Registered Nursing Education

Nursing will generate more jobs than any other occupation in the next five to ten years. Registered nurses are the largest segment of the health care occupations, and there are 2.5 million jobs that require a registered nurse. More than half of those jobs are in hospitals. The outlook for employment as a registered nurse is full of excellent opportunities, which will, of course be modified by the setting. A student who wishes to achieve an RN has three options for achieving his or her education. A candidate becomes a registered nurse through an approved nursing program and school, or with an associate degree plus nursing training (ADN) or with a BSN-RN. The nurse with a BSN has achieved both a bachelor’s degree and a nursing degree with coursework in the science fields and liberal arts. In the United States after completing the education component, the candidate must then complete a national licensing examination to obtain a nursing license. That person may also pursue further training and specialization. Graduates of any of these three programs are qualified for entry level positions.

The components of all nursing education programs include classroom instruction, as well as supervised rotations to gain experience in clinical settings such as hospitals and other care facilities. For nursing the classes include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and behavioral sciences such as psychology, as well as nursing courses. For the ADN and BSN there is also a required liberal arts curriculum.

Working as a Registered Nurse

An important aspect of working as a registered nurse is the role of patient advocate. They have a much more expanded role in care than an LPN, and have correspondingly advanced education. Their scope of practice includes assessments, planning, and implementation of care. An RN evaluates the care provided by the LPN’s, nursing assistants and other non licensed aids that work under them in a care setting. They will have had more education, harder course work and more extensive clinical training in making their way to the level of Registered Nurse. It is often thanks to the manner in which a registered nurse implements the treatment plans of the physician that the patient makes a thorough and complete recovery. They have their eyes and ears open for any change in the status of their patients, and often have more time to spend than the Doctor in giving personalized care.

Both the United States and the United Kingdom have national registries for nurses. Examinations and training for this critical position are stringent, challenging the candidate to do their best. Prospective students compete for acceptance into nursing programs both in colleges and in nursing schools. Often there are limited slots available, because the work is very intensive and needs to be monitored for highest quality. Being accepted to nursing school, and completing the course and passing the registration exam are all remarkable achievements. Becoming an RN is a career and a calling of which a person can be proud. Registered Nurses are healers, teachers, and a comforters to the patients they have in their care. Nurses advocate for the best interest of the patients and bridge the gap that is sometimes seen between the doctor and their patients.