Registered nurse complete career guide

A registered nurse (RN) is somebody who has successfully graduated from a nursing program and obtained a nursing license from the authorized licensing body of the country, state, province, or government. Unlike licensed practical nurses, who only assist doctors or RNs, a registered nurse is able to provide direct care to their patients.

Some of the main responsibilities of an RN include administering medication, managing patients, conducting assessments, and helping to schedule operations or procedures. They work alongside doctors and other healthcare members of staff, keeping them updated on any relevant information regarding the patient. Registered nurses can work in most healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes.

They work alongside doctors and other healthcare members of staff, keeping them updated on any relevant information regarding the patient.

To become a registered nurse, you will need to acquire an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Obtaining a master of science in nursing (MSN) can increase the number of job opportunities available to you. In these programs, you learn about anatomy, microbiology, nutrition, psychology, and chemistry. The main focus is on applying these subjects to nursing practice.

If you are thinking about becoming a registered nurse, then keep reading. We will be discussing everything there is to know about this profession, including the standard salary of RNs, what skills and qualifications you need, and why exactly you should pursue this career.

Why pursue a career as a registered nurse?

Salary and demand outlook

Estimated growth in registered nursing was already very high, 12.1% against a national average of 5.3% (2018-2028) – prior to the COVID19 pandemic. The pandemic served to expose already existing shortages in the U.S. nursing market, and it is thus reasonable to assume that the already aggressive demand increase projections might turn out to be underestimations. We also point out that COVID19 burnout cannot help with an already high nursing turnover of 7% annually (210,400 registered nurses annually out of a labor pool of 3,059,800). Leaving aside the devastating effects of COVID19 on nurses, compared to the majority of 2020’s job market, nursing performed well – economically speaking. Annual employment and salary upward trends flattened but remained positive. Perhaps pent-up demand from COVID shortages will lead to a relatively large jump over the next few years.

The skills you will need as a registered nurse

There is no denying the fact that being a registered nurse is difficult. Not only do you have a lot of responsibility, but the work is also physically and emotionally draining. Additionally, most jobs for registered nurses involve doing night shifts. So, how do you know whether you can successfully undertake this role? Let’s look at some of the main skills that are required.

Organization

Registered nurses need to be highly organized as they juggle several jobs at once. They are also responsible for ensuring patients are provided with the right care. For example, registered nurses will usually have to fill out medical charts for allocating medication. Doing so incorrectly can have dire consequences for a patient.

Communication

You need to have excellent communication skills as a registered nurse. The work involves conversing with colleagues and doctors, transferring information about each patient so the correct treatment plan can be formed for them. Moreover, registered nurses must be able to communicate information to their patients in an accessible way, helping them to stay fully informed. If you are bilingual, then your skills will be highly desired by healthcare organizations, as non-native language speakers are common in hospitals.

Stress management

As we have mentioned several times already, being a registered nurse can be stressful. Wards are often busy and there are always going to be high stakes involved when it comes to patient care. As such, RNs need to remain calm and collected, no matter how strenuous the job might be at times.

Compassion

Registered nurses provide direct care to patients, some of whom are going to be more difficult than others. To effectively care for their patients’ mental and physical health, RNs must be compassionate, validating, and non-judgmental.

Attention to detail

Small mistakes can be hugely detrimental in healthcare settings. This means that registered nurses must be detailed-oriented people to ensure that patients are being delivered the correct care. For instance, some patients will be allergic to certain medications, so RNs need to carefully read their medical files.

Critical thinking

Registered nurses are usually critical thinkers. They are capable of recognizing issues with their patients and making the right decisions or judgments. People who are observant, attentive, and analytical tend to succeed in this profession.

Who is best suited to a career as a registered nurse?

Individuals with the above-mentioned skills are well-suited to a career in nursing. It goes without saying that people who want to work remotely should not become an RN. This job is hands-on and cannot be completed online unless you work in an administrative or teaching position. Being a registered nurse is also not very convenient for new parents or single parents because of the shiftwork requirements. However, most people can acquire part-time work as an RN. This is an appealing option as the hours are more flexible and the salary is still decent.

Career advancement

If you are already a registered nurse with an ADN or BSN qualification, then you might be looking for different ways to advance your career and move into higher-paying positions. One way to do this is by completing a graduate certificate in nursing, a non-degree, graduate-level program in a specialized area. Earning an MSN or a DNP is another excellent way to do this. These qualifications can sharpen your existing knowledge of nursing, helping you to access more specialized jobs. For instance, instead of being a nurse practitioner, you can become an advanced registered nurse practitioner with an MSN.

Registered nurses can also partake in advanced nursing programs if they want to further their knowledge in a specific part of the field. Completing one of these programs is a fantastic way to develop your resume and improve your chances of securing work in your area of interest. For example, there are programs for health informatics, family nurse practitioners, nurse educators, researchers, and administrators.