Registered nurses are licensed nurses who are part of a medical team in different sectors to look after patients and offer support to the main doctors. This job is high on demand and has satisfactory salaries after successful completion of the nursing programs. Once you understand the roles of registered nurses then you can decide on which career to take up according to your needs and interests. In this article, we are going to discuss the roles, skills and qualifications required to become a registered nurse.
Roles of a registered nurse
The roles of a registered nurse may differ depending on their field of specialization. The following are some of their daily roles:
- Assessing a patient’s health by carrying out diagnostic tests and interpreting them
- Offer counselling to patients and their families about their health status and the possible treatments
- Train patients on routines to prevent or treat their medical conditions
- Elaborating medical reports to patients so they understand the meaning of those reports
- Develop and execute care scheme depending on a patient’s needs and assess their response and make the necessary changes if any
- Protecting patient’s records and condition and maintaining the appropriate records
- Administer medication to patients as prescribed by doctors
- Collecting the patient’s data and involving them in case they have concerns and conduct necessary assessments
Qualifications of a registered nurse
A successful registered nurse needs to meet certain requirements as follows:
1. Education background
Registered nursed choose between associate degree in programming or Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Associate degree nursing takes two years and offers nursing, science, art and clinical training. Students can also specialize in their area of interest such as surgical nursing. To obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a registered nurse can bridge for two years. This course prepares registered nurses for entry level positions.
A bachelor of science in nursing takes four years and consists of sections such as: health sciences, arts, advanced clinical coaching and social sciences. Students earn a bachelor of science in their desired specialty such as psychiatry and you can also qualify for management positions. Some work places may require a registered nurse to have a bachelor of science in nursing in their entry level.
2. Training
Training happens during the educational period where students are taken to various health facilities to develop and exercise their skills. There are facilities that require a registered nurse to be trained further before they are given tasks without being supervised. Specialized facilities offer trainings, orientation and internship opportunities which resemble the nursing school but registered nurses must do their job according to the facility’s rules and regulations. A registered nurse can care for patients without supervision after completion of this training.
3. Appropriate documents and licenses
For you to be certified as a nurse, you need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. This is an exam that assesses you on your understanding of nursing such as basic nursing care, control of infection, pharmacology among others. Other requirements may include application fees and nursing transcripts. You will be required to renew your license every once in two years.
4. Skills
Skills essential for a registered nurse are divided into two namely: technical and working skills as discussed below:
Workplace skills
- Leadership: Set an example of a good leader to others and manage assistant nurses with good leadership skills
- Flexibility: Always be ready to respond to arising situations as you are not sure the kind of patient you will come across. Since the roles of a registered nurse are quite a number, you should be able to handle any patient that comes your way.
- Communication: listening to your patient and speaking to them in a way they can understand is one of the communication skills required. You might get to a point where you will need to understand body language in cases a patient is in severe pain and is unable to express themselves. Stay calm at all times because you might come across angry clients who need to be handled with care.
Technical skills
- Basic nursing care skills: These are skills such as drawing blood and dressing wound which are very essential in your career.
- Ability to administer medication: Have a deep understanding of various drugs and what they treat to avoid administering wrong medication which can put you in serious trouble
- Have knowledge of vital signs: As a registered nurse, you must be able to check the blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration rates. Note that this may differ from one patient to another, therefore it is wise to study their documents properly.
- Ensure a patient’s wellbeing and safety: A registered nurse must ensure their patients are safe by maybe helping them to the bathroom to make sure they do not trip and cleaning their rooms more often to reduce the risk of infections.
Conclusion
Becoming a registered nurse mostly depends on your passion. If you love socializing and interacting with people, then this field is good for you. Patients love a caring and concerned nurse who will accommodate them even in their worst moments. Learn to be accommodative and always listen to your patients. Acquire the necessary certifications and licenses before seeking for a job. Ensure you have the necessary skills and work on the ones you do not have. Having discussed the requirements of being a nurse, we hope this article was helpful as you purpose to become a registered nurse.
FAQs
1. Which registered nurse is high on demand?
All of registered nurses are on high demand as compared to other occupations. Surgical, neonatal and critical nurses are the most demanding registered nurses.
2. Which is the lowest nurse rank?
The certified nursing assistant (CNA) is the lowest rank and these are nurses who assist higher ranking nurses with admission of patients and other vitals.
3. Which are the highest paying nursing jobs available?
High paying nursing jobs include: forensic nurse, public health nurse, nurse consultant, occupational nurse among others.
4. Why should you choose a nursing career?
A nurse impacts other people’s lives by offering them hope at their lowest moments. They offer counselling sessions to patients and their families in case of bad news and celebrate with them when good news arises.