Working World

July 2016

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6 July, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com FEATURE ARTICLE R egistered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. DUTIES Registered nurses typically do the following: • Record patients' medical histories and symptoms • Administer patients' medicines and treatments • Set up plans for patients' care or contribute to existing plans • Observe patients and record the observations • Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals • Operate and monitor medical equipment • Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results • Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries • Explain what to do at home after treatment Most registered nurses work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Some registered nurses oversee licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides. Registered nurses' duties and titles often depend on where they work and the patients they work with. For example, an oncology nurse may work with cancer patients or a geriatric nurse may work with elderly patients. Some registered nurses combine one or more areas of practice. For example, a pediatric oncology nurse works with children and teens who have cancer. Many possibilities for working with specific patient groups exist. The following list includes just a few examples: • Addiction nurses care for patients who need help to overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs, and other substances. • Cardiovascular nurses care for patients with heart disease and people who have had heart surgery. • Critical care nurses work in intensive- care units in hospitals, providing care to patients with serious, complex, and acute illnesses and injuries that need very close monitoring and treatment. • Genetics nurses provide screening, counseling, and treatment for patients with genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis. • Neonatology nurses take care of newborn babies. • Nephrology nurses care for patients who have kidney-related health issues stemming from diabetes, high blood pressure, substance abuse, or other causes. • Rehabilitation nurses care for patients with temporary or permanent disabilities. • Registered nurses may work to promote public health, by educating people on warning signs and symptoms of disease or managing chronic health conditions. They may also run health screenings, immunization clinics, blood drives, or other community outreach programs. Other nurses staff the health clinics in schools. Some nurses do not work directly with patients, but they must still have an active registered nurse license. For example, they may work as nurse edu- cators, healthcare consultants, public policy advisors, researchers, hospital administrators, salespeople for pharma- ceutical and medical supply companies, or as medical writers and editors. Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). They provide direct pa- tient care in one of many nursing special- ties, such as psychiatric-mental health or pediatrics. CNSs also provide indirect care, by working with other nurses and various other staff to improve the quality of care that patients receive. They often serve in leadership roles and may edu- cate and advise other nursing staff. CNSs also may conduct research and may ad- vocate for certain policies. HOW TO BECOME A REGISTERED Registered nurses must be able to effectively communicate with patients to understand their concerns and assess their health conditions. Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing pro- gram. Registered nurses also must be licensed. EDUCATION In all nursing education programs, students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences, as well as in liberal arts. BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete; ADN and diploma programs usually take 2 to 3 years to complete. All programs include Career Path: Nursing Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Registered Nurses EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS DATA FOR REGISTERED NURSES , 2014-24 Occupation Title SOC Code Employment, 2014 Projected Employment, 2024 Change, 2014-24 Percent Numeric Registered Nurses 29-1141 2,751,00 3,190,300 16 34,700 SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

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