Nursing (RN or Registered Nurse)
By: Kylie Sawyer
Registered Nurses
Education Requirements
Degree
Curriculum
You will have to take:
Certification
- Diploma Program- offered at hospitals, usually last 3 years
- Associates Program (ADN)- offered at community colleges, takes 2-3 years to complete
- Bachelors Program (BSN)- offered at colleges and universities, takes 4 years to complete
Curriculum
You will have to take:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Maybe courses in the liberal arts subjects.
Certification
- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
- Any other requirements by the state.
Experience Requirements
Nursing programs provide classroom instruction and clinical experience through:
- Nursing homes
- Public health departments
- Hospital departments
Job Description
Most patients require around the clock care so many nurses have to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Job includes:
Job includes:
- Getting patients medical history
- Assisting physicians during surgery or treatment
- Establishing a care plan or contributing to an existing care plan
- Explaining home care procedures
- Providing emotional support for family members
- Performing diagnostic test and analyzing results
- Operating medical machinery
- Helping with patient follow-up
Difference Between an RN and an LVN
- RN's make more money.
- RN's have more responsibilities with the care of patients.
- RN's are able to administer medication.
Approximate Salary
- $67,930 is the average annual salary
- $32.66 per hour
- $1,306 per week
- $5,660 per month
Job Outlook
Registered Nursing is a fast growing career field. According to www.collegequest.com the outlook looks "excellent."
Employment rate is expected to increase by 26% from 2010 to 2020.
Employment rate is expected to increase by 26% from 2010 to 2020.
Career Advancements
There are many ways an RN can advance their career options.
One way to advance is in levels which varies with hospitals. Here is one example of how a hospital will set up the levels.
Level 1 (Novice Nurse)
Level 2 (Proficient Nurse)
Level 3 (Expert Nurse)
Level 3 Senior (Mentor Nurse)
Level 4 (Nurse Leader)
One way to advance is in levels which varies with hospitals. Here is one example of how a hospital will set up the levels.
Level 1 (Novice Nurse)
Level 2 (Proficient Nurse)
Level 3 (Expert Nurse)
Level 3 Senior (Mentor Nurse)
Level 4 (Nurse Leader)
Other Options
If you are willing to go back to school you can get your:
BSN- Bachelors of Science in Nursing
MSN- Masters of Science in Nursing
DNP- Doctorate in Nursing Practice
BSN- Bachelors of Science in Nursing
MSN- Masters of Science in Nursing
DNP- Doctorate in Nursing Practice
Top 10 Texas Colleges with Nursing Programs
- Baylor University
- East Texas Baptist University
- Lamar University
- Texas A&M University
- University of Houston
- University of Texas at Arlington
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Texas at Houston
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- West Texas A&M University
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
Disadvantages
- Help save someone's life
- Wide variety of fields to specialize in
- Help family as they go through a tough situation
- Increase in employment rate
- Annual salary is above the average American's salary
Disadvantages
- Time schedule creates less time at home
- Things don't always go the right way
- Never know what you might see