self-care and family time off-the-clock. See “Schedule” section below to hear of exceptions to the norm. Pro: you never have to take work home with you!
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Janet Zuniga, RN to learn more about being a Registered Nurse below!
The future for registered nurses is bright, with the occupation projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
A bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program is typically required, along with a license.
Registered nurses typically work three 12-hour shifts per week, either during the day or night, with increased activity during peak periods like flu season and spring break. Nurses in hospitals and care facilities often work round-the-clock shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and may be on call, while those in private practices, outpatient settings, or schools typically work regular business hours, working five 8 hour shifts per week. Additionally, if you work four 10 hour shifts per week, depending on the workplace.
Hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, nursing care facilities, outpatient clinics, community health centers, or schools.
Administering medications, monitoring patient vital signs, updating medical records, educating patients and families, and responding to emergencies.
Psychology, understanding human behavior, learning, and motivation for patient care. They also focus on medical knowledge including diagnosis, treatment, and preventive healthcare measures, as well as customer and personal service principles to ensure quality care and patient satisfaction.
Strong interpersonal skills such as active listening, effective communication, and social perceptiveness to understand and help patients effectively. Problem-solving, critical thinking, and service orientation are also essential for identifying patient needs and providing optimal care.
Tools like Meditech or other tracking systems streamline nurses’ workflow by logging patient information, charting progress, and coordinating care. Additionally, nurses use various medical equipment such as ultrasounds and ECG machines to enhance their ability to provide comprehensive care. On the job, they may also use medical software like eClinicalWorks, word processing software like Microsoft Word, and database software like Microsoft Access.
Problem-solving, deductive reasoning, recognizing issues, drawing conclusions from information, oral comprehension, effective communication, and managing emotions.
Social, investigative, and conventional, being interested in helping, teaching, advising, and providing service to others (social), studying human behavior, researching health-related issues (investigative), and following procedures and regulations in organizing patient information (conventional).
Social personality type, which includes being compassionate, empathetic, cooperative, and helpful. They thrive in environments where they can interact with and care for others, making meaningful connections and providing support.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
Relationships, support, and achievement in their work, seeking environments where they can provide service to others, receive supportive management, and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Nursing education programs typically include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and social and behavioral sciences. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs take about 4 years, while Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Associate Science in Nursing (ASN) programs also usually take 4 years; diploma programs, offered by hospitals, take 2 to 3 years and are less common.
After taking a nursing program, one needs a license to become a registered nurse which requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Here is the list of certifications required for Registered Nurses, typically needed within six months of beginning work. However, specific certification requirements may vary depending on the employer, specialty area, and state regulations.
For those starting their nursing career, majors such as Registered Nursing, Nursing Practice, Nursing Science, Critical Care Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Public Health/Community Nursing are recommended.
Source: Nurse Journal Org
Be sure you genuinely want to pursue nursing because it will require dedication to learning and continuous growth. Gain relevant experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs in healthcare settings to strengthen your resume.
Unlike other professions, there’s no fast track to becoming a registered nurse. Janet suggests that if you’re eager to start your career in healthcare, you can confidently begin your journey at a local college that offers nursing.
Janet highly recommends a book that has greatly influenced her development as a leader and communicator: Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny.
“You’ve got this. You can do it, and you’re learning, and it’s okay to doubt yourself. At the end of the day, we’re all humans. We’re now here in patient care to give the best of ourselves, not just as a nurse but as a person… You got this.”
Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 13 June 2024.
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