How To Get A Job As A Registered Nurse
The largest health care occupation in the United States is nursing. Nursing is a highly paid profession. Because of an aging population, technological advances, and a new emphasis on preventive care, there is a rapidly growing demand for qualified Registered Nurses. This is a challenging and rewarding career, equally suited to both males and females.
Registered Nurses work in a variety of locations, which may depend on their area of specialization. They may work in hospitals, outpatient facilities, clinics, physicians’ offices, home care agencies, the armed forces, schools, and long term care facilities.
Registered Nurses usually work in clean, well-lit areas. The work may at times be hectic, noisy, and stressful. Nurses who work in schools and community facilities may be required to travel. Registered Nurses may be exposed to infectious diseases and hazardous materials. Nursing care is required on a twenty-four hour basis in most facilities, so shift work, and overtime, including nights, week-ends, and holidays is a must. Some Registered Nurse may only work part-time. All Nurses are, at all times, required to observe strict guidelines for sanitation and safety.
Registered Nurses must have a strong desire to serve the public, be able to function in stressful situations, be detail oriented, patient, and compassionate. They must be critical thinkers, be mentally and physically fit, and have excellent people skills. Registered Nurses spend long hours on their feet and must be able to stoop, bend, turn, and lift, quickly and efficiently.
Registered Nurses have a variety of duties depending on their area of specialization and experience. They record medical histories, observe and record symptoms, and establish a plan of individualized care for their patients. RNs also provide direct care to patients including administering tests, initiating therapies, and carrying out physician instructions. Registered Nurses supervise, and assign tasks to, practical nurses, and nursing assistants. They assist patients and patient’s families in understanding their condition, treatments, and medications, the purpose of care being provided, as well as instructing on essential follow-up home care. They provide emotional care for patients and families. Registered Nurses may also provide information on preventive health care and take part in community health care programs.
Education
Those wishing to become Registered Nurses must first obtain their high school diploma, which should have a strong emphasis on English, mathematics, and all the sciences, especially chemistry, and biology.
After gaining a high school diploma, the route to Registered Nursing can follow any of three paths. Investigate thoroughly what the qualifications are in the state, where you wish to be employed. Always get the best education you can afford.
The first route is to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) from a college or university. This takes four years.
The second route is to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) from a community college or a junior college. This takes from two to three years.
The third route is to obtain a Nursing Diploma from a hospital training program. This takes three years.
Although many facilities offer BSN and ASN degrees, there are few that offer a Nursing Diploma.
It is sometimes possible to transfer from other programs into a nursing program.
All nursing training includes courses such as, nursing, anatomy, psychology, physiology, chemistry, and behavioral sciences, as well as practical experience in nursing environments.
To practice as a Registered Nurse, a license is required. First applicants must graduate from an accredited nursing program and then pass a national licensing exam. In order to retain a license, continuing education may be required. Requirements may vary from state to state so make sure you understand what is required in your state of employment.
With the right training and experience, some Registered Nurses move on to positions in management, education, research, marketing, and consulting.
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners all must obtain a masters’ degree.
