Due to a growing and aging population, there is an ongoing  high demand for qualified Registered Nurses.

To get a job as a Registered Nurse you must be compassionate, patient, discreet, detail-oriented, physically fit, emotionally mature, and able to function well under stress.  You must be able to react quickly, take instruction, or work independently as required.  The work of a Nurse is demanding, and often exhausting.  No matter what the circumstances, Nurses must remain calm, able to offer a comforting word, or kind touch, as the situation demands.  Registered Nurses work as part of a team, alongside doctors and other health care professionals.  Because Nurses deal with patients of all ages, nationalities, religions, and lifestyles, they must at all times be accepting and non-judgmental.

Nurses must bend, lift, twist, support and carry.  They must also be able to stand for most of the day.  They must therefore be physically fit.  Because Registered Nurses work around illness, which may be contagious, and a variety of toxic substances, Nurses must follow strict guidelines regarding safety in the work area.  For their own safety and the safety of others, Nurses may be required to wear protective gloves, and masks.

Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, convalescent homes, mobile units,  patient’s homes, and private practice.  The duties of Nurses vary depending on the size and type of facility in which they are employed, and their area of expertise.  Most Nurses work full time and due to demand, they also shifts, evenings, through the night, weekends, and holidays.  Some Nurses work part-time.  Because of the present shortage of Registered Nurses, shifts may be long, and overtime may be required.  Nurses in some areas, such as public health and school Nurses, may need to travel between locations.

The areas in which Registered Nurses work are kept as immaculate as possible.  The environment, however, may at times be crowded, noisy, and seemingly rushed and chaotic.

Depending on the type and size of the facility in which they are employed and their own area of specialization, the duties of Registered Nurses may vary.  Registered Nurses may work in general areas of a hospital, monitoring vital signs, recording patient symptoms and progress, advising, administering medications, and providing daily care.  They may work in operating rooms, emergency rooms or intensive care.  Others specialize in geriatrics, pediatrics, oncology, rehabilitation, and palliative care.  Nurses may also rotate between areas.  There are many more areas of nursing so, if you want to get a job as a Registered Nurse and have a strong interest in one area of health care, it would be wise to steer you education into that area, even if it means taking extra courses.

Education

During high school, those who wish to become Registered Nurses should take English, mathematics, and all the sciences, especially biology and chemistry.  It would be wise at this time to get some experience (paid or volunteer) in a hospital, senior’s home, or other medical setting.  This will give you some exposure to  people of all ages who are in need of medical care.

Once you have obtained your high school diploma, the best option is to get a Bachelor’s Degree in the Science of Nursing, a BSN.  This takes four years.  Programs are offered in both colleges and universities.  Make sure the program you choose is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.  A BSN program will offer you the most intensive training and the greatest opportunity for hands-on experience in a variety of medical settings.  The BSN degree also offers the most opportunities for employment and also for advancement.  The site for the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission is as follows:

http://www.nlnac.org/home.htm

The second option for Nurses is to take an associate nursing program.  These programs take from two to three years and are available in community colleges and technical schools.  Completing an associate degree will give you the title of ASN.  With an ASN you will be eligible for entry level nursing positions.  Later you can complete training to obtain a BSN degree.

Some hospitals have Diploma Plans which enable candidates to study nursing for several years as they work in a hospital setting under the supervision of registered nurses.  They may also simultaneously take academic courses in community colleges.  These programs are rare.

Registered Nurses in all states are required to obtain a license to practice.  Some requirements may vary from state to state, though all require graduation from an accredited program and the passing of a national licensing exam.

Registered Nurses with education and experience can advance to positions in management, administration, education, and research.  Some more advanced positions may require a Master’s Degree in the science of nursing.