Career or Job Opportunities as Registered Nurse

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Similar Titles

Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR), Charge Nurse, Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse), Oncology RN (Oncology Registered Nurse), Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN), Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse), Relief Charge Nurse, School Nurse, Staff Nurse, Staff RN (Staff Registered Nurse)

Job Description

At some point in our lives, we all experience an injury or illness that leads to a trip to a clinic or hospital. While there, we’re likely to encounter a range of medical professionals, including various types of nurses—the most numerous of which are called Registered Nurses.

Registered Nurses (RNs) provide complex care to patients in settings like hospitals, physician’s offices, outpatient care centers, and even private homes. Their tasks range from patient assessment to developing and implementing nursing care plans and administering prescribed medications.

RNs also supervise Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), ensuring the team delivers timely, high-quality care. They must collaborate closely with doctors and other providers, offering valuable insights that can help inform decision-making when it comes to patient care.

In-home care settings, they may oversee the implementation of care plans and provide direct patient care. Their expertise in clinical procedures, patient education, and advocacy is essential for positive patient outcomes.
Registered Nurses who pursue additional training may hold advanced practice roles such as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (or Nurse Practitioner).

Rewarding Aspects of Career

Making significant impacts on patient health and recovery
High demand in the healthcare sector with strong projected job growth
Extensive opportunities for advancement and specialization

The Inside Scoop

Job Responsibilities

Working Schedule
Registered Nurses work either part-time or full-time and can expect rotating schedules with night, weekend, and holiday shifts. Shift lengths range from 8 to 12 hours. In hospital settings, RNs may work three 12-hour shifts and then have four days off.

Typical Duties

Observe patient behavior, routines, and progress; ensure patient safety and comfort
Operate and monitor medical equipment
Monitor patient vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, etc.) and conduct comprehensive assessments
Gather and share data with doctors to formulate an initial nursing care plan
Review and implement care plans with LPNs/LVNs and nursing assistants
Discuss concerns and explain care plans with patients and families
Administer medications and treatments; provide wound care and bandage changes
Document given care, maintain diligent records, and oversee proper intake/discharge
Communicate updates to healthcare team members regarding patient status
Assist with patient mobility, transport, and preparation for procedures
Coordinate or oversee the coordination of patient care with therapists, specialists, etc.
Maintain hygienic conditions and practice infection control
Respond to emergencies. As needed, perform triage, collect blood samples, administer oxygen, perform CPR, operate Automated External
Defibrillator units, insert intravenous lines for medication administration, and use the Incident Command System
Offer comfort and emotional support to patients and their families during stressful situations

Additional Responsibilities

Supervise LVNs and CNAs
Perform specialty tasks based on training in areas such as critical care, pediatrics, or oncology
Maintain patient confidentiality and ethical standards
Engage in policy development and quality improvement initiatives
Advocate for patient rights and ethical healthcare practices
Provide pre-operative and post-operative care, helping to ensure speedy recoveries
Participate in continuous training and professional development
Assist with specimen collection and laboratory tests
Educate patients about self-care and long-term symptom management
Maintain patient confidentiality

Skills Needed on the Job

Soft Skills

Adaptability
Bedside manner
Compassion
Composure
Conflict resolution
Critical thinking
Cultural sensitivity
Dependability
Detail-oriented
Emotional resilience
Empathy
Integrity
Interpersonal skills
Leadership
Multitasking
Observant
Patience
Physical stamina
Relationship-building
Reliability
Safety conscious
Sound judgment
Strong communication skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Time management

Technical Skills

Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems for documentation and medical history tracking
Skilled in operating and maintaining medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and intravenous infusion pumps
Understanding of pharmacology, medication administration, and monitoring for adverse reactions
Expertise in wound care management (i.e., dressing changes, monitoring for signs of infection, etc.)
Knowledge of patient assessment techniques, vitals monitoring, and ability to identify condition changes
Ability to help develop, implement, and adjust individualized healthcare plans in collaboration
Competency monitoring, evaluating, and documenting rehabilitation progress
Adherence to sanitation, sterilization, hygiene, and infection control protocols
Proper wear and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Proficiency in providing mobility assistance and use of assistive devices
Knowledge of basic physical therapy exercises for patient support and recovery
Familiarity with emergency response actions (including IV infusions, oxygen administration, patient transport, and Incident Command System, in some cases)
Familiarity with medical software such as:

eClinicalWorks
Epic Systems
Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System
Infusion management software
Medical condition and procedure coding software
MedicWare EMR
MEDITECH
PointClickCare
Prescription processing software
Telephone triage software

Different Types of Organizations

Alzheimer’s facilities
Assisted living centers
Continuing care retirement communities
Government and community health agencies
Home healthcare services
Hospice care facilities
Hospitals rehabilitation units
Military and veterans’ facilities
Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
Outpatient centers
Rehabilitation centers

Expectations and Sacrifices

Nursing environments are unlike most typical workplaces. Hours can be long, with night and weekend work common. Patients come and go, with various health issues and personalities that RNs must adapt to and contend with with patience and perseverance.

Expectations run high, with potentially several patients’ health and wellness depending on their diligence and focus. The job can be stressful, exhausting, or even overwhelming at times, especially in intense places like emergency rooms. In addition, RNs are at risk of occupational injuries (from moving patients), exposure to infectious diseases, and exposure to various chemicals and possibly even radiation.

Suffice it to say, nursing can be a demanding career—but it’s also one with an enormously crucial impact!

Current Trends

The issue of nursing turnover is a significant challenge, with 31% of nurses expressing an intent to leave their current roles in direct patient care. The high turnover rate highlights the ongoing pressures RNs face as the problem of nursing shortages continues to affect the whole healthcare industry.

The silver lining is that healthcare leaders are, to varying degrees, paying more attention and listening more to nurses’ concerns, prioritizing improved workplace cultures and other retention efforts. Part of this shift is an increase in diversifying nursing student bodies by addressing barriers to educational access.

Meanwhile, telehealth nursing is a trend that seeks to offer better accessibility to care for patients in remote or underserved areas, as well as enhanced patient monitoring, and a reduction in the strain on healthcare facilities in general. The downside is the need for extra training for nurses to learn the systems and procedures, as they juggle so many other duties.

What kinds of things did people in this career enjoy doing when they were younger…

Registered Nurses are patient, pragmatic caregivers who may have always been interested in healthcare and able to deal with sights and circumstances that might make others squeamish.

They could have been responsible for the care of family members at an early age. They’re curious, collaborative, empathetic, and strong communicators, all traits that could have been nurtured through extracurricular activities in school. Perhaps above all is their ability to think critically, especially in triage situations. This skill could have been developed on their own or with the help of teachers and parents.

Education and Training Needed

Depending on the program, RN training may occur at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, four-year colleges, universities, and hospitals
Some students sign up for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) diploma first, or a Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse certification before applying to an RN program
Many vocational-oriented high schools offer career pathway programs in health sciences or certain CNA or LPN classes or dual enrollment opportunities that allow students to gain college credits and get a jump start on their nursing careers
Some states allow hospital-based nursing schools to offer nursing diplomas which may not count for college credit
There are also nurse apprenticeship programs available in states such as Illinois, Maryland, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington (per Indeed.com), with others in development. However, apprenticeship applicants may need to first be enrolled in an RN degree program!

RN Degree Options

Students have the option to pursue one of the following degree types:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Note, there are undergraduate-level bridge programs, such as:

LPN/LVN-to-RN
RN-to-BSN

There are also graduate bridge programs such as BSN-to-MSN, as well as dual master’s options, and direct-entry MSN (aka Entry Level Masters Program in Nursing) programs for students whose bachelor’s was not in a nursing field
There are several areas of specialization for MSN students, such as:

Certified Nurse Midwife
Clinical Nurse Leader
Diabetes Care Specialist
Nurse Researcher
Nursing Administrator
Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse
Public Health Nurse

Additional Options

Some states may have additional options, such as California’s LVN 30 Unit Option, which “takes approximately 18-24 months” but offers no degree upon completion. “Most other states do not recognize California's LVN 30 Unit Option and will not issue RN licenses to these LVNs,” writes CA.gov.
Many nurses are trained through military programs, serving on active duty before transitioning back into the civilian workforce. In such cases, they will need to pass an exam for RN licensure, so long as they’ve completed sufficient RN education and clinical experience.

Applying for Nursing School

To apply to a state-approved RN training program, applicants need a high school diploma or GED equivalent
A good GPA plus a solid background in subjects like English, math (algebra and geometry), and science (biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science) are recommended. Knowledge of social sciences and a foreign language will make your application more competitive
Some nursing programs have prerequisites, so it is helpful to know in advance where you want to attend training so you can prepare by taking the right classes
RN program applicants may have to take a program entrance exam, such as the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (PAX), Nursing Entrance Test, Kaplan Nursing School Admission Test, or Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) assessment
Bachelor’s programs may require a math or English placement test or college placement test scores (such as the SAT or ACT)
Graduate programs may require the GRE. These exam scores can have a large impact on your application so it’s important to take them seriously and study
There are no 100% online RN programs due to the in-person clinical skills requirements. However many schools offer valid, reputable online and hybrid classes covering much of the academic coursework

Required in-person clinical components “may” be waived in some cases, if a student has enough existing clinical knowledge and work experience

Some US colleges incorporate Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCE) into their programs, to allow students “to practice and demonstrate clinical skills in a standardized medical scenario”

After RN School

Upon completion of training, RN program graduates must sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam before applying for state licensure. They cannot work without a license, however, it may be possible to obtain an interim permit to work under supervision until the NCLEX exam results are available
Licenses are renewable, but renewal usually requires completion of continuing education classes. Requirements vary by state
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing features a listing of all the state boards of nursing points of contact
Based on state or employer guidelines, RNs may need to meet mandatory immunization requirements, such as seasonal flu vaccination, Tdap, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, and meningococcal
RNs may have to pass criminal background and drug screening
A valid, current state driver’s license and clean driving record may be needed

Additional Certifications

Registered Nurses may complete optional credentials, such as:

Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice - Advanced Lactation Consultant
American Academy of Health, Fitness, & Rehabilitation Professionals - Post-Rehab Conditioning Specialist
American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders - Certified Addiction Specialist
American Assisted Living Nurses Association - Assisted Living Nurse Certification
American Association of Colleges of Nursing - Clinical Nurse Leader
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology)
American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (Certification Board) - Legal Nurse Consultant Certified
American Association of Neuroscience Nurses - American Board of Neuroscience Nursing - Stroke Certified Registered Nurse
American Association of Nurse Life Care Planners - Certified Nurse Life Care Planner
American Board for Occupational Health Nurses - Certified Occupational Health Nurse
American Board for Transplant Certification - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse
American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses - Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse
American Board of Managed Care Nursing - Certified Managed Care Nurse
American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc. - Certified Post-Anesthesia Nurse
American Board of Wound Management - Certified Wound Specialist
American Case Management Association - Accredited Case Manager
American Correctional Association - Certified Corrections Nurse Manager
American Council on Exercise - Weight Management Specialty Certification
American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Center - Nurse Coach Board-Certified
American Organization of Nurse Executives Credentialing Center - Certified Nurse Manager and Leader
American Red Cross - Basic Life Support Certification (i.e., CPR and AED)
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery - Certified Bariatric Nurse
ANA Enterprise - Informatics Nursing
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses - Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse
Biofeedback Certification International Alliance - Board Certified in Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback
Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing - Certified Emergency Nurse
Board of Nephrology Examiners Technology Nursing - Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse
Certification Board for Urologic Nurses and Associates - Certified Urologic Registered Nurse
Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. - Infection Control Certification
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools - Certification for Foreign Nurses
Dermatology Nurses' Association - Dermatology Nurse Certified
Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association - Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse
Forensic Nursing Certification Board - Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Adult/Adolescent
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nursing Association - APRN Gerontological Specialist - Certified
HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board - HIV/AIDS Certified Registered Nurse
Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association - Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse
Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation - Certified Registered Nurse Infusion
International Board for Certification of Safety Managers - Certified in Healthcare Safety - Long-Term Care
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
International Nurses Society on Addictions - Certified Addictions Registered Nurse
Lamaze International - Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
Lymphology Association of North America - Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board - Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
National Alliance of Wound Care - Wound Care Certification
National Assistant at Surgery Certification - Assistant at Surgery - Certified
National Association for Healthcare Quality - Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service - Intravenous Therapy Certification
National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care - Certified Assisted Living Nursing
National Association Of Emergency Medical Technicians - Advanced Medical Life Support
National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses - Orthopaedic Nurse Certified
National Board for Certification of School Nurses - Nationally Certified School Nurse
National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology - Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse
National Board on Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists - Initial Certification
National Center for Competency Testing - Nationally Certified Patient Care Technician
National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care - Certified Alzheimer Caregiver
National Certifying Board for Ophthalmic Registered Nurses - Certified Ophthalmic Registered Nurse
National Commission on Correctional Health Care - Certified Correctional Health Professional - Registered Nurse
National League for Nursing - Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator
Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission - Certified Dialysis Nurse
Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation - Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse
Organization for Transplant Professionals - Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse
Pediatric Nursing Certification Board - Certified Pediatric Nurse
Plastic Surgical Nurses Certification Board - Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse
Radiologic Nursing Certification Board - Certified Radiology Nurse
Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses - Certified Nurse in Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nursing
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers - Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist
The National Certification Corporation - Low-Risk Neonatal Nursing
Transcultural Nursing Certification Commission - Certified Transcultural Nursing - Advanced
Vascular Access Certification Corporation - Vascular Access-Board Certified
Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing Certification Board - Certified Continence Care Nurse

Things to look for in an University

RN training programs are available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, universities, and some hospitals. In addition, nursing programs are offered in some high school programs.

Review the RN training and licensure requirements for the state in which you plan to work.
Consider tuition costs (in-state/out-of-state rates), discounts, scholarships, and course delivery options (on-campus, online, or hybrid program).
Look for accredited programs with strong reputations and high pass rates for the NCLEX exam
Review the options for clinical experiences in local healthcare settings.
Consider the duration of the program and the flexibility of schedules.
Review faculty bios and awards. Learn about graduation rates and job placement stats. Peek at the accomplishments of the alumni network!

Things to do in High School and College

Volunteer in healthcare settings to gain exposure and pick up practical skills
Take classes in high school related to anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physical education, nutrition, psychology, health sciences, first aid, math, and English
Consider studying a second language that may be common in your area
Earn good grades so you can get accepted into a suitable nursing training program (or, if needed, a nursing assistant program first)
Develop a consistent workout schedule so you build stamina and strength while managing stress
Maintain a healthy diet and regular meal schedule, to keep your energy levels consistent
Participate in school activities where you can develop skills in project management, teamwork, leadership experience, and conflict resolution
Consider the format you want to take classes in. Some topics are fine for online study, but others are better taken in person when possible. Clinical practice will have to be done in person
Research any unique state or potential employer requirements for becoming an RN. Keep in mind that you may have to pass a criminal background check or drug screening
Request to do an informational interview with a working Registered Nurse to learn about their daily duties. Try to speak with a few in different areas of specialization
Check out online articles and videos about the pros and cons of the career field, the typical duties, the settings you could work in, and extra certifications you may want to pursue!
Maintain a list of contacts (with phone numbers or emails) who might serve as future job references
Keep a working draft of your resume and update it as you gain experience

Registered Nurse Roadmap

How to land your 1st job

Once licensed, RNs can explore job postings via sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, healthcare-specific job search sites, and the websites of applicable employers
You may also want to consider applying for a nursing apprenticeship if you’re still in college
Note, many recruiters have established pipelines with local RN training programs, so talk to your school’s program manager or career center about job placement assistance
Network with fellow healthcare professionals to learn about job opportunities. Don’t underestimate the power of “word of mouth” recruiting!
Advertise yourself on LinkedIn and keep your social media professional. Potential employers often screen candidates’ online activities
Check out Registered Nurse resumes for ideas on formatting, phrasing, and keywords to use

Keywords may include: patient care, clinical experience, critical thinking, team collaboration, emergency response, compassion, patient assessment, case management, healthcare technology, medication administration, vital signs monitoring, wound care, communication skills, infection control, nursing care planning, and CPR certification

Review potential interview questions to expect. Do several mock interviews to practice your responses
During interviews, exhibit a positive attitude, demonstrate your awareness of applicable terminology and awareness of current trends, and convey your ability to physically and mentally handle the workload
Read about the strategies RN recruiters use, to gain a perspective of their mindset during interviews
Dress professionally for interviews

How to Climb the Ladder

Discuss your long-term career objectives with your supervisor. Seek their guidance and mentorship to chart a clear path forward!
Build a reputation for exceptional patient care and demonstrate your readiness for advanced roles
Whatever RN degree you have, consider going up a level. For example, if you have an associate’s, apply for a bachelor’s program. If you have a bachelor’s, go for your master’s to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, i.e., Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), or Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Pursue advanced certifications in areas of specialized practice. Consider specializing in hard-to-fill or more difficult areas, such as intensive care unit or oncology nursing
Gain a comprehensive understanding of your employer’s policies and procedures
Strictly adhere to care plans and protocols, showcasing your commitment to patient safety and comfort
Maintain stringent sanitation and hygiene standards. Always wear your PPE when required
Foster effective communication with patients, families, fellow nurses, physicians, and the rest of the healthcare team
Regularly read nursing journals such as the Journal of Nursing Care Quality and participate in continuing education courses
Master the use of medical equipment and software, positioning yourself as a subject matter expert
Exhibit competence, integrity, reliability, initiative, and leadership
Share your knowledge with fellow nurses, mentoring others and setting a high standard to follow
Engage with local, state, or even national professional nursing organizations like the American Nurses Association to network, stay informed, and have fun!

Recommended Tools/Resources

Websites

Books

Ackley and Ladwig’s Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care, by Mary Beth Flynn Makic PhD RN CCNS FAAN FNAP FCNS and Marina Reyna Martinez-Kratz MS RN CNE
Next Generation NCLEX-RN Prep 2023-2024: Practice Test + Proven Strategies, by Kaplan Nursing
Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World, by Sarah DiGregorio
What They Do NOT Teach You in Nursing School: Lessons from a Seasoned Nurse, by Kristine Dittman

Plan B

Registered Nurses are absolutely essential to the healthcare industry but their roles are physically demanding, with long hours and sometimes highly stressful conditions. It takes plenty of resilience and a specific emotional temperament to thrive in this challenging field!

For students interested in exploring additional healthcare-related careers, check out the below options!

Dental Hygienist
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse Midwife
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physician Assistant
Psychiatric Technician
Registered Nurse
Respiratory Therapist
Social Worker
Surgical Assistant

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Edited by Matt Cates

Registered Nurse

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