What is it like to be a Nurse, Honestly?
The nursing field offers a variety of exciting, fulfilling, and well-paid positions for those with the right education. The American Nurses Association has highlighted the nursing shortage the country is currently experiencing and calls for people to consider their nursing one of their career options. Clearly, nursing is a growing and in-demand field. But what is it really like to work as a nurse?
A Nurse's Basic Duties
Nurses are essential to the modern medical care process. The RN’s daily routine can be different depending on where they work, and their chosen specialty. However, all nurses are responsible for helping doctors diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and injury using their clinical, interpersonal, and administrative skills. This can include:
- Recording vital information like patient history, symptoms, and current medications.
- Dispensing medications and prescribed treatments.
- Observing and recording patient progress.
- Completing diagnostic tests like urinalysis and blood analysis.
- Providing patient education on home management for medical problems and aftercare instructions.
Some RNs are responsible for directing the efforts of other nursing staff like LPNs and CNAs. In these cases, their daily duties would focus more on administrative tasks like scheduling, ordering supplies, and coordinating with doctors and other staff members to provide consistent care.
While, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 61% of RNs worked for large hospitals in 2014, their skills help all types of facilities to serve the needs of patients. Long-term care homes, independent doctor’s offices, clinics, and schools use the services of RNs to provide medical care.
Qualities of a Successful RN
What does it take to be a successful nurse? Most of the skills and procedures needed on-the-job can be learned in a degree program. There are, however, there are some personal qualities that accentuate clinical knowledge.
- Critical thinking. Nurses are on the front lines of medical care. They should be able to recognize and respond to changes in patient health or progress.
- Clear verbal and written communication. As the liaison between doctors and patients, nurses must be able to communicate instructions, questions, and other information in an accurate yet concise way.
- Physical stamina. RNs spend their work time walking, bending, pushing, and helping patients move. This constant activity demands a strong, healthy body with plenty of energy.
- Ability to stay organized while doing multiple tasks. Whether you work at a desk or right next to the doctor, keeping paperwork, test results, and other data secured and properly filed is a significant part of a nurse’s job.
- Empathy and compassion. Getting medical care can be frightening and uncomfortable. A big part of being an effective nurse is providing mental and emotional comfort to patients.
Nursing is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Many RNs work long hours with few breaks. However, for those who are able to endure the body fluids, tears, and constant needs of their patients, a career in nursing offers unique and lasting rewards.
Benefits of a Nursing Career
Beyond the above-average pay, a nursing career offers a multitude of benefits.
- Job security. While the need for qualified nurses continues to rise, fewer applicants have the skills and knowledge doctors need in their practice.
- Endless opportunity. Your nursing career is highly customizable. Continuing education requirements make it easy to find the perfect specialty for your goals and personality. From nurse educator to running your own private practice, the only limit on your nursing career is your imagination.
- Flexible scheduling. Many RNs work on a part-time basis. Shifts are usually available that fit your preferences. You can work days, nights, weekends, or whatever combination that fits your life commitments.
Do you believe you have what it takes to make it in the world of nursing? The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from ECPI University can be the first step towards your ideal nursing career. In 18 months, you could learn the clinical knowledge required for an entry-level position on any medical team. Contact the admissions team today to find out how a degree from ECPI University can be the start your nursing journey.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Nursing (RN) - Associate’s
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