Tapping Into Registered Nurse Jobs
Have you ever helped someone and felt truly rewarded by doing so? Registered nurses help people every day and are responsible for getting patients the care and assistance they need to get better and lead healthy lives. Registered nurse jobs are the backbone of the medical profession, and are a necessary stepping stone for anyone considering a career as a nurse practitioner later down the road. If you are interested in learning more about registered nurse jobs, then keep reading for a brief summary of what makes up this job and how you can get involved.
Daily Responsibilities in Registered Nurse Jobs
The Nurse Practice Act is a legally binding decree in every state that specifies the scope of duties and tasks a registered is qualified to undertake in their state. These requirements can vary from state to state, but most of the basic requirements remain the same. Daily tasks involved in registered nurse jobs include:
- Meeting with patients and discussing their ailments and symptoms.
- Provide support and medical advice to patients.
- Provide doctors with preliminary diagnosis of patient’s condition.
- Work blood drives and provides other screening.
- Administering medicine and IV fluids.
Registered nurse jobs are available in a variety of capacities, including private practice and public health care facilities. In addition, registered nurse jobs can vary in the type of work they do, such as cardiology or geriatrics, depending on the work place. Some registered nurses prefer these specializations if they plan to move on to become a nurse practitioner later and want to use this specialization to help jump start their nurse practitioner degree.
Registered nurse jobs are also some of the most demanding jobs available. Not only must you have the patience and compassion to deal with sick and injured individuals, but the short supply of registered nurses has resulted in very busy schedules. Many registered nurse jobs require individuals be on-call, work long hours, give up weekends, and work through holidays. While this might seem very demanding, it is also rewarding and fulfilling to be in such a supportive role for other people.
Qualifications for Becoming a Registered Nurse
Registered nurses must obtain an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and then sit for a state nursing examination. Only passage of this examination will provide individuals with the certification they need to work in this profession. Studying for this exam can be incredibly difficult and challenging. Many potential registered nurse test takers spend up to 6 months preparing for this licensing examination. This is why it is absolutely essential that anyone interested in this profession complete an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
The main difference between earning and Associates or Bachelor’s degree depends on the future one wishes to have in the nursing profession. Someone hoping to eventually become a certified nurse practitioner should consider earning a Bachelor’s degree as this will prove to be a very important stepping stone for the required Master’s or Doctorate degree needed later. Anyone who would like to work only as a registered nurse could do so with an Associate’s degree. The main caveat with this degree choice is that a Bachelor’s degree will better prepare students to take the licensing examination, which is incredibly difficult.
Salary Expectations for Registered Nurse Jobs
As of 2010, the average salary for registered nurses was about $60,000 per year. This can vary depending on a few factors. For instance, those working in a private capacity as an at-home nurse or with a private organization tended to earn a higher salary. Those working in the public sector, such as public hospitals and services, earned slightly less. Because of the high demand for registered nurses, there is a great deal of job security and most employers offer competitive benefit packages.