Registered Nurses

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Duties

The following are typical responsibilities of a registered nurse:

• Assess the health status of patients.
• Keep track of patients' medical histories and conditions.
• Record your observations while you observe and speak with patients.
• Provide medication and treatment to patients in accordance with their orders.
• Patients' care plans can either be created from scratch or updated with new information.
• Involve and work with doctors and other health care professionals.
• Maintain and operate a variety of medical devices and equipment.
• Analyze the results of diagnostic tests.
• Educate patients and their loved ones on how to deal with medical conditions.
• After therapy, explain what to do at home.

The majority of registered nurses collaborate with other medical professionals on a daily basis. Licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides are all under the supervision of some registered nurses.

The responsibilities and titles of registered nurses are frequently determined by their workplace and the patients they serve. Nurses who specialize in working with cancer patients and those caring for the elderly are called oncologists and geriatricians. Some RNs practice in more than one specialty. A pediatric oncology nurse, for example, cares for children and adolescents with cancer.

There are a wide range of options for working with certain patient populations. There are a few instances below.

The goal of addiction nurses is to treat patients who are struggling with alcohol, drug, or other substance abuse.

A cardiovascular nurse is a healthcare professional who specializes in the treatment of patients with heart disease and those who have undergone heart surgery.

Intensive treatment Nurses work in hospitals' intensive care units, where they provide careful monitoring and treatment to patients with significant, complex, and acute illnesses and injuries.

Patients with genetic illnesses, such as cystic fibrosis, are screened, counseled, and treated by genetics nurses.

Newborns with medical conditions are cared after by neonatal nurses.

A nephrology nurse treats patients with kidney-related health concerns, such as diabetes, hypertension, or substance addiction.

Nursing in public health involves teaching the public about the danger signs and symptoms of disease, as well as the treatment of long-term health concerns. It is not uncommon for them to conduct health checks and immunization clinics as well as blood drives.

Patients with disabilities or chronic illnesses, whether temporary or permanent, are cared for by rehabilitation nurses.

Nurses who do not work with patients on a daily basis are nonetheless required to hold a valid license as registered nurses. Some examples are nurse educators, healthcare consultants, and hospital administrators.

Advanced practice registered nurses, such as clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), are a subset of these nurses (APRN). They may specialize in psychiatric-mental health nursing or pediatric nursing, for example. In addition to direct patient care, CNSs collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to enhance the standard of care they deliver. They often serve in leadership roles and may educate and advise other nursing staff. Researchers and policymakers alike may turn to CNSs for their expertise, as well as for advice.

Education

Courses in anatomical and physiologic, microbiological, and social and behavioral sciences are often required for a bachelor's degree in nursing. Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and associate degree in nursing (ADN) and associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree programs, like those in various other healthcare and related disciplines, normally take four years to complete. Diploma programs, which are often offered by hospitals or medical facilities, normally need two to three years to finish. More BSN, ADN, and ASN degrees are offered than diplomas, which are significantly more hardly available. Clinical training is included in all degrees.

Bachelor's degree programs typically contain coursework in communication, leadership, and critical thinking, in addition to science. Administrative roles, research, consulting, and teaching frequently need a bachelor's or higher degree.

To become a staff nurse, you must be a licensed graduate of any of the three types of schools (bachelor, associate, or diploma). A bachelor's degree may be required by some companies, notably those in the healthcare industry.

An RN-to-BSN program allows registered nurses with an ADN, ASN, or diploma to return to school and achieve a bachelor's degree. For people who already have a bachelor's degree in another discipline but want to get into nursing, there are accelerated programs, combined bachelor's and master's degree programs, and master's degree programs in nursing. Some companies repay employees for the cost of their education.

In order to become a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), you must have a master's degree in nursing and at least one year of experience working as an RN or in a related sector to qualify. CNSs who want to perform research in the field often need a Ph.D.

Registration, Certification, and Licensing

A state-issued nursing license is a requirement for all registered nurses. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) must be passed in order for a nurse to become licensed (NCLEX-RN).

States have different standards for obtaining a license, including things like clearing a criminal background check. Nurses must meet particular standards set by each state's nursing board. Visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for more information about the NCLEX-RN and a list of state boards of nursing.

For example, a nurse can become certified in ambulatory care or gerontology or pediatrics through a professional association. Certifying oneself shows that one has a certain degree of competence, which may be required by some companies.

Additionally, work as a registered nurse may call for certification in CPR, BLS, or ACLS, depending on the level of emergency.

Additionally, states need CNSs to get specialty certifications in order to obtain their state-issued license. For further information, speak with your local board of nursing.

Qualities that are critical to success

The ability to use critical thinking. In order to know when to intervene in a patient's condition, registered nurses must monitor changes in their health.

Confidence in your ability to communicate. In order to assess a patient's health and address their problems, a registered nurse must be able to communicate successfully with them. The directions given by nurses, such as how to take medicine, must be properly communicated. Working with other health professionals and communicating the requirements of their patients is a requirement.

Compassion. When working with patients, registered nurses should demonstrate compassion and empathy.

A stickler for the smallest of details. To ensure that patients receive the correct treatments and drugs, registered nurses must be exact.

Stability of emotions. Registered nurses must be able to deal with the stresses of their jobs, including dealing with the suffering of others, as well as dealing with emergencies.

The ability to manage oneself. Nurses frequently deal with a large number of patients with a wide range of medical issues. A patient's capacity to obtain proper care depends on the ability to coordinate various treatment plans and records.

Power and endurance. Nurses must be able to lift patients and execute other physically demanding jobs. Most of their shift may be spent on their feet.

Pay

A registered nurse's annual salary in May 2020 was $75,330 on average. When half of an occupation's workforce earns more than the median wage, the wage is referred to as the "median wage." The bottom 10% made less than $53,410, and the top 10% earned more than $116,230.

Job Projections

There will be a 9% increase in the number of registered nurses employed between 2020 and 2030, which is about average for all occupations.