Guide to Nursing career paths
Industry info, training requirements, and employment outlook for Nursing students
A registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who has completed the necessary education and training to obtain a nursing license, allowing them to practice nursing within their jurisdiction. RNs play a crucial role in the healthcare system. The responsibilities of registered nurses may vary, but in general, they typically include patient assessment, care planning, medication administration, patient education, and direct patient care and support. It's important to note that the specific responsibilities and scope of practice of registered nurses can be regulated by nursing boards or regulatory bodies in each jurisdiction, and it may vary.
RNs can work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, schools, and community health centers. They can also specialize in specific areas of nursing practice, such as pediatrics, critical care, oncology, psychiatric nursing, geriatrics, etc.
In this article, we will go more in depth on the registered nursing career field, including the job duties, traits, working conditions, academic requirements, pay, and job outlook.
Duties
Registered nurses (RNs) are responsible for a wide range of duties in their job. Their specific responsibilities may vary depending on the healthcare setting and their level of experience, but some of the most common duties performed by registered nurses include the following:
Assessing and monitoring patients
Registered nurses are responsible for conducting initial assessments of patients, including taking their medical history, vital signs, and other relevant information. They also monitor patients' conditions, track their progress, and identify any changes or complications.
Planning and implementing care
RNs are also responsible for developing and implementing individualized care plans for patients, based on their assessments and the healthcare provider's orders. They administer medications, treatments, and procedures, and provide appropriate interventions to promote patients' well-being and recovery.
Collaborating with healthcare team
Registered nurses work as part of a healthcare team, which may include physicians, specialists, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. They collaborate with team members to coordinate patient care, communicate relevant information, and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. Being able to work well with others and collaborate is crucial because patients’ lives are on the line.
Educating patients and families
RNs provide health education and support to patients and their families. They explain medical conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures. They also teach patients how to manage their health conditions, administer medications, and care for themselves at home.
Administering and coordinating treatments
RNs may be responsible for performing various medical procedures, such as wound care, IV therapy, and medication administration. They also coordinate and manage the overall care of patients, ensuring that treatments, tests, and consultations are scheduled and carried out as needed.
Documenting and maintaining records
Registered nurses maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including medical histories, assessments, care plans, and progress notes. They ensure proper documentation of interventions, medications, and treatments provided, and communicate essential information to other healthcare professionals.
Responding to emergencies
Registered nurses are trained to handle emergency situations. They quickly assess and intervene in critical situations, provide emergency care, and stabilize patients until additional help arrives. So being able to stay calm and execute in stressful environments is very important.
Traits
Being a good nurse requires individuals to have a certain set of traits that will help them succeed at their job. The nurses who have the most success in the field tend to be the ones who have the following traits.
Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in nursing. Registered nurses typically possess excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills, allowing them to interact with patients, families, and the rest of the healthcare team. They convey information clearly, listen attentively, and interpret and document patient data accurately.
Empathy
Empathy is an important trait to have because it enables RNs to connect with patients on a deeper and more personal level. Empathy is defined as having the ability to understand and share the feelings and experiences of others. Moreover, by showing empathy to patients, nurses can establish trust, promote effective communication, and address the emotional needs of individuals and their families. This trait also allows RNs to offer support and reassurance during hard times, and this makes a huge difference in patients' lives.
Adaptability
To become a nurse, you must be very adaptable. Everyday will be so vastly different, and you must be ready to adapt to any situation. Part of being adaptable involves being able to make decisions under pressure and effectively prioritize tasks. RNs must be flexible in their practice, working with diverse teams, and adapting to different healthcare settings. Nurses who possess this trait will have an easier time adapting in the face of uncertainty, and they will embrace new technologies and advancements at a faster pace.
Resilience
The healthcare industry can be emotionally and physically draining at times, so having resilience is a huge advantage. Resilience allows nurses to bounce back from setbacks, cope with stress, and maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity. It also enables them to provide consistent care, even in high-pressure environments. Moreover, nurses will likely encounter life-and-death situations on the regular, which can take a huge emotional toll on someone. However, their resilience empowers them to persevere, learn from experiences, and maintain a sense of purpose.
Working conditions
The working conditions for registered nurses (RNs) can vary depending on several factors, including the healthcare setting, the specific role or specialization, the level of experience, and the location where they practice. However, in a typical work setting, registered nurses work in the following conditions:
- They almost always work indoors.
- They are regularly exposed to diseases or infections, so they must wear protective gear to protect themselves.
- They generally have a set schedule each week, but emergency room nurses may need to be on call and work outside of their normal hours.
- They must be very exact and precise in their work. Any sort of errors could endanger the health and safety of patients.
- They have a very high level of social contact as they work closely with patients all day.
- They often deal with situations that involve conflict as patients sometimes become angry and upset.
Academic requirements
The academic requirements for nurses can vary depending on the location and the level of nursing education being pursued. However, here are some general academic requirements for nurses:
High School Diploma or Equivalent:
To become a nurse, you typically need a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. It is important to have a strong foundation in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English.
Nursing Education Program:
After completing high school, nurses usually need to enroll in a nursing education program. There are different types of nursing programs, including diploma programs, associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs, and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs. The specific requirements for entry into these programs may vary.
Prerequisite Courses:
Some nursing programs may have prerequisite courses that need to be completed before admission. These courses may include subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and nutrition. The specific prerequisites can vary by program.
Clinical Training:
Nursing education programs typically include both classroom instruction and clinical training. Clinical training provides hands-on experience in various healthcare settings, allowing students to apply their knowledge and develop practical skills under the supervision of experienced nurses.
Licensing Exam:
After completing a nursing education program, graduates need to pass a licensing exam to become a registered nurse (RN).The licensing exam in the United States is called the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses).
Continuing Education:
Nursing is a constantly evolving field, and nurses are often required to engage in continuing education to maintain their licensure. This may involve completing additional courses or earning advanced certifications in specialized areas of nursing practice.
Pay
The pay for registered nurses (RNs) can vary based on several factors such as location, experience, education level, and the specific healthcare setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the United States the median annual wage for an RN is approximately $75,330. The salary range can start at $53,410 and go all the way up to $116,230 per year, depending on various factors.
Job outlook
The job outlook for registered nurses (RNs) is generally positive in many countries, including the United States. Although the specific job outlook can vary by location, in general, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected a 9% growth in employment for RNs from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is primarily driven by an aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and a need for healthcare professionals in various settings. Moreover, RNs are expected to have excellent job prospects in the near future due to the increasing demand for healthcare services across different settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home healthcare, etc.