Registered nurses are in high demand, and there are millions of them working across the country. The registered nurse education requirements are quite stringent, and they are something that will take a long time to attain. Fulfilling the registered nurse education requirements can take three years or more to reach.
To become a nurse, you must have a high school diploma or a GED and then, you will need to go through a degree program in most cases. These programs require you to learn in a classroom setting and some of the courses consist of chemistry, biology, nutrition and psychology, as well as microbiology. There are also courses that include clinicals and other issues that will relate to dealing with people and handling the practice.
A diploma in nursing is another option but are less common. These programs are usually offered by a hospital and typically take about three years to get through.
It’s most common for aspiring nurses to go from high school, directly into a four year BSN (bachelor of science in nursing) program. This will open up many opportunities in a variety of health care settings.
You will need to take the National Council Licensure Examination so that you can practice. Although having an associate’s degree in nursing can get you started working right away, you might find that your chances for advancement will be much improved if you continue your education and get a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
Nursing is a job that is quite difficult and challenging. You will be dealing with a wide range of people over the course of your career, including children, the elderly, bariatric patients, newborns and more. You will have the chance to specialize depending on what sort of patients you want to deal with the most, and this will offer some good opportunities to develop your career.
More than half of all RNs work in hospitals, but you will have the chance to work elsewhere if you would like to. Some nurses work in nursing homes or other places where patients require aid around the clock. This means that there is demand for nurses all day, every day. You will have the chance to work in a dynamic and exciting field, but your hours could be quite unsociable.
Nursing is very rewarding but it can be difficult to disconnect yourself from your patients, so it can be emotionally draining at times, especially if you are working with people who are suffering from ill health.
If you are struggling to cope with the patients that you are working with, then help is available, and there is support for nurses who need it. Talk to your employer about the help that is available to you, especially when you are new to the practice. They will be able to offer you advice and support as necessary. Nurses are in huge demand, and the hospitals want to make sure that the ones that are working with them are happy and healthy, so that they do not burn out as a result of the work that they are doing in the hospital.