what is a registered nurse?

As a registered nurse, you are the backbone of health care. You do everything from give medications and carry out procedures to provide mental support and encouragement. You also focus on emergency care or intensive care if you are in that position. You might even end up in charge of other healthcare workers.

As a registered nurse, you keep an eye on patients, give them medicine, and take care of those who just had surgery. Teamwork is the name of the game, so you'll collaborate with other health professionals to ensure that the patient is well and comfortable before, during, and after medical procedures.

In the operating room, you prepare the tools for surgery and help the doctors with exams and treatments. You do things like give shots and change bandages. Your job is to monitor patients, notice signs of illness or discomfort, and help during surgeries.

So, if you want a rewarding job where you make a change in people's lives, think about becoming a registered nurse. As you give top-notch care, your ability to change and your caring nature will show through.

Would working in health as a registered nurse suit your flexibility and interest in helping people? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a registered nurse role.

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average registered nurse salary

Would you like to know what a registered nurse earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for a registered nurse? Then check out this registered nurse salary page and find out all about the salary of a registered nurse in the USA.

Doctors in a surgery room.
Doctors in a surgery room.
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types of registered nurses

Classification of registered nurses depends on the area of specialization and specific duties. Some of the types of available nurses include:

  • travel nurses: Travel nurses are registered nurses who assist hospitals and healthcare institutions in addressing staffing shortages. For instance, as a travel nurse, you step in for colleagues who are on maternity or medical leave. Additionally, you also go to foreign countries to aid in managing urgent scenarios such as national disasters.
  • surgical nurses: These nurses are registered nurses who have expertise in providing specialized care for surgical procedures. As a surgical nurse, you can work in hospital surgical departments, day-surgery units, and clinics or medical offices. These are where surgical teams perform invasive procedures.
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working as a registered nurse

Becoming a registered nurse starts a rewarding journey of helping other people. You must be sure of yourself for this hands-on job and have a big heart for helping people. Learn about the complicated employment and busy environment that make up your world as a registered nurse.

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registered nurse skills and education

To become a registered nurse, you need education and certain skills to help you stand out. Here is what you need:

  • advanced degree: These include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited school. A BSN can help you get a better job and advance your career.
  • license: You gain a license after passing the NCLEX-RN test. You need this license to be able to work as a registered nurse.
  • certifications: These help your job a lot. Choices like Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) or Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) ensure you stand out.
  • continuing education: This ensures that your skills are sharp and your knowledge is current. Some companies also want you to have certain certifications or training.

skills and competencies

As a registered nurse, you need the following skills and competencies:

  • caring: You need to be caring to provide the best care for patients. This helps you administer treatment on time to alleviate pain and advise patients on the best ways to boost recovery.
  • detail oriented: You must be detail-oriented to avoid mixing up treatment plans or administering the wrong medicine to patients. As a registered nurse, you juggle many tasks, from receiving physician instructions to conducting examinations.
  • problem-solving skills: You need natural problem-solving skills to succeed in the role since you handle various patients, and sometimes the diagnosis from tests isn't clear. Exceptional problem-solving skills help you avoid adverse patient outcomes.
  • physical fitness: Being physically fit makes your work easier. The physical demands of being a registered nurse can take a toll on you. Your role involves lifting and adjusting patients, walking around the hospital, or administering treatment.
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FAQs about working as a registered nurse

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about registered nurses.

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