Registered Nurse:
- Educational requirements: To become a registered nurse, you typically need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which typically takes four years. Alternatively, you can also pursue an Associate's degree in Nursing (ADN), which takes about two to three years.
- High school subjects to consider: Taking courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology can help provide a solid foundation for a nursing career. Additionally, courses in math, English, and psychology can also be beneficial.
- Licensing: To practice as a registered nurse, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) after completing your nursing program. Each state may have its own specific licensing requirements, so it's important to check with your state's nursing board for details.
- Specializations: Registered nurses can choose to specialize in a variety of areas such as pediatric nursing, critical care nursing, oncology nursing, and more. Specializing typically requires additional education and training, including obtaining certification in the chosen area of specialty.
- Skills needed: Registered nurses need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as they interact with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals on a daily basis. They also need critical thinking skills to make quick decisions in fast-paced environments, as well as strong attention to detail and organizational abilities to manage multiple patients and tasks.
- Job outlook: The demand for registered nurses is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, due to factors such as an aging population, a growing emphasis on preventive care, and an increase in chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity. Registered nurses can find job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, schools, home healthcare agencies, and more.