Day in the Life of a Nurse: Is It Right for Me?
Nursing is one career that is always looking for new employees. In fact, the job outlook for registered nurses as of 2016 is expected to grow much faster than average by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That can make it very attractive to students, but you may wonder whether this career is right for you before you apply to nursing school. As this can be one of the most significant changes in your life, it’s a good idea to learn about what a typical day is for a nurse to help you make the final decision.
What are a Nurse’s Hours Like?
Nurses work in shifts, and there’s always someone working to care for patients. Different locations have different shift requirements with some nurses working eight-hour shifts five times a week to others working 10 or 12-hour shifts and fewer days a week. Your shifts can be scheduled around the clock during the day, evening, or night.
Don’t think that night shift will be easy with patients sleeping. There is always something to be done when you’re a registered nurse. It’s all about balancing caring for your patients and making sure to keep up with the paperwork that’s required. Sometimes there will be several top priorities that need to be done right away, and it’s up to you to accomplish them.
What is a Typical Shift Like?
The typical shift will start out with speaking to the nurse whom you’re taking over for in the area. They’ll give you the history and sketch out the events that had happened during their shift. You’ll get an idea of how many patients you’ll be caring for during your shift and their medical histories during their stay. This information helps to sketch out you can expect to happen and what tasks will need to be done. At this point, you’ll get started on your paperwork to prepare for the day.
Next, you’ll go around and meet with your patients to introduce yourself for the shift to let them know who is responsible for their care for the next shift. You’ll probably be told about things that they need, such as help getting comfortable, needing a medication, or refilling their water cup.
What Else Might I Be Doing as a Registered Nurse?
Other tasks that’ll happen during your shift includes medication passes, testing blood sugar, testing blood pressure, handling catheter bags, working with IVs, talking with doctors, dealing with other departments, and speaking with the loved ones of your patients.
You may often be expected to explain tests that the patient may be going through that day or diagnosis that the patient was given. Your observation skills will be put to the test by the patients where you can note things for the doctors in the records you’ll keep. You’ll always be on your toes to make sure that no mistakes are made with the care of your patients.
You’ll always be busy with things to do, and this setting can be very stressful for some. Many don’t mind this stress because it gives them a chance to make someone’s life a little better, even if it’s just helping them with adding another pillow behind their back or cracking a joke to make your patient smile.
Interested in learning more from actual nurses? There are some great nurses out there that are sharing their stories to teach others about their career field.
Get Practical Experience
One thing that you can do to experience the medical field a little closer without education is volunteering. Your local hospital often uses volunteers to help with daily operations. Your local nursing home often needs volunteers for programming, as well. You can use the internet to help you find volunteering options in your area. You won’t be involved with medical care, but you can get a feel for how these places run, and what can be expected from you as a nurse. Plus, you’ll have a better idea if this is the right career for you.
Are you interested in becoming a registered nurse? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, consider ECPI University for your education. For more information on this exciting degree program, connect with a helpful admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Nursing (RN) - Associate’s
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