What a Registered Nurse?

A registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who has completed an accredited nursing program and passed a national licensing exam. RNs are licensed to practice nursing in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

RNs provide direct patient care, including:

- Assessing patients' health status

- Developing and implementing nursing care plans

- Administering medications

- Monitoring patients' vital signs

- Educating patients and their families about their health conditions

- Providing emotional support to patients and their families

RNs work in a variety of settings, including:

- Hospitals

- Clinics

- Doctor's offices

- Long-term care facilities

- Home health agencies

- Schools

- Public health departments

RNs play a vital role in the healthcare system. They provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients, and they help to promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

To become an RN, you must:

1. Complete an accredited nursing program.

2. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

3. Obtain a state license to practice nursing.

The typical RN program is two to three years long and includes coursework in:

- Anatomy and physiology

- Microbiology

- Pharmacology

- Nutrition

- Psychology

- Nursing theory and practice

After graduating from nursing school, you will need to take the NCLEX-RN. The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that tests your knowledge of nursing practice. Once you have passed the NCLEX-RN, you will be able to apply for a state license to practice nursing.

The job outlook for RNs is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of RNs will grow by 15% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services, the aging population, and the expansion of the healthcare industry.

RNs earn a good salary. The median annual salary for RNs was $68,450 in May 2018. The top 10% of RNs earned more than $95,150, while the bottom 10% earned less than $52,360.

If you are interested in a rewarding career in healthcare, nursing may be the right choice for you. RNs play a vital role in the healthcare system, and they enjoy excellent job prospects and a good salary.