| A registered nurse is a healthcare professional who | | | | bachelor's level graduates. Some students entering |
| provides care for sick persons. Duties include | | | | RN programs at the associate degree level require |
| administering medications, taking vital signs, and | | | | remedial coursework if the high school record is |
| documenting progress in the patient's record. | | | | weak. If this is the case, they can usually complete a |
| Registered nurses must pass comprehensive licensing | | | | program within three years. |
| examinations in the states where they work. The | | | | Some hospitals offer nursing education programs. |
| average starting salary for a registered nurse is | | | | Graduates of these programs usually earn a nursing |
| around $40,000 per year with those working in large | | | | diploma. Diploma nursing programs, like associate |
| urban hospitals and in specialty areas earning more. | | | | degree programs, emphasize the clinical aspects of |
| Bachelor and Master's level nurses often work in | | | | nursing but liberal arts, social sciences and science |
| nursing administration or education. | | | | courses are also taken by students in these |
| A person who desires to become a nurse should | | | | programs. |
| have some interest in biological and social sciences. | | | | Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs are offered |
| They should also have character traits such as | | | | by four year colleges and universities. Students who |
| patience and the ability to get along with people. The | | | | matriculate in these programs take many courses and |
| ability to work well under pressure is essential, | | | | electives along with clinical nursing courses. Graduates |
| however the rewards can be great. The feeling that | | | | of these programs usually work to gain a few years |
| comes with helping individuals overcome illness and | | | | of experience and then move into nursing |
| physical obstacles along with job security make | | | | administration. |
| nursing a wonderful career. | | | | Another recent option for becoming an RN is the a |
| How to become a registered nurse | | | | bachelor's degree in nursing that can be earned by |
| There are several avenues to reach the goal of | | | | persons holding degrees in other areas. This fast |
| becoming a registered nurse. One option is to earn an | | | | track type program is usually available through a |
| associate degree in nursing. Associate degree nurses | | | | partnership between hospitals and colleges. Because |
| attend community colleges or junior colleges, usually | | | | they already have most of the colleges courses they |
| for two years. Graduates of two-year programs | | | | need, students can complete their clinical courses and |
| take courses such as English, math, and science as | | | | in some cases earn a bachelor's degree in nursing in |
| well as the clinical courses necessary to become | | | | as little as two years. Usually the student must agree |
| licensed. They take the same licensing examination as | | | | to work for a period at the sponsoring hospital. |