RN Description
A registered nurse (RN) provides direct care to patients and assists doctors in all phases of health care. As health educators, RNs work with individuals, family members and the community to treat and prevent illness, and improve health. An RN examines patients, administers treatment and plays an active role in a patient's long-term health care.
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Roles
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According to the Occupational Information Network, an RN fills a variety of roles, both general and specific. An RN may specialize in an area of medicine at a hospital or doctor's office. An RN assesses a patient's health condition and helps develop and implement care plans, along with maintaining medical records. She also may provide advice to patients on health maintenance and disease prevention.
Salary and Outlook
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2008, registered nurses earned a national median rate of $30.03 an hour and a median salary of $62,450 a year. The median salary range was from about $43,410 to $92,240. According to the BLS, projected job growth for registered nurses is above normal at 22 percent through 2018.
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Employment
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Hospitals employ the most registered nurses with an average annual salary of $66,490, according to the BLS. Registered nurses also are employed at physicians' offices, home health care services, nursing care facilities and agencies.
Environment and Hours
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A majority of RNs work in well-lit, comfortable and sterile health care facilities, according to the BLS. Home health and public health nurses travel to various sites, such as patients' homes, community centers and schools. Nurses may work evenings, weekends and holidays. Nurses also may be on call for emergencies. Nurses employed in schools and offices may work regular business hours. Twenty percent of nurses worked part time in 2008.
Education
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According to the BLS, three educational paths lead to an RN title: bachelor's degree, associate's degree and diploma from an approved nursing program. Nurses often enter the career by completing an associate's degree or bachelor's degree nursing program. All nurses must be licensed. RNs must pass the National Council Licensing Examination, or the NCLEX-RN exam.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit nurse image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com
