Work in Nursing FAQ
Q: How much does the average nurse in America earn?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage of RNs is approximately $68,000. But the income that you’ll make depends on many factors, and there are nurses that make less or substantially more than this. Nurse salaries fluctuate based on years of experience, level of education, the type of facility you work in as well as any certifications that you hold. In short, you will decide how much you earn by choosing your level of education and specialty. The sky is literally the limit.
Q: What does it take to get started in the nursing field?
A: To start your nursing career you must first earn a degree or certificate, and which one will depend on which area of nursing you wish to go into. Certain certifications can be earned in as little as one year, and will have you working in the field almost immediately. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing will usually require about a four-year commitment.
Q: What if I don’t want to work in a hospital?
A: No problem, nurses don’t just work in hospitals. They work in clinics, nursing homes, schools, and in private offices. You’ll find nurses in the military, in people’s homes, on cruise ships, in hotels as well as a host of other non-traditional settings.
Q: What if I choose a specific nursing career and I don’t like it?
A: Change directions. One the best parts about being a nurse is that there are so many paths open for you to take. You can create and change paths as you grow and your life changes. If you ever find yourself in a position that isn’t fulfilling for you, you can simply choose to go in another direction. In some cases this may require furthering your education, but in many occasions it’s just a matter of applying for another position that interests you. You’ll never be stuck because you’ll be the one who’s in charge of directing your career.
Q: What are the prerequisites for nursing schools and nurse training courses?
A: The most basic requirement (besides having a desire to be a nurse) is that you have a high school education. You can start applying for different programs and schools immediately after you graduate. Also, you’ll have an advantage if you’ve taken science courses and or have an overall high GPA. in your transcripts. Remember, even though there’s a nursing shortage, nursing schools can still be quite competitive.
Q: What are the typical steps required to become an RN (registered nurse)?
A: To become an RN, it’s possible to walk down several different paths that all lead to becoming qualified to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is the final step of the journey. You can do this by obtaining a diploma from an accredited nursing program, working to gain experience and then passing the exam. Or you can earn an Associated Degree in Nursing (ADN) and then sit for the exam. Finally, you can earn a Bachelors Degree in Nursing (BSN) and then take and pass the RN exam.
Q: What do you learn in nursing school?
A: Nursing school teaches you to diagnose and treat patients using the nursing theory. Nurse training involves a process that teaches you step by step and allows you to apply what you have learned to all situations. You’ll learn how to identify symptoms, develop the skills that you need to administer medications, learn how to communicate with patients and their family members, develop interpersonal skills needed to work with the people around you and much more. From the basic fundamentals to learning how to work under stress you will achieve what it takes to care for others in any and all circumstances that arise.
Q: What is the role of the American Nurses Association (ANA)?
A: The ANA is the largest organization for nurses in the USA. It aids in maintaining nurse standards across all states, even though each state additionally has its own state board. You’ll find an interview from them on our site about the present and future outlook for nurses.
Q: What is the role of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)?
A: The NCSBN administers exams and provides licenses, monitors trends in public policy, nursing education and practice as well as provides uniformity within the nursing practice. Any nurse working in the US will have to pass the state board exam of the state in which they wish to work. The board has as its mission statement that it will “provide leadership to advance regulatory excellence for patient protection.”