Registered Nurse Careers Information
Want to work in a medical field with an enormous range of specialties? Think about becoming a registered nurse (RN). RNs treat patients, teach patients and the public about medical conditions, and are a support system for patients’ families. They chart histories and symptoms, run tests to evaluate a patient’s condition, administer treatment, and aid in patient aftercare. RN’s work with the doctor on the case, assisting in exams or procedures.
Registered Nurse Careers & Degrees
- Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online
South University: Online
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree completion program
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator Specialization
Grand Canyon University: Online
- B.S. in Nursing (Registered Nurse - R.N. to B.S.N)
- M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
- M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (dual degree)
- M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
Usually, registered nurse careers are divided by treatment type, disease type, what part of the body is affected, and what types of people are affected. This results in specialties such as pediatric oncology, or geriatric cardiology. Nurses may work in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or clinics.
Registered Nurse Careers Path
The main three routes to becoming a registered nurse are earning an Associate’s degree (ASN), a Bachelor’s degree (BSN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. All states require nurses to pass a national licensing exam called the NCLEX-RN. Nurses with a Bachelor’s or Master’s (MSN) have more career options, including managerial positions, teaching, or advanced specialties.
Registered Nurse Careers: Compatible Personality Traits for a Nurse
Good communicator, friendly, attentive, observant, organized, nurturing, calm, dependable, tactful, flexible
Registered Nurse Interview
Interested in a registered nursing career? Read More from a Registered Nurse…
Registered Nurse Careers Salary Expectations
The median salary for registered nurses is $62,450. Nurses in the employment services have the highest median salary, at $68,160, and salaries for nurses in nursing care facilities have the lowest, at $57,060.
Registered Nurse Careers Job Outlook
According to the Department of Labor, employment for RNs is expected to grow by 22% by 2018, a rate significantly faster than the economy as a whole. There has been a nationwide shortage of nurses for quite a few years now, and as the healthcare sector continues to grow, demand for new nurses should only increase. Because of the sheer number of nurses needed, job opportunities should be very good for qualified candidates. The biggest challenge for aspiring nurses may in fact be find a spot in one of the hundreds of nursing schools, many of which are trying to expand capacity to keep up with demand.
Registered Nurse Associations and Resources
American Nurses Association
National Council of State Boards of NursingSlightly off the Footpath
- Dietitian/Nutritionist
- EMT/Paramedic
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Certified Nursing Midwife
Nursing News
Whether you want to enroll in nursing school or you’re an experienced nurse looking to advance your career, you need to know the latest industry news. Our nursing news page is updated daily with headlines from sources across the web. Read updates on Nursing >>
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm (visited August 9, 2011).
