Have you ever stopped for a moment and thought about what it’s actually like to be a registered nurse (RN)? Or maybe you’re considering pursuing a career as one of the standout MVPs of healthcare and you have actually thought about it. Either way, the importance of these healthcare heroes who seem to have an unlimited supply of care and compassion (mixed with a little grit and determination), can be summed up by the following excerpts from the very fitting definition of “nurse” from the urban dictionary:
- Hospitals wouldn’t run without them.
- If there were no nurses, many people would die.
- The nurse will make sure you are safe and get better.
- Nurses will sit with you and really listen.
- They will laugh with you, cry with you, and hug you.
- The nurse is the ultimate patient advocate.
Umm, they clearly forgot “superheroes in scrubs.” But nonetheless, you get the picture. Nurses are the glue that hold the massive machine of healthcare together. There are never enough of them, and the world would be lost without them.
So, what’s it like to walk in the (hopefully super comfy) shoes of an RN? If you’re thinking about joining the healthcare profession and want to know more about RN life, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know. Let’s start with what an RN actually does on a regular basis.
Typical Duties of an RN
Generally speaking, RNs provide direct support to physicians and patient care to, well – patients. There are many different specializations within nursing, but an overview of the routine duties of an RN typically include:
- Assessing patient conditions
- Recording patient medical histories and symptoms
- Observing patients and recording observations
- Administering patient medicines and treatments
- Setting up plans for patient care or contributing information to existing plans
- Consulting and collaborating with doctors and other healthcare professionals
- Operating and monitoring medical equipment
- Helping to perform diagnostic tests and analyzing the results
- Educating patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries
- Instructing patients on what to do at home after treatment
- Direct patient care including treating wounds
- Drawing blood and other samples for lab work
- Supervising LPNs and LVNs, medical assistants and nursing students
However, there is no truly typical day in the life of an RN. Because every day, every patient, every moment – has the potential to be completely different than the one before. But you’ll be on the front line of a place where joy and sorrow may coincide, and you have the power to transform both with your skills, empathy and compassion. Translation – RN life is not likely to be mundane.
What are the requirements to become an RN?
There are a few paths to becoming an RN and they can vary from state to state. But all states require RNs to be licensed. That means completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). Prospective students can find both bachelor, and associate degree nursing programs to choose from depending on their individual goals. And there are a variety of other certifications RNs can pursue in specialty areas such as ambulatory care, pediatrics and more.
In addition, some states or healthcare organizations may require RNS to successfully obtain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS), or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification to be considered for employment as an RN.
You can find out what the requirements are in your state by contacting the nursing board in your state. Each state has a state nursing board that establishes the state-specific requirements for RNs to practice.
Do I have what it takes to be an RN?
Needless to say, being an RN requires not just the right training, but also some unique characteristics in a person. Obviously, a passionate interest in helping people is key but nursing is also a science in some respects, so it helps to have a passion for science and excellent critical thinking, and organizational skills as well.
Working as an RN means you’ll be dealing with emergencies and sometimes, very emotional clients. So, maintaining a calm, yet compassionate demeanor is critical. You’ll also need to be physically capable of handling being on your feet for long periods of time. Throw in excellent people skills and a non-squeamish nature and you have the makings of a top-notch RN!
What is the Career Outlook for RNs?
If you needed an indication that the demand for RNs was not only high but would remain high for the foreseeable future, consider that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 203, 200 openings for RNs in the U.S. every year over the next decade. Wages for RNs are also substantial with the average annual salary hovering around $78K and the highest 10% earning more than $120K.
What’s the Best Reason to Become an RN?
In a nutshell, it’s a great feeling to be part of healing – It really is. It is perhaps the greatest benefit of all the other tangible benefits like job security, and great pay. That feeling you get from helping others feel just a little bit better. As an RN, you have the power to transform someone’s day and be the difference between an experience being terrible or tolerable. It’s also a career that is respected by people and communities across the board. After all, RNs are the epitome of essential workers.
If you’re someone who wants to make a difference in people’s lives while you make a living, you could easily be a natural fit for a career as an RN. Doctors, and patients alike, rely on the skills and compassion professional RNs bring to work each and every day. It’s a rewarding and humbling career that will never leave you bored or wondering where to find work. In fact, when you’re an RN, you’re more likely to find – that work finds you! After all, wherever there are people who need care, there will be a need for skilled RNs.
