A registered nurse is responsible for tasks associated with meeting the needs of patients. They perform basic duties that range from treating patients to educating patients and public on medical conditions. They also provide advice and emotional support to both patients and their families. Registered nurses also monitor a patients medical records and histories along with the symptoms of current ailment. They help to perform diagnostic test, operate medical equipment and analyze test results. Often times they administer treatments and medications and assist in the follow-up and rehabilitation of patients.
It is the responsibility of the registered nurse to also educate patients and their families on their particular injury or illness. They provide information necessary for treatment at home including diet and exercise regimens and self-administration of medicines and physical therapy. In some situations it is necessary for a registered nurse to provide grief counseling to patients and families who are experiencing illness that are critical or fatal. Registered nurses are also instrumental in educating the public on necessary information in regards to being aware of warning signs and symptoms of certain diseases. They are also available to provide information about treatment options and places to go for help. It is also possible for a registered nurse to assist in health screenings, immunization clinics, and blood drives.
While many registered nurses work in a variety of settings, there are those who choose to specialize in certain areas. In one example a registered nurse, or RN, can choose a specialty that is specific to the work setting or type of care provided. An ambulatory care nurse will generally treat patients who are suffering from a variety of illnesses or injuries on an outpatient basis. These treatments usually take place in a physician’s office or in other clinics. For nurses in this particular field, it is also possible to provide nursing instruction in a process called telehealth. This involves educating patients and giving advice through electronic communication such as videoconferencing and the Internet.
RN’s who work in critical or intensive care hospital units are called critical care nurses. They specialize in assisting patients who are experiencing cardiovascular, respiratory or pulmonary failure. Nurses who work in emergency rooms and aid patients with life-threatening conditions from an accident, heart attack or stroke are referred to as emergency or trauma nurses. These nurses may either work in the hospital emergency room or on the helicopter as nurses assisting in life flight transportation.
There are many types of registered nurses who provide services in many settings. Those seeking a career as a registered nurse will have plenty of options for administering their services.
In order to obtain a position as a registered nurse, it is required for applicants to have graduated from an approved nursing program and to have passed a national licensure examination. This test is known as the NCLEX-RN. Registered nurses may be licensed in several states. However, the licensure requirements may be different, it may be necessary to check each state board for specifics.
There are programs available for those interested in becoming a registered nurse at the junior and community college level as well as colleges and universities. Programs at the colleges and universities generally take 4 years to complete and graduates earn a bachelor’s degree. Those participating in the programs offered at junior or community colleges will normally complete the curriculum in 2 years with an associate’s degree. Those who choose to complete their education at the bachelor’s degree level will ultimately have more opportunities for employment and advanced positions.
Once an individual has completed the degree program, it is necessary for them to enroll in a nursing program. Standard training programs include instruction in both classroom settings as well as clinical supervision. The classroom studies include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and other behavioral sciences along with other classes specific to nursing. The supervised clinical experience is generally provided by hospital administrators and is typically specialized training course in pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity and surgery. There are more and more clinical experience courses that are being offered in nursing care facilities, public health departments, home health agencies and ambulatory clinics.
In most instances, registered nurses begin their careers as licensed practical nurses or nursing aids. Generally, nursing students learn on the job skills while participating in programs to advance their education in the attempt to become a registered nurse. Once the certification and licensing is established, many RN’s begin as staff nurses and are promoted, as they are able to exemplify responsibility and knowledge in their field.
It may also be possible for a RN to be involved in the business side of health care. In this position they are able to assist in the management with ambulatory, acute, home-based and chronic care departments. They are also able to provide expertise and experience in health planning and development, marketing, consulting, policy development and quality assurance. Some registered nurses use their knowledge to work at colleges and universities as professors or to conduct research.
The salaries for registered nurses can range depending on many different factors. Level of education, place of employment and areas of specialty are all the leading causes of salary differences. The job outlook for registered nurses is on the rise. There are potentially thousands of job opening potentials to replace experienced nurses who are expected to retire or advance in position. With the advancement of technologies, it is also expected that more patients will be able to survive with mere assistance from nurses rather than doctors or physicians. This means the need for more qualified registered nurses is on the rise.
Many hospitals are now offering signing bonuses to qualified registered nurses in order to attract and retain nurses who excel in their field. With the need for registered nurses continuing to rise, it is becoming a very competitive field. In addition to the signing bonuses, many hospitals and employers are adapting more family-friendly work schedules and additional training to effectively hire and retain quality nurses.
There are now more and more procedures being performed in a physicians office or outpatient care clinics that are no longer requiring hospital stays. This means that registered nurses are performing many of these procedures.
Employment opportunities for registered nurses are on the rise in all areas. Increases in the number of elderly and the growing need for assistance in long-term healthcare are making the job opportunities plentiful. Registered nurses who specialize in this area have many options for employment to work with patients who are in need of long-term rehabilitation for stroke and head injury as well as those suffering from Alzheimer’s.
The average yearly income and salaries will vary greatly depending on place of employment, location of job and level of education pertaining to a specific career. Registered nurses who enter a workplace at an entry-level position generally earn anywhere from $40,950 per year to $54,070 per year. California boasts the highest paid nurses while Ohio nurses reported the lowest in wages. The difference in pay may also be attributed to the cost of living differences in each state. Registered nurses who reside in New York report average yearly earnings at $50,470 per year, while those in Illinois earn $41,910 per year.
Overall, the level of earnings will greatly depend on many factors. Nurses who continue their education and receive a master’s degree will be compensated accordingly, while those who enter the field with an associate’s degree will receive considerable less per year. The difference in salaries is specific to the individual.