Registered Nurse
Corissa Carrillo Pd. 2
What They Do
Registered nurses record patients' medical histories and symptoms, give medicine and treatments, sets up plans for patients', obsereve and record observations, consult with doctors, operate and monitor medical equipment, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, teach patients and families how to manage their illness, etc. Also depending on what type of nursing you study for you have different duties.
Working Schedule, Working Locations, Salary, & Job Outlook
Many work schedules are shifts revolved around the 24-hour clock. You change between different shifts or stick to one shift. This is also because many RN's start out in hospitals where patients' need health care around the clock. Clinics are another place where RN's can work at and those are normal 9-5 hours. The average salary of a registered nurse is $64,690 a year. $31.10 an hour. The job outlook is growing faster than average at a rate of 26%.
Education Needed, Skills Required, & Advanced Opportunities
You can decide between getting an associates degree or a bachelors degree. An associates degree takes two years and a bachelors takes 4 years. Most nurses go for their associates and then continue later on for their bachelors or some just stick with their associates degrees. You take courses in nursing, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, etc. Some personality skills required are critical-thinking skills, compassion, detail oriented, emotional stability, organizational skills, patience, and speaking skills. Advanced opportunities include becoming the assistant unit manager, head nurse, assistant director, director, vice president or chief of nursing.
College
The college I have decided to go to is Triton. They have an excellent nursing program and it will take me three years to get my associates degree and it will save me a ton of money. I can always go back later and get my bachelors at another college also.
Resource
Occupational Outlook Handbook