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Deciding on a career is a life defining moment... and the Oregon Center for Nursing celebrates your decision. This section provides a quick overview of the nursing profession. You'll find out what you need to know, what you can expect, and where you can learn more. Congratulations on starting your journey towards A Healthier State of Mind.
Nursing as a Career
Thinking About a Career in Nursing?
To become a Registered Nurse (RN), you will need to apply to a nursing program. Each program is slightly different in what is required and how and when to apply. If you're still in high school, be sure to learn about the requirements of the programs of interest, particularly as they relate to prerequisite high school coursework.
What You Need to Get into Nursing
Nursing is a science based program. If you are in high school, helpful courses are sciences, particularly biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry. You will also need math/algebra, and excellent written and oral communication skills. We recommend writing classes, speech, and humanities that will challenge your thinking and writing.
If you are a high school graduate and are considering a nursing program, lower division classes essential for most programs include: chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition, algebra and statistics, lifespan development, English composition, sociology, and psychology. How many of these classes will depend on whether you choose an ADN or BSN.
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Nursing Programs
Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN is available from community colleges and usually requires two to three years. The focus of the ADN nursing programs is direct patient care in a variety of settings. Nurses who graduate with an ADN may take the NCLEX exam, which is the exam you take to become a Registered Nurse.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN is a four year college degree in nursing. In addition to direct patient care nursing, BSN coursework includes family and community nursing, leadership and management, and research. The BSN graduate must also take the NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse. Graduates from BSN programs have the most opportunities for advancement. A BSN is required if you are interested in nursing in the military, leadership and management, public health nursing, school nursing or forensic nursing. A BSN is also required if you want to go to graduate school to become a nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, a nurse anesthetist, a nurse midwife or a nurse educator.
Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN, MS)
A master's in nursing is a graduate degree in nursing. There are a variety of graduate programs and specialties that award a master's degree in nursing. Except for some specialized programs, you must have a BSN to get a master's in nursing. Master's degree programs prepare nurses to work as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse educators, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists and nurse administrators.
RN to BSN Program
The program is specific for RNs with an Associate's degree who are looking to complete their four year nursing degree. These programs typically take one year.
RN to MS Program
This option allows RNs with a BSN to secure their Master's in Nursing.
Alternate Entry Bachelor's and/or Master's Program
This program is for individuals with a Bachelor's in other fields who seek to enter the nursing profession. Some programs are for those seeking a BSN and others are designed to complete a Master's program as the initial entry to nursing.
Doctoral Degree (PhD, DNSc)
Doctoral degrees prepare nurses to serve in leadership roles within the profession. Nurses who have doctoral degrees teach in colleges and universities, conduct research programs in health care facilities as well as universities and organizations, and serve a nurse executives and health policy analysts.
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Career Choices
Nursing is a great career choice. Nurses work in diverse settings and have varied, interesting roles that adapt as your education, skills, and talents advance. Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities; public and community health; and schools, industry, and corporations. Nurses care for patients, teach, research, lead organizations, and write health policies. Typical job opportunities include:
RNs
Hospital Nurses
Office Nurses
Nursing Care Facility Nurses
Home Health Nurses
Public Health Nurses
Occupational Health Nurses
Head Nurses/Nurse Supervisors
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Educator
RNs work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions and progress; assist physicians during surgeries, treatments, and examinations; administer medications; and help in convalescence and rehabilitation.
Hospital Nurses form the largest group of nurses. Most are Staff Nurses, who provide bedside nursing care and carry out medical regimens. They also may supervise licensed practical nurses and nursing aides. Hospital nurses usually are assigned to one department, such as surgery, maternity, pediatrics, the emergency room, intensive care, or the treatment of cancer patients. Some may rotate among departments.
Office Nurses care for outpatients in physicians' offices, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and emergency medical centers. They prepare patients for, and assist with, examinations; administer injections and medications; dress wounds and incisions; assist with minor surgery; and maintain records. Some also perform routine laboratory and office work.
Nursing Care Facility Nurses manage care for residents with conditions ranging from a fracture to Alzheimer's disease. Although they often spend much of their time on administrative and supervisory tasks, RNs also assess residents' health; develop treatment plans; supervise licensed practical nurses and nursing aides; and perform invasive procedures, such as starting intravenous fluids. They also work in specialty-care departments, such as long-term rehabilitation units for patients with strokes and head injuries.
Home Health Nurses provide nursing services to patients at home. RNs assess patients' home environments and instruct patients and their families. Home Health Nurses care for a broad range of patients, such as those recovering from illnesses and accidents, cancer, and childbirth. They must be able to work independently and may supervise home health aides.
Public Health Nurses work in government and private agencies, including clinics, schools, retirement groups, and other community settings. They focus on populations, working with individuals, groups, and families to improve the overall health of communities — touching upon issues such as preventive care, nutrition, and childcare. They arrange for immunizations, blood pressure testing, and other health screening. These nurses also work with community leaders, teachers, parents, and physicians in community health education.
Occupational Health Nurses, also called Industrial Nurses, provide nursing care at worksites to employees, customers, and others with injuries and illnesses. They deliver emergency care, prepare accident reports, and arrange for further care if necessary. They also offer health counseling, conduct health examinations and inoculations, and assess work environments to identify potential or actual health problems.
Head Nurses or Nurse Supervisors direct nursing activities, primarily in hospitals. They plan work schedules and assign duties to nurses and aides, provide or arrange for training, and visit patients to observe nurses and to ensure proper care. They also may see that records are maintained and equipment and supplies are ordered.
At the advanced level, Nurse Practitioners provide basic, primary health care. They diagnose and treat common acute illnesses and injuries. Nurse practitioners also can prescribe medications — but certification and licensing requirements vary by state. Other advanced practice nurses include Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Certified Nurse Midwives. Advanced practice nurses must meet educational and clinical practice requirements beyond the basic nursing education and licensing required of all RNs.
Job Outlook
As the largest health care occupation, Registered Nurses held about 2.3 million jobs in 2002 — and job opportunities for RNs are expected to be very good. Employment of Registered Nurses is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012 — and because the occupation is very large, many new jobs will result. In fact, more new jobs are expected to be created for RNs than for any other occupation. Thousands of job openings also will result from the need to replace experienced nurses who leave the occupation, especially as the median age of RNs continues to rise.
Median annual earnings of Registered Nurses were $48,090 in 2002. Industries employing the largest number of nurses, along with annual earnings, include:
Employment services - $55,980
General medical and surgical hospitals - $49,190
Home health care services - $45,890
Offices of physicians - $44,870
Nursing care facilities - $43,850
Many employers offer flexible work schedules, childcare, educational benefits, and bonuses.
Additional Information
Disclaimer: Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
For information on a career as a Registered Nurse and nursing education, contact:
National League for Nursing
61 Broadway
New York, NY 10006
For a list of BSN, graduate, and accelerated nursing programs, contact:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
1 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036
Information on Registered Nurses also is available from:
American Nurses Association
600 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20024-2571
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