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Registered Nurse Job Description, Career as a Registered Nurse, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

nurses nursing patients health

Education and Training: College and possibly advanced degree

Salary: Median—$52,330 per year

Employment Outlook: Excellent

Definition and Nature of the Work

Registered nurses (RNs) work to promote good health and prevent illness. They educate patients and the public about various medical conditions; treat patients and help in their rehabilitation; and provide advice and emotional support to patients' families. RNs use considerable judgment in providing a wide variety of services.

Many registered nurses are general-duty nurses who focus on the overall care of patients. They administer medications under the supervision of doctors and keep records of symptoms and progress. General-duty nurses also supervise licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing aides, and orderlies.

Registered nurse in scrubs

RNs can specialize: (1) by work setting or type of treatment—critical-care nurses work in intensive care units, and psychiatric nurses treat patients with mental health disorders; (2) by disease, ailment, or condition—HIV/AIDS nurses care for patients with HIV infection and AIDS, and addictions nurses treat patients with substance abuse problems; (3) by organ or body system—nephrology nurses care for patients with kidney disease, and respiratory nurses treat patients with disorders such as asthma; and (4) by population—school nurses provide care for children and adolescents in school, while geriatric nurses provide care for the elderly. RNs may also work in combined specialties, such as pediatric oncology (the care of children and adolescents with cancer) or cardiac emergency (the care of patients with heart problems in emergency rooms).

Some RNs choose to become advanced-practice nurses and get special training beyond their RN education. They are often considered primary health care practitioners and work independently or in collaboration with physicians. There are A registered nurse checks the vital signs of a hospice care patient. (© Michael Mulvey/Dallas Morning News/Corbis.) four categories of advanced-practice nurses: nurse-practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, Certified Nurse-Midwives, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.

The duties of nurse-practitioners include conducting physical exams; diagnosing and treating common illnesses and injuries; providing immunizations; managing high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic problems; ordering and interpreting X-rays and other lab tests; and counseling patients on healthy lifestyles. They practice in hospitals and clinics and often deliver care in rural or inner-city locations not well served by physicians. Some have private practices. Nurse-practitioners can prescribe medications in all states, and in many states they can practice without the supervision of physicians.

Clinical nurse specialists provide care in specialty areas, such as cardiac, oncology (cancer), pediatrics, and psychiatric/mental health. They work in hospitals and clinics, providing medical care and mental health services, developing quality assurance procedures, and serving as educators and consultants.

Certified Nurse-Midwives provide routine health care for women, but their practices are focused on pregnancy and delivery of babies. They lead classes in childbirth, sibling preparation, and care of newborns. If pregnancies continue without complications, nurse-midwives provide all prenatal care, assist mothers during labor, and deliver the babies. Following the births, they make sure that mothers and newborns are well and provide follow-up care. If emergencies occur, nurse-midwives are trained to provide assistance until doctors arrive.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists receive special training in the use of anesthetics, which produce a state of painlessness or unconsciousness. They work under the supervision of anesthesiologists (physicians who specialize in anesthesia) or other physicians. Most work in operating rooms during surgery, but others administer anesthetics in delivery rooms, emergency rooms, and dental offices. Sometimes nurse anesthetists help to care for patients during recovery from anesthesia.

Some experienced hospital nurses are head nurses or directors of nursing services. RNs also work as nurse educators or as researchers in hospitals. They may become forensics nurses, combining their nursing knowledge with law enforcement. They often work with victims who have been assaulted. Many registered nurses work in private doctors' offices or clinics. They may assist such physicians as obstetricians and dental surgeons.

Education and Training Requirements

To become registered nurses, high school graduates can earn associate degrees in two-year nursing programs at community colleges; earn diplomas in three-year programs offered by hospitals or independent schools of nursing; or earn bachelor of science in nursing degrees (BSN). BSN programs usually take four or five years to complete and combine liberal arts courses with scientific and technical training. All programs include practical experience.

Those who have completed an approved program are eligible to take the national written licensing exam, which is administered by each state. All states require licensing.

The profession is moving toward two levels of nursing: technical nursing, which requires associate degrees, and professional nursing, which requires bachelor's degrees. Under this system, only nurses with bachelor's degrees would be eligible for RN licensing. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and other leading nursing organizations recognize the BSN as the minimum educational requirement for professional nursing. While graduates can begin practice as RNs with associate degrees or hospital diplomas, the BSN is essential for nurses seeking to perform at the case-manager or supervisory level. Students desiring to become advanced-practice nurses must obtain master of science in nursing degrees (MSN). Some nurses go on to earn doctorates.

Getting the Job

Nursing school and college placement services can help graduates find jobs. Graduates can also apply directly to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and doctors' offices. Those interested in community health jobs can contact public health departments, home health agencies, and visiting nurse associations. The armed services also have openings for nurses. In addition, professional nurse registries list openings for private-duty nurses.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Advancement in nursing depends on education, experience, and place of employment. Registered nurses can become supervisors of departments or specialists in particular fields of nursing. Those with bachelor's or master's degrees are more likely to move into higher-level jobs. Many positions in research, teaching, and administration require master's degrees or even doctorates in nursing.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Registered nurses are projected to create the second largest number of new jobs among all occupations; job opportunities in most specialties and employment settings are expected to be excellent, with some employers reporting difficulty in attracting and retaining enough RNs." Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. In part, increases in demand are due to technological advances in patient care, which permit a greater number of medical problems to be treated. In addition, the number of elderly people is projected to grow rapidly, which should spur demand for RNs in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Employment in home health care is expected to increase the fastest; employment in hospitals is expected to increase the least, largely because patients are being released earlier to reduce costs. Also, technological progress is making it possible to bring complex treatments to patients' homes.

Working Conditions

Although working conditions vary with the place of employment, nearly all nursing jobs involve close contact with people. Good health and emotional stability are valuable assets. Nurses must be careful workers who take their responsibilities seriously. They must follow rigid guidelines to ensure the health and safety of themselves and their patients.

Registered nurses generally work forty hours per week. They may have to work some night and weekend shifts, especially if they work in hospitals. Many nurses work part time.

Earnings and Benefits

Salaries for nurses vary with education, experience, and area of specialization. In 2004 the median annual salary of registered nurses was $52,330 per year.

Where to Go for More Information

The American Assembly for Men in Nursing
PO Box 130220
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 802-7551
http://www.aamn.org

American Association of Colleges of Nursing
1 Dupont Circle NW, Ste. 530
Washington, DC 20036-1110
(202) 463-6930
http://www.aacn.nche.edu

National League for Nursing
61 Broadway, 33rd Fl.
New York, NY 10006
(800) 669-1656
http://www.nln.org

Benefits include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and retirement plans. Private-duty nurses generally charge a daily fee and must provide their own benefits.

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about 2 years ago

I would just like to say this information gave me a whole new outlook on my future. I am currently a junior in high school and I am enrolled in a program similar to what Alyssia had mentioned. I knew I wanted to go into the healthcare field but I was not completely set on a specific job. After reviewing your page I now have the confidence in myself to sternly say I would like to become an R.N. Thank you for helping me plan my future.!! (:

Sincerly,

Candice

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9 months ago

hi...im a cna but im in college taking my pre reqs to get in the rn program. im taking microbiology and this is my last course ill be done by next month and i just need my teas test to apply for the rn program.....wish me luck...thanks.

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about 3 years ago

hello.i am a 10th grader who is interested in taking all allied health classes during high school and i will be attending my community college next year(dual enrollment).and i just wanted to say that this website gave me a lot of information and i really appreciate and recommend it to anyone looking forward to becoming a regostered nurse later on in life.

thank you,



alyssia

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6 months ago

This is a GREAT description of all the different RN specializations and various
RN jobs and job descriptions. Thank you for all of these details!

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9 months ago

Goodwin College located in East Hartford, CT is one of the largest nurse programs in the state! Visit: http://www.goodwin.edu/nursing.asp to Learn More!

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about 3 years ago

thanks a lot...the info was very helpful. I do look forward to becomming an rn now...seems like the perfect job+

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9 months ago

i have so much fun reading it thankd<3

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over 3 years ago

thank you so much for this information it has been a really big help i really would like to be a "rn" and this had been a big help so i just wanted to say thank y0u and that i hope in the future that your information will help others like it helped me



Thank You,

LaDuchess Cole

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10 months ago

This site is great and i am really looking forward to becoming a RN.



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10 months ago

This website helped me alot I'm a sophmore in high school and I am determined to become a RN and its what i hope that I will be a because i like the medical field amd its what i want to do for the rest of my life the website helped alot

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12 months ago

I enjoyed this website so much it help me with my research paper and all the information i needed to know before i plan on being a registered nurse. I am a senior at Scott Central and i do plan on going to college to become an R.N.

Sincerly,

Marticeka Kincaid

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11 months ago

This website has helped me out a lot. I'm a senior and right after school i will be going on to school for registered nursing

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over 1 year ago

This website has a lot of information about Registered Nurses. I would want this to be my career in my future, but I am not sure if the salary is a good amount for just a year. These are one of my options to work in the field of health.

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about 3 years ago

i wasn't sure what i wanted to be but know i will be a rn .

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10 months ago

How to work as a nurse in USA, and what are the qualification and the requirement. I'm a bachelor nurse

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10 months ago

This website has givin me all the information I could need and I also learned a few things in the process. For those people who are thinking about becoming a nurse, this is a good websit to help you get the information.

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over 3 years ago

this was a very helpful web page and it has a lot of useful, accurate information.

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about 1 year ago

i have a job in free state but i would like to work in united states of america

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10 months ago

How to work as a nurse in USA, and what are the qualification and the requirement. I'm a bachelor nurse

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12 months ago

Im 13, and i want to be an RN, it seems like a really good career decision.

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10 months ago



The duties of nurse-practitioners include conducting physical exams; diagnosing and treating common illnesses and injuries; providing immunizations; managing high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic problems; ordering and interpreting X-rays and other lab tests; and counseling patients on healthy lifestyles. They practice in hospitals and clinics and often deliver care in rural or inner-city locations not well served by physicians. Some have private practices. Nurse-practitioners can prescribe medications in all states, and in many states they can practice without the supervision of physicians.







Read more: Registered Nurse Job Description, Career as a Registered Nurse, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/496/Registered-Nurse.html#ixzz1IJXxGaRe

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12 months ago

Hey, I graduated High School and now enrolled in Community College, I am taking Liberal Arts right now but hopefully I will be able to get into a nursing program or something because I want to help people, I want to become an RN

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about 1 year ago

i admire becoming a registered nurse and cant wait to see how my future goes with that. all this information is a major help to me. thanxx!!

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about 1 year ago

i have a job in free state but i would like to work in united states

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10 months ago

This website has givin me all the information I could need and I also learned a few things in the process. For those people who are thinking about becoming a nurse, this is a good websit to help you get the information.

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10 months ago

This website has givin me all the information I could need and I also learned a few things in the process. For those people who are thinking about becoming a nurse, this is a good websit to help you get the information.

Vote down Vote up

10 months ago

This website has givin me all the information I could need and I also learned a few things in the process. For those people who are thinking about becoming a nurse, this is a good websit to help you get the information.

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11 months ago

i m yong qualifay nurse.

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11 months ago

i tottaly agree im a sophmore an reading this jus makes me want to becaome a rn even more!!

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about 1 year ago

I recently graduated from with a BA in child and adolescent development with the concentration in youth and families services. I am now interested in pursuing a career to become a registered nurse. How to I start the process? would going back to a four years university be much valuable than a 2 years of community college? What are the requirements? What are the concentrations?

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over 1 year ago

I have pass the diploma of staff nurse from dhaka and i am the citizen of nepal i want to get job in austrlia how can i get n wt facilities i could get and when i have to apply and wt are the requirement for this job

waitng for ur reply

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9 months ago

This website has helped me a whole lot. Now i know what i want to do and that is to be a registered nurse. Before i went on this website i didnt know what i wanted. I started reading and i was really intersted in this job type.

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10 months ago

this website will help me a lot..... thanks for the info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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9 months ago

this looks like a goood job

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10 months ago

hy iam yasmeen iam register nurse i need good salarly job

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10 months ago

im thinkinq abt kumin a RN wen i qet out of college

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about 1 year ago

we are need

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about 1 year ago

hi!! this was awesome!

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5 months ago

thanks so much! information really helped! Im currently a junior and taking certified nursing courses and this description really helped me out! i would like to get a registered nurse career.

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6 months ago

This is a GREAT description of all the different RN specializations and various
RN jobs and job descriptions. Thank you for all of these details!

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8 months ago

thank you jesus!! god knows wats best.

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10 months ago

- i waas just researching the web!* ii wants to become an nurse im studying at spelman where ii will son be in 3 yrs.

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4 months ago

am studying to be a rn and this information really helped me thanks

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10 months ago

Eat My Sock !

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22 days ago

well im only in the 8th grade...butt im thinking about startin early college in high school...& i wanna go to sc to college to be a R.N(;

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23 days ago

Yo yo WhAtS uP.. i WaNt To BeCoMe An Rn... WhO wAnTs To Be My PaTieNt????

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27 days ago

I was looking for information about registered nurses. I searched the net and this was the fist they recommended.I am satisfied with the information I have received and proud to say I have gotten addition information. Thank you!

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4 months ago

hi,i would like to say please gave me information about the nurses and doctor.who is responsible for treat the patient and prescribe the medicine.how can nurse save her self from court legally.

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4 months ago

am studying to be a rn and this information really helped me thanks

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4 months ago

I would like to inform you all that this definition of a Registered Nurse is one of the most informative,of which I have come across yet. It's easy to read and a lamen cana research this site and understande it also. So keep up the god work.

Thanks for the info.

Leameso

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5 months ago

i was just doing a paper for my class. so i use this and it help me out alot i found what i need to find. so thank you alot if it was not for you guys have this on the computer i dont think i could have done this paper





thanks

jennifer garrett

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5 months ago

i would love to be a regisered nurses:)

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5 months ago

thanks this website really helped me a lot

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about 1 month ago

Very useful information:)

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about 1 month ago

my name Deja im currently in the 9th grade its my first year of highschool and i feel that it is very important for me to start focussing on my career. what i want to do when i graduate and this information has definantly helped me make my final decision i want to become a RN.I am now completly focused on earning my diploma and degrees .thank you

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about 1 month ago

Hi

I read this post two times.

I like it so much, please try to keep posting.

Let me introduce other material that may be good for our community.

Source: Practice nurse job description

Best regards
Henry

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1 day ago

i want to re-migrate to the U.S.

I THINK THAT MY CALLING IS TO HELP REHABILITATE PEOPLE IN SOME WAY.I NEED SOME ADVICE ,ANY AVAILABLE?

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about 1 month ago

Hi

I read this post two times.

I like it so much, please try to keep posting.

Let me introduce other material that may be good for our community.

Source: Practice nurse job description

Best regards
Henry