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Registered Nurse: Nursing Careers, Jobs, Salary, Job Description, Qualifications And Certification

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Published: June 12, 2007

Is it time for a career change? Though it's not something people usually think of immediately, nursing is a career that can be very satisfying. Of course, it does take a lot of time and energy, but registered nurse salaries are excellent. Registered nurse qualifications are tough, but for someone considering a career change - male or female - nurse jobs are on high demand.

Though the registered nurse symbol is a simple "RN," becoming a registered nurse is not an easy task. Registered nurse careers require someone who is caring and compassionate, who wants to get to know the patients. Nursing is a difficult profession, and not one that just anyone can enter. Nursing qualifications include at least three years of study as well as practical experience, which most nursing students acquire throughout their study time. People who have no interest in science will probably not make good nursing students, as a familiarity with biology and some chemistry is important. It is also important for nursing students to receive a registered nurse certification, which, though it's not necessary in all states, will give nurses a leg up in the field.

The RN job description is not for the faint of heart. If the very idea of a needle causes someone to be squeamish, nursing is probably not the ideal position. But the RN does much more than terrorize adults and small children with needles. A RN must be able to care for his or her patient by observing the symptoms and determining what's wrong. They must also record the reactions to whatever drugs are administered and keep track of patients' progress. To put it lightly, a RN must be highly organized. Nursing can also involve helping doctors with surgery, treatments, and exams.

The traveling registered nurse has the same responsibilities as a stationary RN, working in a hospital or doctor's office. However, they work in more than one location, and are free to move often. There are several traveling nurse jobs available, in most of the Unites States and most of the world. The number of traveling RN jobs, and nurse jobs in general, will continue to grow as nursing is currently the career that will have the most job opportunities for the next several years.

RN salaries are incredible, partially because their job description entails so much. Though the pay rate varies from state to state and city to city, average RN salaries for 2002 was $44,7000 for RNs in hospitals, and approximately $60, 900 for RNs in clinics, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.  Likewise, traveling registered nurse positions also offer great salaries. Registered nurse certifications also go a long way towards increasing a nurse's responsibility, and therefore the salary. Given the rigors of the job and the heavy qualifications, registered nurses obviously deserve their salaries.

People tend to give all the credit to the doctor, but it's often the RN giving the majority of the patient care.  Obviously, registered nurses have a lot on their plates, as made obvious by their job description. Registered nurses are in high demand, and that will not change for some time. Just remember: it's a job that requires a lot of hard work and patience.


Sources:
Certification Review and Update. Health Leadership.7 June 2007.
http://www.healthleadership.com/html/certrev_abo utcert.html
Nursing Career Overview. Mayo Clinic. 2003. Mayo Foundation. 7 June 2007.
http://www.mayo.edu/mshs/rn-career.html
Registered Nurse (RN) and Nursing Careers, Jobs, and Employment Information. Career Overview. 2004. 7 June 2007. http://www.careeroverview.com/nurse-careers.htmlRegistered Nurses. U.S. Department of Labor. 4 Aug. 2006. 7 June 2007.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm
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