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Become a Registered Nurse Should You Become a Registered Nurse? Are You…• Caring? If your answer was yes, yes, yes and yes ------ learn more about a registered nurse career . Becoming a Registered Nurse To become a registered nurse you will have to graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination (NCLEX-RN). Additionally, many states require register nurse continuing education in order to keep the nursing license current. There are three different ways you can obtain a registered nurse (RN) certificate:
Note that while all three programs will qualify you to be hired as a registered nurse, it is the BSN degree that will provide you with most opportunity for advancement. A BSN degree leads to more training in areas of communication, leadership, critical thinking as well as clinical experience in nonhospital settings. The depth of this training is valuable as nursing care is becoming more complex. What are the Education Programs for a Registered Nurse Like? Registered nurse education programs include classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience in hospitals or other health care facilities. You would take classes in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and nursing. The supervised clinical experience would take place in hospital departments such as pediatrics, maternity, cardiology or surgery. If I Become a Registered Nurse What Would I do? Registered Nurses assist patients in day-to-day care. As a registered nurse you would provide advice and support to patient’s families, record patient’s medical history, perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, administer treatment and medications. You would help patients learn how to manage their illness and explain post-treatment home care needs. You would work closely with other nurses, physicians and surgeons. RNs can specialize in specific areas of patient care. There are many options for specialization such as ambulatory nurses, trauma nurses, transport nurse, oncology nurse, cardiovascular nurse and radiology nurse just to name a few. If I Become a Registered Nurse Where Would I Work? Registered Nurses work in hospitals, physician’s offices, outpatient treatment facilities, surgical centers, clinics, long-term rehabilitation units, private homes, government agencies, schools and worksites. Because patient care is around the clock, as a registered nurse you may be required to work nights, weekends and holidays. Additionally, keep in mind that due to the nature of the job, you will find yourself on your feet for most of your work day. Is Now a Good Time To Become a Registered Nurse? According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, registered nurse employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. This is due to the overwhelming need to replace experienced nurses who will leave the profession as well as the growing number of older people needing care. As a result, registered nurse careers are in high demand. Employment rate of RNs will not grow at the same rate across the board. While employment is expected to grow in nursing care facilities, physician’s offices, home health care services and outpatient care centers, it is expected to grow more slowly in hospitals. For more details on employment changes, registered nurse salaries and job outlooks visit the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics
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