The Basics Of Becoming A Registered Nurse

Written by: Francesco Richter

As health care technology improves and the population ages, the demand for registered nurses is growing. Logically speaking, the older a person becomes, the more opportunities arise to grow ill. Similarly, as people age they have more incidents of injuries and age-related needs. In addition, the large number of people in the world means that more people will become pregnant and more will require physical exams. If you have a desire to help others and are interested in the medical field, consider a career in nursing.

There are different levels of nursing, each of which requires different training and has different roles. Registered nurses who pursue an advanced degree are known as nurse practitioners. There are some differences between the two. Practitioners have a greater amount of responsibility. Nurse practitioners can give diagnoses, provide treatment, and write prescriptions for drugs. In certain locations, they can open their own offices as well. A registered nurse is the regular nurse that you encounter in hospitals and clinics. They assist doctors and attend to patients' needs. They cannot open their own offices and are restricted to caring for patients in medical facilities.

To become a registered nurse, you need to pursue a certain educational path. If you are currently still in high school, take many different science classes. Then, take either the SAT or ACT so you can qualify for a nursing program. It is important to ensure that your school is an accredited institution. An aspiring registered nurse can select from a bachelor's degree, a three-year diploma, or a two-year associate's degree. All of these paths will provide training in caring directly for patients, but the bachelor's program will provide administrative training as well. To earn the designation of a nurse practitioner, you will have to get your master's degree. This will provide you with more advanced training for both administrative and clinical practices.

After you finish your studies, you must then pass a federal nursing examination. Don't grow lax once you are hired as a nurse. Stay up-to-date on the latest changes in the medical and legal aspects of this field. Health care is one of those areas where you need continuous learning and refreshing to serve your patients as well as possible. With each new medical breakthrough, new drugs make their appearance, treatment methodology changes, and state and federal legislation adjusts. For this reason, many states require mandatory training programs for established nurses in order to qualify for license renewal and continue practicing.

Your chances of getting a job as a registered nurse depend on two factors. These are the quality of your education and the amount of experience that you have. Gain relevant experience through voluntary service at non-profits, hospitals, shelters, and clinics. The more exposed you are, the higher your chances of securing a job will prove to be. If there is a particular field in medicine that appeals to you, take steps toward improving your experience in this area.

It is far easier to get a job if you have prior experience. By focusing on advancing your education, serving your patients to the best of your ability, and staying abreast of the advancements in your field, you will be able to out-climb your co-workers up the ladder.

Anyone who feels the need to assist people who are sick or injured should take steps to gain the skills required to become a nurse so those compassionate characteristics can be put to good use. Work hard to complete all of the necessary components and apply your skills to your nursing career.