- In order to become a registered nurse, students must first obtain a degree from a nationally accredited institute in nursing. Students are expected to successfully complete classes in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, nutrition, microbiology, behavioral sciences and nursing. Generally, students become a registered nurse with either an associate or bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree offers more extensive training in theoretical and clinical practice; however, both programs adequately prepare students to offer patient care in various settings. Before graduated students are able to secure a job, they must first pass the National Council Licensure Exam to obtain their nursing licenses. Additionally, registered nurses must periodically renew their licenses and keep current with new practices and procedures.
- There are many job opportunities available to registered nurses; however, most nurses work in a hospital setting. Hospital nurses are usually assigned to a specific department, such as maternity or emergency care, although they may be required to "float" from one department to another. In addition to hospitals, registered nurses can choose to work in a public health clinic, where they serve the community at large. Similarly, registered nurses can work in schools, where they treat students, or in occupational settings, where they treat employees and staff. Some nurses might opt to work in private offices or provide in-home care.
- Registered nurses work closely with physicians to promote overall health and to prevent and treat illness and disease. Registered nurses also serve as patient advocates as well as family educators. Although the particular work environment often dictates their specific daily duties, registered nurses are trained to perform head-to-toe assessments, administer medications and injections, start IV's, assist in surgical procedures, work with various machines and instruments, and manage patient records.
- The hours a registered nurse works is largely dependent on where she practices. Because hospitals and elder-care facilities offer 24-hour care, registered nurses have the flexibility of choosing shifts. Usually, these are 8- or 12-hour shifts, 3 to 5 days a week. Registered nurses who work in public health settings, such as schools or in private offices, often maintain normal daytime hours.
How much a registered nurse earns is commiserate with her level of education as well as where she works. A nurse with an Associate's degree who chooses to work in a public health setting generally earns a lower wage than a registered nurse practitioner who works in a private setting. As of May 2007, the median annual wage of a registered nurse reported by the Occupational Employment Statistics Survey Program was $60,010. - Working in the field of nursing does come with its share of hazards. Registered nurses often work closely with patients who are sick, so their exposure to certain infectious diseases is increased. Also, nurses must adhere to strict policies and procedures to avoid accidental needle pricks, exposure to bodily fluids and chemical contamination. Furthermore, nursing can be a physically exhausting career, and nurses must take special care to protect themselves from injury and to promote their own health and well-being.
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