A Career as a Registered Nurse Can Feel Fulfilling While Providing For You

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There are many options to consider when planning your next career move. Registered nursing is one of the most popular choices for a job and is a great way to put your skills and education to work. A registered nurse works in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices,or other healthcare settings. They provide direct patient care by assessing their health status through observation or routine laboratory tests such as blood pressure readings. They also diagnose symptoms or injuries that cause physical problems. To become a registered nurse, you need a desire to help people and a willingness to apply yourself. Health education is complicated and not having the right info can be a problem. This article will look at the registered nursing career and how people can get involved. 

Qualifications Needed for a Registered Nurse Career

The first step in becoming a Registered Nurse is to choose an accredited nursing education program. These programs are offered through various nursing schools, universities and community colleges and range from short-term certificates to four-year degrees. 

Many states in the U.S. require a Registered Nurse to be licensed – licensure is determined by the state in which they desire to practice and it varies from state to state. Therefore, before starting a nursing program, the individual must verify that the school they plan to attend is accredited by the organization that oversees nursing education in their state.

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The length of training time depends upon the degree to which the student wishes to practice. It is done by completing the required classes, clinical experience and student teaching hours. Registered nursing tends to be on the longer side of education as it’s one of the highest classifications a nurse can reach. 

After completing training, the next step is to apply for a state license. For those who plan to work in more than just one state and therefore do not wish to obtain a permit for each, there are streamlined licensing procedures. To qualify for this process, you must be in good standing with your school, have at least a 2.0 average on all your final exams, and complete the On-the-job training required in certain states.

After becoming a state Licensed Registered Nurse, the final step to achieving this career is to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). This exam is mandated by the U.S. government and must be taken by all Registered Nurses after graduating from an accredited nursing school.

Duties of a Registered Nurse

There are many things that a registered nurse is going to have to do. Some of the common duties include: 

  1. Nursing Treatment - Their focus is primarily on the patient's health and well-being, from providing emotional support during a hospital stay to caring for patients suffering from injuries or illnesses. Registered Nurses also assist in performing various nursing tasks such as patient assessment and planning activities. They collaborate with other health care professionals such as physicians and other healthcare practitioners to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care possible.
  2. Nursing Diagnosis - Nursing diagnosis is the process of identifying and categorizing a patient's medical condition. For example, if the patient has signs or symptoms indicating malnutrition or dehydration, those issues may be recorded as a nursing diagnosis. Registered Nurses also help research and develop new strategies for disease prevention and cure.
  3. Nursing Management: - The last task that Registered Nurses perform is nursing management. It involves planning and leading an efficient nursing process. It may include group care, teaching new nurses, patient care and support systems, patient education and compliance with healthcare policy and procedures.

Work Life and Potential Income

The work-life of a Registered Nurse is always patient-facing. They meet with patients in person, answer phones, and talk to patients over video chat programs. They may also write notes, reports and prescriptions for medical staff. They may also need to care for family members to help a patient get better. Hours can vary from day to day and from week to week, depending on the needs of their clients. 

The average salary of a Registered nurse is about $50,000 per year. Becoming a Registered Nurse is a career that will allow you to have many opportunities to grow and expand your skill set. There are many ways you can go after getting your RN, such as teaching or administration. You will never be short on work opportunities as long as you are willing to travel and relocate due to the need in certain areas.

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