WHY SHOULD I BECOME A registered nURSE? JOBS? CAREER?

registered NURSE CAREER OUTLOOK

Registered Nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. Functions of a Registered Nurse include:

• Assess patients’ conditions

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• Record patients’ medical histories and symptoms

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• Observe patients and record the observations

• Administer patients’ medicines and treatments

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• Set up plans for patients’ care or contribute information to existing plans

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• Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals

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• Operate and monitor medical equipment

• Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results

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• Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries

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• Explain what to do at home after treatment

Future OUTLOOK

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for Registered Nurses is expected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Why? As the health care needs of baby boomers increase, and an increase in chronic conditions occurs, the demand for RNs is expected to rise in turn. The average wage for Registered  Nurses is $71,730 per year, approximately $34.48 per hour. For more information about Registered Nurses, visit www.bls.gov.

Summary

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Quick Facts: Registered Nurses

• 2018 Median Pay: $71,730 per year $34.48 per hour

• Typical Entry-Level Education:  Bachelor's Degree

• Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None

• On-the-job Training: None

• Number of Jobs, 2018:  3,059,800

• Job Outlook, 2018-2028: 12% (Much faster than average)

• Employment Change, 2018-2028:371, 500

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What Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Do

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions

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Work Environment

Registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. Others work in outpatient clinics and schools.

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How to Become a Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse

Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.

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Pay

The median annual wage for registered nurses was $71,730 in May 2018.

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Job Outlook

Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; increasing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as this group leads longer and more active lives.