Registered Nurse (RN)
Do you have what it takes?
Thesis #1 (A Lot of Difficult Schooling)
Many people go through life thinking that school is a breeze. Nursing school on the other hand is another story. On average, the national passing rate for any nursing school or program is 84.29%. Even though that is a high percentage it is lower than experts had anticipated. The lucky people who go through nursing school to become an RN have three choices. You can either go through Diploma programs, Associate's degree, or a Bachelor's degree. The diploma program takes 3 years and are taken in hospitals. The associate's degree takes 2 years and are taken through community colleges. The bachelor's degree takes 4 years and are taken at a college/university. Each way gives the same experience and knowledge but the higher the degree the more money you can make. No matter where you go or what you do you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to officially get your Registered Nurse Certificate.
Thesis #2 (Requires Special Skills)
There are many parts of this career. Not only do you provide care but you do anything from administering medication to performing minor medical operations. All of these tasks require a very precise person who has very special skills. Some of these skills are critical thinking, attention to detail, organizational, communication, and many more. You would also need emotional skills such as compassion, calm under pressure, and even patience. What people don't realize is that your skills can take you many places. There are many unpredictable things that may happen when on the job. You may get attacked by patient or even feel unprepared for what the day might bring you. You also may realize that every day is a new experience and you will truly never stop learning.
Thesis #3 (Rewarding Outlook)
A day in the life of a RN can be a very difficult one. Early mornings and long days can get the best of you. Who knows what may happen in between clock in and clock out. Although it may be difficult and tiresome, being an RN can be one of the most rewarding thing you have ever done. Having the connection with some of the patients and knowing that you are making a difference in there like is amazing. The outlook for RN jobs is to grow 26% by the year 2020. The average salary for an RN is $66,220 a year. The top 10% of RNs make around $96,320 a year and the bottom 10% of RNs make $45,630 a year. There are even advancements for an RN such as a raise in salary or even a position promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What sort of training do you need?
- What sort of skills do you need?
- Is there any room for job advancement?
- What is all involved in this career?
- What is the job outlook and salary?
- Why do you want to go into this career?
- What might people not know about this career?
- What does a day in the life of this career look like?
FAQ Answers
- Two to Four years of schooling at least. Must pass NCLEX-RN exam.
- Critical thinking, compassion, attention to detail, organizational, calm under pressure, patience, and good communication.
- Salary increase, position promotion, or doctor/specialization
- Provide care (short & long term), monitor health conditions, administer medication, use medical equipment, perform minor medical operation, advice patients on illness.
- Average pay a year is $66,220, The field is to grow 26% by 2020.
- I want to go into this career because I want to advance myself farther than just a CNA and be able to make a difference at a high working level.
- You will get attacked by people, you have to be a good listener, your skills can take you many place, its not all about the money, nursing school is hard, you will probably feel unprepared at times, and you'll never stop learning.
- There is no such thing as a typical day. Other than your clock in and clock out time nothing is ordinary for RNs. They can do anything at anytime of the day when they are told to do so.