What is a Registered Nurse?
Registered nurses are healthcare workers that provide essential medical care and support to patients. Registered nurses are highly skilled professionals who may work in many different settings, from hospitals and clinics to private practices and community centers. Being a registered nurse is a promising career, as the profession is expected to grow and provide numerous job opportunities in the years to come.
The main duties of a registered nurse include assessing and monitoring patients, administering medications, providing treatments and interventions, and educating patients and their families about their medical conditions and treatment plans. Registered nurses are also responsible for documenting patient care, communicating with other healthcare professionals, and advocating for their patients’ needs.
Registered nurses often work in a team with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, therapists, and technicians. They must be able to work collaboratively and communicate effectively to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. Registered nurses must also be able to handle high-stress situations, such as emergencies or critical care scenarios.
Registered nurses have the opportunity to specialize in different areas within the healthcare industry. Specializing allows them to develop expertise in a particular field and provide more specialized care to patients. Some of the main subspecialties include:
– Pediatric Nursing: these nurses specialize in providing care to children, from infants to adolescents. They are trained to provide specialized care to children with a range of medical conditions, from chronic illnesses to acute injuries.
– Oncology Nursing: these registered nurses specialize in caring for patients with cancer. They provide emotional support and manage symptoms of patients undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
– Critical Care Nursing: these nurses specialize in caring for patients who are critically ill or injured. Critical care nurses work in intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments and are trained to provide life-saving interventions such as mechanical ventilation and hemodynamic monitoring.
– Mental Health Nursing: these registered nurses specialize in caring for patients with psychiatric disorders. Mental health nurses are trained to provide counseling and therapy to patients and may also administer medications to manage symptoms. They also work closely with psychiatrists and other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients.
– Geriatric Nursing: these nurses specialize in caring for elderly patients. They provide specialized care to patients with age-related medical conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis. They often work in long-term care facilities and are responsible for managing patients’ medications and monitoring their overall health and wellbeing.
In addition to these subspecialties, registered nurses can also specialize in areas such as obstetrics, neonatal care, cardiovascular care, and rehabilitation. Specializing provides opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
Besides enabling professionals to specialize in various fields, the job demand for registered nurses is anticipated to increase in the coming years. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of registered nurses will grow by 9% untill 2030, which is faster than the average for all jobs. This growth can be explained by an aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and the expansion of healthcare coverage.
Furthermore, registered nurses can advance their careers through further education and training. They can pursue advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, which allow them to provide more complex care and take on more responsibilities. They can also pursue leadership roles, such as nurse manager or chief nursing officer, which involve managing teams of nurses and overseeing healthcare operations.
However, the job as a registered nurse can also be challenging, as it involves long hours, high-stress situations, and working with patients who may be in pain or distress. At the same time, it can also be very rewarding, as nurses have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their patients.
What is the difference between registered nurses and nurse practitioners?
Registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are both essential healthcare providers, but they differ in terms of duties, education, and salary. Registered nurses are responsible for providing basic patient care, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. They work under the supervision of physicians and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. Registered nurses typically complete a nursing program, which can be a diploma program, an associate degree program, or a bachelor’s degree program, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed.
Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, have a more advanced role in healthcare. They are licensed to provide primary and specialized healthcare services, such as diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. Nurse practitioners can work independently or in collaboration with physicians and provide a wide range of healthcare services to patients. NPs must first become licensed RNs and then complete a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, which includes coursework in advanced nursing practices, patient assessment, pharmacology, and healthcare systems. NPs must also pass a national certification exam in their area of specialization to become licensed.
How to become a Registered Nurse
The main steps to become a registered nurse in the US include:
– Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent: the first step to becoming a registered nurse is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. This is necessary to gain admission to nursing programs.
– Complete a nursing program: the next step is to complete a nursing program. There are three types of nursing programs: diploma programs, associate degree programs, and bachelor’s degree programs. Diploma and associate degree programs typically take 2-3 years to complete, while bachelor’s degree programs take 4 years. Nursing programs provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become a registered nurse, including coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care.
– Obtain a nursing license: in order to work as a registered nurse, you must obtain a nursing license. To do this, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that tests the knowledge and skills needed to practice as a registered nurse. In order to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, you must have completed a nursing program and meet other eligibility requirements set by your state’s board of nursing.
– Gain work experience: once you have obtained your nursing license, you can begin working as a registered nurse. Many nurses start out in entry-level positions in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Gaining work experience is important for developing the skills and knowledge needed to advance in your career.
– Pursue advanced education and certifications: registered nurses can pursue advanced education and certifications to specialize in a particular area of healthcare or to advance their careers. Advanced education options include master’s degrees in nursing and doctoral degrees in nursing practice. Certification options include certifications in areas such as critical care, pediatrics, and oncology.
Skills of a Registered Nurse
Becoming a registered nurse requires more than just obtaining a degree or passing an exam. It requires a specific set of skills and qualities that are essential to providing quality patient care. Some of the skills necessary to become a registered nurse are:
Strong communication skills: registered nurses must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. This includes listening actively, explaining complex medical information in an understandable way, and being empathetic and compassionate.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: registered nurses must be able to think critically and solve problems quickly. They must be able to assess patient needs and develop appropriate care plans. Registered nurses must also be able to identify potential complications and respond appropriately to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.
Attention to detail: nurses must pay close attention to detail. They must be able to accurately document patient information and monitor vital signs, medications, and other aspects of patient care. This attention to detail is essential to ensuring that patients receive the correct care and medication doses.
Physical and emotional resilience: nursing can be physically and emotionally demanding. Registered nurses must be able to work long hours, stand for extended periods, and lift and move patients. They must also be able to cope with emotionally challenging situations, such as caring for terminally ill patients.
Teamwork and collaboration: registered nurses must be able to work effectively as part of a team. They must be able to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, and social workers, to provide coordinated care to patients.
Salary of a Registered Nurse
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total salary for a Registered Nurse is around $97,966 annually, with an average yearly salary of $93,328. The additional compensation is estimated to be around $4,638 per year, which may bonuses, commissions, tips, or profit sharing. However, it is important to have in mind that the salary of a RN varies depending on several factors, such as experience, education, location, and the type of healthcare facility they work in.
FAQs
Q: What is the next step after becoming a registered nurse?
A: After becoming a registered nurse, some nurses may choose to pursue advanced education to specialize in a specific area of healthcare or to become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife. Others may seek career advancement by pursuing leadership roles or specialty certifications. Continuing education and professional development are also important for registered nurses to stay up-to-date on the latest healthcare practices and technologies.
Q: Why is registered nurse a good career?
A: Registered nursing is a rewarding career that offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. Registered nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing direct patient care, educating patients and their families, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes. Registered nursing also offers job security and a competitive salary. Additionally, there is a high demand for registered nurses, and the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
Q: What are the requirements for a registered nurse certification?
A: To become a registered nurse, one must first graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Nursing programs can be diploma programs, associate degree programs, or bachelor’s degree programs. In addition to completing the educational requirements, candidates for registered nurse certification must meet certain character and fitness requirements and pass a criminal background check. Requirements may vary by state, so it is important to check the specific requirements for the state in which you plan to practice.
Q: Where do registered nurses work?
A: Registered nurses can work in different healthcare environments, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, nursing homes, schools, and home health agencies. They can also work in research labs, government agencies, and insurance companies. Registered nurses may choose to specialize in a specific area of healthcare, such as pediatrics, critical care, or oncology, which may influence where they choose to work.
Q: Can registered nurses prescribe medications?
A: Registered nurses have varying levels of authority to prescribe medications, depending on the state in which they practice and their level of education and certification. Some states allow registered nurses to prescribe medications under certain conditions, such as in collaboration with a physician or nurse practitioner, while others may require additional education or certification. Nurse practitioners have the authority to prescribe medications in all states, subject to certain restrictions.
References:
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org
American Society of Registered Nurses. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.asrn.org