Registered Nurse (RN)

A registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who has been licensed by a state board of nursing to provide patient care. RNs either complete an approved nursing program, an associate degree in nursing, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), to pursue licensure. This varies from state to state. After completing appropriate education, the next step is passing the comprehensive national test (NCLEX). Registered nurses are able to work in a wide range of professions including, but not limited to, addiction, cardiovascular and medical‑surgical nursing. Steps to Become a Registered Nurse Complete an accredited nursing education program. You will need either a nursing diploma from an accredited RN program, an associate degree in nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX‑RN). A registered nurse is a healthcare provider who has graduated from a nursing program and holds a nursing license. There are many types of registered nurses, mainly defined by their areas of specialization. Registered nurses have a broad spectrum of responsibilities. They contribute to patients’ plan of care, administer medication, and provide advice and emotional support to patients. After becoming an RN, nurses can enroll in nurse education courses and receive certificates to show prospective employers they’re trained in an area of specialization. Types of Registered Nurses Addiction Nurse Also known as substance abuse nurses, RNs specializing in addiction may have chosen this career because they or someone they love has suffered from addiction to drugs, alcohol, or other substances. Addiction nurses work in recovery centers, hospitals and outpatient care facilities. Certifications for addiction nurses are administered by the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA). Critical care nurses work in intensive care units (ICUs) and CCUs. Sometimes ICU nurses are referred to as critical care nurses and vice versa. They specialize in caring for patients who are hospitalized for serious conditions and require round‑the‑clock observation. Certifications for ICU and CCU nurses are also administered by the AACN. Gastroenterology Nurse Nurses who work in gastroenterology help patients who have gastrointestinal diseases involving the stomach and digestive system. They might assist doctors during colonoscopies and endoscopies. Certifications for gastroenterology nurses are administered by the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN). Medical‑Surgical Nurse Medical‑surgical nurses typically work in hospital settings and handle heavy patient loads—typically five to seven per day. The Medical‑Surgical Nurse Certification Board (MSNCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) administer certifications to these nurses. A neonatal nurse specializes in the care of infants born prematurely or with life‑threatening and chronic illnesses. They may work in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), CCU, ICU, trauma unit or other healthcare setting. The AACN administers a certification for these nurses. Occupational Health Nurse An occupational health nurse typically works in a clinical setting but may also work for a large corporation as a full‑time nurse. For example, a large manufacturing company might employ an occupational health nurse to help prevent injuries, treat workplace health issues, and administer workers’ compensation and family medical leave. The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) offers a certification program. The duties of an RN vary, depending on where they work, how long they’ve been a nurse and their area of specialization. Typically, RNs have clinical and administrative responsibilities. Clinical Responsibilities of RNs Assessing patients’ conditions and vital signs Giving medications and treatments prescribed by doctors and other healthcare providers Contributing to and setting up patients’ care plans Consulting and collaborating with other healthcare providers Operating and monitoring medical equipment Performing and analyzing diagnostic tests Educating patients and their families Administrative Responsibilities of RNs Recording medical histories and symptoms Directing and supervising other healthcare professionals, such as LPNs, CNAs and medical assistants Where do RNs work? RNs work in doctors’ offices, long‑term care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, government and education. According to a report on registered nurses by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most RNs work in hospitals. Here’s a breakdown of RNs’ most common work environments, as of 2021: Doctors’ offices, home health and outpatient care — 18% Government — 8% Education — 3% Registered Nurse Salary and Career Outlook How much do RNs make? Salaries depend on geography, education, employer type, experience and other factors. On average, RNs in the United States earned $77,600 in May 2021, according to the BLS. RNs who work in government earn the highest average incomes—$85,970—followed by RNs who work in hospitals ($78,070), ambulatory care services ($76,700), nursing care facilities ($72,420) and education ($61,780). What education is needed to become a registered nurse? Becoming a registered nurse requires the completion of an accredited nursing program. An accredited program includes an associate in nursing degree, a nursing diploma from an RN program, or a bachelor’s in nursing (BSN). What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a registered nurse? The largest difference between a nurse practitioner and a registered nurse is their education requirements. While a registered nurse only needs to complete an RN program, a nurse practitioner must also complete a nurse practitioner program and meet certain certification and licensure requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr Nursing License Map