Meet a Registered Nurse
Are you interested in a nursing career? Discover the journey of one nurse who transitioned from business to nursing and explore the path you could take. Have you ever considered nursing as a career? Every day, nurses safeguard the health of their patients, caring for those who are ill and unable to protect themselves. Equipped with education and training, they evaluate patients’ needs, monitor their health, and record important information.
Yet, these responsibilities are only a fraction of the ways registered nurses (RNs) positively impact lives daily. In just a few years of education, students become skilled caregivers adept at communication. This profession offers stability and a sense of personal satisfaction. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 9% growth in the field from 2020 to 2030, surpassing the average for other occupations. Continue reading to delve into the daily tasks of nurses, the path to becoming an RN, and salary expectations.
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But first, read the Q&A below to learn how one nurse transitioned from business to nursing, advancing her career.
Q: Why did you choose to become a nurse?
Nursing wasn’t my initial choice. Ironically, the sight of blood used to make me dizzy! I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in math and business in 2002, but I wasn’t fulfilled in that field. I knew I wanted to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
My mom worked as a nursing assistant, and her work stories inspired me to help others like she did. I had a fondness for working with children, so I contemplated between nursing and education. Eventually, my husband encouraged me to pursue nursing, surprising my entire family. Once I started clinicals, I knew it was the right fit. I enjoyed rotations in obstetrics, psychiatry, and pediatrics. Being a nurse turned out to be an honor and a privilege!
Q: What led you to choose the emergency and trauma department in nursing?
Initially, I didn’t realize I applied for the emergency department (ED) at my hospital. My recruiter arranged an ED shadowing opportunity, and after spending time with ED nurses, I realized I enjoyed the fast-paced environment. I joined a new-grad fellowship program in the ED, preparing me for the high-speed setting. It was thrilling and nerve-wracking, yet I managed to navigate the organized chaos of the ED.
ED and trauma are closely linked. Working at a level I trauma center, I held a fascination for trauma and collaborating with the trauma team to enhance our unit and trauma program.
Now, as a clinical quality improvement specialist, I contribute to ED in-situ simulations involving multidisciplinary teams. I work on quality projects to improve our trauma program’s efficiency. A trauma bay project I worked on recently received an award, and I’m in the process of writing a nursing journal manuscript.
Q: What’s the experience like working in such an intense environment?
Working in the ED is both intense and challenging. I didn’t grasp the full intensity until my first trauma/code. The pace is rapid, and unexpected cases arrive frequently. You might be having a quiet shift when the red phone rings, signaling an incoming trauma or code, transforming your calm night. With a supportive team, you can handle anything together.
Q: How do you practice self-care as a nurse in the trauma department?
Many nurses overlook self-care, but it’s vital for your well-being; otherwise, burnout looms. Taking time for yourself, whether through massage, walking, or other calming activities, is crucial. I enjoy bonding with coworkers outside work, providing each other therapeutic sessions. Colleagues are the only ones who truly understand!
Q: What are the key challenges and rewards of being a nurse?
The most challenging aspect is losing a patient, whether it’s your first or last time. It doesn’t get easier. Consoling a grieving family is difficult. Unfortunately, no training makes this part easier. Some patients and families stay with you forever. Being a mom and working in trauma is emotionally taxing, teaching you to cherish every moment with loved ones.
The greatest reward is seeing a patient smile or hug you. They might draw pictures to express gratitude for the care. When a patient rushes over for a hug, saying “thank you,” it’s incredible!
Q: Tell us about your experience transitioning into managerial roles. How was this journey?
Early in my nursing career, I became a charge nurse in the ED. I enjoyed managing chaos. My nursing director encouraged me to apply for the assistant nurse manager (ANM) position, which I hesitated about initially. In under four years as a nurse, I became an ANM in a busy pediatric ED. After eight and a half years as an ANM, I moved to the trauma department.
Q: How does being an assistant nurse manager differ from bedside nursing?
Being an ANM differs from bedside nursing, as you oversee the whole unit—staff, patients, and families—rather than just your patients. You’re the hub for information, needing awareness of unit activities. As an ANM, you wear multiple hats, like being a resource, scheduler, advocate, and sometimes even housekeeping. You ensure the unit runs smoothly.
Q: What advice would you give RNs aspiring for managerial roles?
Confidently step into leadership roles. If you’re passionate, hardworking, and want to drive positive change, don’t doubt yourself—pursue a managerial position! Middle management is challenging and demands hard work. Be detail-oriented, motivated, and a staff and patient advocate. Find a mentor or be one. Work hard, stay smart, and never forget your bedside nurse experience!
What Do Registered Nurses Do?
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“If you’re passionate, hardworking, and want to drive positive change, don’t doubt yourself—pursue a managerial position!” — Jency Philipose, MSN, RN Registered nurses (RNs) have diverse responsibilities based on their specialty, environment, and experience. New nurses must receive training and approval for tasks like central line dressing changes. Home health nurses assess patients outside formal healthcare settings.
RNs work in various settings, from hospitals to schools or large corporations. Their roles range from charge nurses to RN case managers or quality control nurses. While tasks vary by environment, some are universal.
Common RN duties include:
– Conducting physical exams
– Recording comprehensive health histories and maintaining medical records
– Addressing physical and emotional needs
– Educating and counseling patients
– Collaborating with other professionals
– Staying updated on healthcare advances
– Administering treatments and IV lines
– Monitoring vital signs
– Following physicians’ orders
– Supervising support staff
– Developing care plans
– Providing primary and emergency care
– Offering wound care
– Applying critical thinking and clinical judgment skills
– Demonstrating communication and organizational skills
Becoming a Registered Nurse: The Path Ahead
Embarking on the RN journey entails education, licensure, and perhaps certification.
There are two main paths:
– Complete a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN)
– Obtain a four-year BSN degree
A BSN degree offers advantages for career growth and patient outcomes. Hospitals with more BSN nurses tend to have better patient outcomes, lower mortality rates, and reduced infections. BSN-educated nurses can advance in management or pursue an MSN degree.
Licensure
After graduating from an accredited program, passing the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs is essential for state licensure.
Each state may have additional requirements, so consult the state board of registered nursing.
Certification
Additional certifications aren’t obligatory, but they showcase expertise in a specialty and dedication to excellence. Organizations like the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses offer various advanced nursing certifications.
Registered Nurse Salaries
The BLS reports a median annual RN salary of $75,330 in 2020, but factors like education, experience, and certifications influence pay. Nurses with a master’s degree earn an average of $42,340 more annually. Location also matters; a nurse in California earns $120,560 compared to $60,960 in South Dakota.
While salary matters, nursing offers fulfillment beyond monetary value. Nurses find joy in impacting lives.
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