RN Overview
(7-Week Accelerated Nursing Program)
Professional Nurses–also known as Registered Nurses (RN)– are a crucial component of the Healthcare Delivery System. Registered Nursing requires a large skillset consisting of information and experiential knowledge employed to assess, develop, and implement care plans to promote health. This often includes matters of disease prevention and coping with illness in that nurses observe patients to assess their condition by recording symptoms, reactions, and progress. This information then provides the basis for care planning and intervention. Registered Nurses are health educators and patient advocates.
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RN Work Environment & Conditions
While the majority of professional nurses work in stationary positions within healthcare facilities, home health and public health nurses oftentimes travel to their patients at schools, homes, and other sites.
It is somewhat common for RNs to be physically active in the workplace, which requires the ability to walk, stand, and lift throughout the work day. Because nursing involves direct involvement with illness, medical emergencies, and other stressful situations, the RN must be able to cope well with these environmental demands.
RN Job Functions & Responsibilities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sites Registered Nursing among the top ten occupations with the largest projected job growth. Employment of Registered Nurses is expected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, which is faster than the average for all U.S. occupations.
RN Career Advancement & Job Security
Registered nurses earn on average 65K+ a year, although compensation depends on level of education, experience, geographic location and the type of facility. Experienced registered nurses with advanced education can earn upward of $80,000 a year.
