Job Description - Registered Nurse:
A registered nurse (RN) treats patients and provides advice and emotional support to them and to their families. They also educate patients, as well as the public, about medical conditions.
Employment Facts - Registered Nurse:
There were 2,619,000 nurses employed in the U.S. in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Registered Nurse:
To work as a registered nurse one must earn a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a diploma in nursing. BSN programs are offered by colleges and universities and generally take four years to complete. ADN programs, offered by community and junior colleges, take two to three years to complete. Diploma programs, usually three years long, are administered by hospitals. They are relatively rare compared to BSN and ADN programs.
Other Requirements - Registered Nurse:
All states require graduation from an approved nursing program and passing of a national licensing exam called the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. Other licensing requirements vary by state.
Nurses should be sympathetic and detail oriented. Emotionally stability is required to deal with very difficult situations.
Advancement Opportunities - Registered Nurse:
A nurse often begins his or her career as a hospital staff nurse. With experience he or she may be promoted to assistant unit manager or head nurse. Some nurses eventually move into more advanced managerial positions, but a graduate degree may be needed.
Job Outlook - Registered Nurse:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth for registered nurses will be much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018.
Earnings - Registered Nurse:
Registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $63,750 in 2009.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a registered nurse currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Registered Nurse's Life:
On a typical day a registered nurse's tasks might include:
- recording patients' medical information
- checking and recording patients' vital signs
- maintaining detailed reports and records
- ordering, interpreting and evaluating diagnostic tests
- modifying treatment plans based on a patient's condition
- administering first aid, immunizations and medication
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Nurse, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm (visited May 13, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Nurse, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/29-1111.00 (visited December 2, 2010).
