Registered nurses (RNs) play a major role in health care. As part of a health care team, they administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician, provide skilled bedside nursing care for the sick and the injured, and work toward the prevention of illness and promotion of good health.
Most nurses are employed in hospitals where they usually work with a group of patients requiring similar care such as a post-surgery floor, the children's area (pediatrics), or the maternity section. Some specialize in operating room work.
Doctors, dentists, and oral surgeons employ nurses in their offices who perform routine laboratory and office work in addition to nursing duties. Industries employ nurses to assist with health examinations, treat minor injuries of employees, and arrange for further medical care if it is necessary. Industrial nurses may also do some record keeping and handle claims for medical insurance and workers' compensation.
Community health nurses work with patients in their homes, the schools, public health clinics, and in other community settings. Nurses also teach in nursing schools and conduct continuing education courses for registered and licensed practical nurses.
Private duty nurses are self-employed nurses who provide individual care in hospitals or homes for one patient at a time when the patient needs constant attention. This care may be required for just a short time or for extended periods.
Registered nurses who receive special advanced training may become nurse practitioners. They are permitted to perform some services, such as physical examinations, that have traditionally been handled by physicians. Nurse practitioners are an important part of many neighborhood health center staffs.
The federal government employs nurses in Veterans Administration hospitals and clinics, in the U.S. Public Health Service, and as commissioned officers in the armed forces.
Most nurses are women, but young men are entering the field in increasing numbers in recent years.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Nurses are usually on their feet most of the day. Those who work in hospitals, nursing homes, or as private duty nurses must be prepared to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Nurses need both physical and emotional stamina to cope with the stresses of their jobs. They face the dangers of infectious diseases and the hazards of working with radiation, chemicals, and gases. They also must be careful to avoid back injuries and muscle strains when moving patients.
Qualifications, education, and training
Nurses need the ability to follow orders precisely, use good judgment in emergencies, and cope with human suffering and must have good physical and emotional stamina.
In high school, students should take a college preparation program with an emphasis on science.
There are three types of training for registered nurses. Many hospitals offer three-year diploma programs in their own nursing schools that combine classroom instruction and clinical experience within the hospital. Four-year bachelor-degree programs are available at many colleges. Two-year associate-degree programs are offered by some junior and community colleges. These degree programs are combined with clinical practice in an affiliated hospital or health care facility.
A bachelor's degree is required for administrative or management positions in nursing; research, teaching, and clinical specializations usually require a master's degree.
Potential and advancement
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 2,751,000registered nurses, one-fourth of them working part-time. Future employment opportunities should be excellent for some time due to a current shortage of nurses and an increasing number of jobs. Between 2014 and 2024, the field is expected to grow by 16%. Nursing opportunities exist in every community; there are shortages of qualified nurses in many inner-city areas and in some southern states. Employment prospects for nurses with specialized training in fields such as intensive care, geriatrics, and oncology are excellent.
Experienced hospital nurses can advance to head nurse or assistant director or director of nursing services. Many supervisory and management positions require a bachelor's degree, however.
Income
Registered nurses earned an average salary of $67,490 in 2015. This number will vary depending on years of experience and specific field, among other factors.
Additional Sources of Information
American Nurses' Association, Kansas City, MO 64108
Communications Department National League for Nursing, New York, NY 10014
