What will I do in this job?
If you choose to be a registered Nurse (RN), you will work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. RNs are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities.
When providing direct patient care, RNs typically:
- observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress
- assist physicians during treatments and examinations
- administer medications
- assist in convalescence and rehabilitation
Hospital Nurses:
- provide bedside nursing care
- carry out medical regimens
- map supervise licensed practical nurses and aides
Office Nurses:
- care for outpatients in physicians’ offices, clinics, surgical centers, and emergency rooms
- prepare patients for and assist with examinations
- administer medications
- dress wounds
- assist with minor surgery
- maintain medical records
Nursing Home Nurses:
- manage nursing care for residents
- spend most of their time on administrative and supervisory tasks
Home Health Nurses:
- provide periodic services to patients at home
- care for and instruct patients and their families
Public Health Nurses:
- work in government and private agencies, schools, and retirement communities
- work with individuals, groups, and families to improve the overall health of the community
Occupational Health or Industrial Nurses:
- provide nursing care at worksites to employees, customers, and others with minor injuries and illnesses
- provide emergency care, health counseling
- assist with health examinations and inoculations
- assess work environments to identify potential health or safety problems
Will I need a special license?
If you want to be a Registered Nurse a National Licensing Examination and a State License is needed.
What type of education do I need?
There are three major educational paths to registered nursing: a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in Nursing (ADN), and a diploma. BSN programs, offered by colleges and universities, take about 4 years to complete.
Will I find a job?
Job opportunities for RNs are expected to be very good. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012, and because the occupation is very large, many new jobs will result. In fact, more new jobs are expected be created for RNs than for any other occupation. Thousands of job openings also will result from the need to replace experienced nurses who leave the occupation, especially as the median age of the registered nurse population continues to rise.
How much will I make?
Median Salary: $46,059 (Ranges from $42,000- $49,000)
(2000-2003)
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