Quote:
“Recognizing the long history of and the struggles by African-American (AA) nurses for education and equality in the nursing profession, it is essential that more African-American students be recruited, retained, and matriculated into the profession of nursing….. Given the current racial/ethnic background of the registered nurse population in the United States, there is an obvious disparity in the representation of minorities in the nursing profession, in spite of the increasing number of minorities represented in the general population.” -from The Journal of Cultural Diversity
Definition of Profession:
A registered professional nurse (RNs) execute medical regimens as prescribed by licensed physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and podiatrists, and help patients to maintain or re-gain good health. RNs diagnose and treat health problems while performing ongoing health assessments. RNs also teach and counsel on health issues work as members of an interdisciplinary health care team to plan and implement the health care needs of consumers.
About the Field:
Registered nurses constitute the largest health care occupation, with 2.4 million jobs. About 3 out of 5 jobs are in hospitals. The three major educational paths to registered nursing are a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, and a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses are projected to create the second largest number of new jobs among all occupations; job opportunities in most specialties and employment settings are expected to be excellent, with some employers reporting difficulty in attracting and retaining enough RNs.
How To Get There:
An RN has completed an approved two-year registered nursing program (including a minimum of 30 semester hours in nursing) or an approved four-year bachelor’s degree nursing program with a minimum of 40 semester hours in nursing. These studies include the basic sciences and a clinical experience component. RNs spend long hours studying and memorizing scientific information while learning about ethical issues related to terminal illness and death. RNs gain clinical experience for college credit in schools, hospitals, community health organizations and mental health institutions, culminating in the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Additional requirements for New York State Licensure are that an RN must be of good moral character, be at least 18 years of age, and must complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider.
On The Job:
Nurses provide health care, first aid, and immunization in facilities such as schools, hospitals, and industry. In the hospital setting, they observe and record patient’s skin color, dilation of pupils, and use computerized equipment to monitor vital signs. Nurses also prepare patients for and assist with examinations. Additional hospital duties include preparing rooms and handing sterile instruments, equipment and supplies to surgeons. Nurses can also direct and coordinate infection-control programs in a hospital. RNs also inform physician of patient’s condition during anesthesia. Nurses also order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess a patient’s condition. Other clinical duties include mediation administration by various routes. In the obstetrics setting, they can assist in the delivery of infants and perform postpartum examinations and treatment. RNs also conduct health education, disease prevention, and home nursing services.
Tools of the Trade/Lifestyle:
Most RNs work in well-lighted, comfortable health care facilities. Home health and public health nurses travel to patients’ homes, schools, community centers, and other sites. RNs may spend considerable time walking and standing. Patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities require 24-hour care; consequently, nurses in these institutions may work nights, weekends, and holidays. RNs also may be on call—available to work on short notice. Nurses who work in office settings are more likely to work regular business hours. About 23 percent of RNs worked part time in 2004, and 7 percent held more than one job.
Nursing has its hazards, especially in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and clinics, where nurses may care for individuals with infectious diseases. RNs must observe rigid, standardized guidelines to guard against disease and other dangers, such as those posed by radiation, accidental needle sticks, chemicals used to sterilize instruments, and anesthetics. In addition, they are vulnerable to back injury when moving patients, shocks from electrical equipment, and hazards posed by compressed gases. RNs who work with critically ill patients also may suffer emotional strain from observing patient suffering and from close personal contact with patients’ families.
Salary Range:
The national average salary of a registered nurse is $48,240/year.
You are:
Nurses should be caring, sympathetic, responsible, and detail oriented. They must be able to direct or supervise others, correctly assess patients’ conditions, and determine when consultation is required. They need emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
Related Professions:
Licensed Practical Nursing
Nurse Practitioner
