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Today's registered nurses (RNs) are well-educated,
licensed health professionals who help individuals and groups achieve
health and prevent disease. They provide care for the sick and injured
using a high degree of knowledge, skill, and judgment. Since they
are concerned with the whole person, registered nurses deal with
the mental and emotional functioning of the patient as well as physical
aspects.
Nurses observe patients to assess symptoms, reactions
to treatment, and progress. They administer medications, perform
therapeutic procedures, and instruct patients and their families
in health promotion, disease prevention, and maintenance of health.
RNs supervise licensed practical nurses, nursing
assistants, patient care assistants, and home health aides. They work
in collaboration with physicians and other members of the health care
team to develop and implement a plan of care to help the patient achieve
optimal health.
Registered
Nurse
Areas of Specialization
Registered nurses are qualified for specialty practice at two levels
- basic and advanced. These levels are differentiated by educational
preparation. Diploma, associate degree, and baccalaureate degree
nurses practice are at the basic level. Advanced practice requires
additional education at the master's level. Some nurses prefer to
work with patients in a particular age group such as children or
older adults; other nurses may choose to specialize with patients
who have a similar condition such as neurological disease, heart
problems, pregnancy, diabetes, emotional problems, and many others.
Advanced practice nurses provide care at a different level. For
example, the nurse anesthetist specializes in giving anesthesia
to patients undergoing surgery, the nurse midwife delivers babies,
and the pediatric nurse practitioner assesses and treats children
with a variety of health problems.
Work Environment
The majority of RNs work in hospitals as staff nurses assigned to
the operating room, emergency room, maternity unit, intensive care
unit, pediatric unit, psychiatric unit, or general care floors.
Many RNs employed in hospitals work shifts that are 12 hours in
length with a corresponding increase in the number of days off per
week. Office nurses work in physicians' offices or health maintenance
organizations screening patients, assisting the physician with examinations,
providing patient teaching, and other nursing care duties. Nurses
may also work in public health departments, community clinics, schools,
retirement centers, home health agencies, or they may be hired to
deliver nursing services in industrial settings. Nurses generally
work in well-lighted, comfortable buildings. They usually work a
forty-hour week, but because patients in hospitals and nursing homes
need round-the-clock care, nurses may be called upon to work weekends,
nights, and holidays, usually on a voluntary basis. Nurses need
physical stamina because they spend most of their time walking and
standing. Intellectual ability and emotional stability are important
as they must cope with complex problems, emergencies, human suffering,
and other stresses. Nurses must observe strict guidelines as they
work with infectious diseases, chemicals, medications, electrical
equipment, and compressed gases.
Job Outlook
The number of registered nurses employed in Florida in 2006 was 147,050. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 183,478. This represents an annual average growth rate of 2.9 percent.
Length of Training/Requirements
Prospective nurses may choose two educational pathways: an associate
degree (ADN) or a baccalaureate degree (BSN). Both require a high
school diploma or equivalent. ADN programs are offered by community
colleges and take two to three years to complete. BSN programs are
offered by colleges and universities and require four years. Some
schools offer accelerated associate or baccalaureate degrees for
students already holding a health-related degree, such as licensed
practical nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, or
registered nurses with associate degrees (seeking bachelor's degrees).
All nursing education programs include classroom instruction and
supervised training activities with hospitalized patients and patients
in various other settings. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology,
microbiology, psychology, and nutrition, as well as nursing.
Advancement
Baccalaureate education is generally necessary to advance to supervisory
or administrative positions in hospitals and for positions in public
health. Most research, consulting, teaching, and clinical specializations
require graduate degrees. The bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
degree is a prerequisite for admission to graduate nursing programs.
Licensure/Certification
All states, including Florida, require licensure for practice. Graduates
of approved registered nursing programs must pass the National Council
of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-RN) comprehensive examination
to be licensed. Only those graduates who have successfully passed
the licensing exam may use the term "Registered Nurse".
The American Nurses Credentialing Center of the American Nurses
Association certifies registered nurses based on predetermined standards,
including passing a written subject examination and practice time
in a specified area. This voluntary board certification provides
tangible recognition of professional achievement in a defined functional
or clinical area of nursing. ANCC-certified specialty nurses are
identified by RN-BC (Registered Nurse, Board Certified). Continuing
education hours are required every two years for license and certification
renewal.
Salary
The average hourly wage for registered nurses employed in Florida was $26.62 in 2006, an annual wage of $55,382.
Updated: 2007 |
