Registered Nurse – schools and
careers
Become a healthcare professional – start a career as a
Registered Nurse.
Healthcare workers are in
demand and job opportunities for Registered Nurses
(RNs) in all
specialties are expected to remain excellent. According to the
Department of Labor, employment of Registered Nurses is expected to
grow
much faster than average for all occupations through 2014.
Registered Nurses
are projected to create the second largest
number of new jobs among all
occupations.
Registered
Nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty perform basic duties that
include treating patients, educating patients about various medical
conditions,
and providing advice and emotional support to
patients and family members.
Registered Nurses record patient
medical histories, symptoms and help to
perform diagnostic tests.
They also analyze test results, operate medical
equipment,
administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up
and rehabilitation. Most RNs work in healthcare facilities such as
hospitals, clinics
and doctors offices. Home health and public
health nurses travel to patients’
homes, schools, community
centers, and other sites.
The major educational paths to Registered
Nursing are a bachelor’s of science
degree in nursing (BSN) or an
associate degree in nursing (ADN). BSN
programs are offered
by colleges and universities and take about 4 years to
complete.
ADN programs are offered by community and junior colleges and take
about 2 to 3 years to complete. All States require that students
graduate from an
accredited nursing program and pass a national
licensing examination in order to
obtain a nursing license.
Periodic renewal of licenses is also required and may
involve
continuing education.
With the aging population growing steadily,
there will be no shortage of jobs for
nurses well into the future
- this translates into more job opportunities with the
potential
of higher starting salaries. Nursing is a career filled with endless
personal and professional rewards. Starting a career as a Registered
Nurse can
be an important step in securing your
future.
