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Registered Nurses (RN's) provide care, treatment, counseling, and health education to the ill, injured, and infirm.  They assist in the maintenance of health and the prevention or management of illness, injury, or disability.

JOB DUTIES

Registered Nurses may:

Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in patients' conditions

Carry out prescribed medical and nursing treatments

Instruct individuals, families, and other groups on topics such as health education, disease prevention, and child birth and develop health improvement programs

Record patients' medical information and vital signs

Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records

Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess a patient's condition

Observe and report the condition of patients and modify the plan of care if necessary

Direct and supervise less skilled nursing and other health personnel or supervise a particular unit

Consult and coordinate with other health care professionals to formulate the patient's health care plan

Prepare patients for and assist with examinations and treatment plans

Conduct research activities related to the field of nursing

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The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Registered Nurses may specialize in these areas:

075.364-010  GENERAL DUTY NURSES give general nursing care to patients in a hospital, nursing home, or a similar institution.

075.374-022  INDUSTRIAL NURSES (Registered Nurses who work in occupational health settings) usually treat ailments and injuries occurring on company property. They may be involved in safety and illness prevention programs provided for employees of a company. They may also refer individuals needing care to other appropriate care providers.

075.124-018  NURSING INSTRUCTORS teach nursing students in vocational, basic, and advanced programs in schools of nursing. They may also work on in-service and staff development programs in a variety of health service settings.

075.374-014  OFFICE NURSES care for and treat patients in offices as directed by physicians. They may have reception, clerical, and inventory duties in addition to regular nursing duties.  They may also perform simple laboratory tests and take x-rays, although some offices employ specialists for these tasks.

075.374-018  PRIVATE DUTY NURSES give constant bedside care to one patient either in a hospital or in the patient's home.

075.124-014  PUBLIC-HEALTH NURSES (also known as community health nurses) work in government or voluntary public health agencies to provide care, teaching, and counseling to individuals in their homes, places of work, schools, clinics, and other settings. Emphasis is on preventing illness by providing people with instruction in health maintenance an disease prevention.  They refer patients with special problems to appropriate community agencies.

075.124-010  SCHOOL NURSES plan policies, standards, and objectives of school health programs in cooperation with medical and school administrative personnel. Hospital Registered Nurses may rotate among various departments, or they may specialize in one of the clinical or nursing services of the institution such as obstetrics, surgery, psychiatry, cardiac care, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, rehabilitation, or intensive care. They may also work with special types of patients such as children, the aging, the chronically ill, or the physically or mentally handicapped.

075.127-034  INFECTION CONTROL NURSES direct and coordinate the infection control program in hospitals.

Nursing home RN's have an unusual opportunity to apply clinical judgment skills since physicians are in attendance far less often than in a hospital setting.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Hospital, nursing home, or other institutional Registered Nurses may be supervised by the head nurse or supervisor and may supervise auxiliary nursing and other health care personnel such as licensed practical nurses, nursing aides, and orderlies. Nurse educators are supervised by the director of staff development or dean or director of the school and, in turn, supervise auxiliary nursing personnel during training. Office Registered Nurses are supervised by the physician(s) for whom they work.

They usually work in clean, well lighted, and ventilated hospitals, clinics, offices, nursing homes,   or classrooms. Private duty nurses and community health nurses, however, experience less controlled physical conditions while providing nursing services in private homes, industry, or clinics. Nurses may be exposed to infection, communicable diseases, and contaminated materials.

Most Registered Nurses work 40 hours per week. Hospital and nursing home Nurses may work an 8-hour day, afternoon, or night shift; however, some may work a 10- to 12-hour shift. In some settings, they rotate shifts while in other settings; Nurses work only a specific shift.  Some rotate weekends, and holidays, working at least one weekend a month.  Industrial Nurses may rotate shifts around-the-clock or work only during the day. Office Nurses may work some evening and Saturday hours.

Private duty Nurses may have unusual work schedules because they contract to care for each individual patient as the need arises. Nurse educators and public health nurses normally have daytime schedules. Depending on their place of employment, Registered Nurse may have to work overtime. Some Registered Nurses work part-time.

Public or community health nurses may find traveling necessary depending on whether they work in rural or urban areas. The majority of Registered Nurses must buy their own uniforms.

Registered Nurses may belong to the Michigan Nurses Association , the Michigan League for Nursing , and other organizations. Members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which involve direct personal contact with people

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities which involve helping and working with people

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic to reach a decision

• Work well under pressure and emotional stress

• Work effectively with others

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Use instruments and equipment from diagrams and instructions

• Communicate well, in both speech and writing

• Maintain confidentiality of records and other information

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Mrs. Brown develops an atrial dysrhythmia and the physician orders 1000 mcg of procainamide (pronestyl) IV per minute. The directions state 500mg of the drug should be added to 500 ml of D5W.  The IV set has a drop factor of 60 gtt/ml.  To administer the medication correctly the nurse should set the flow rate at _______.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Must be able to read and comprehend medical terminology and procedures.
For example, tracheostomy tubes are placed through a surgical incision into the trachea.  Placement of a tracheostomy tube is not usually an emergency procedure unless an immoveable obstruction blocks the upper airway. When long term airway management using an artificial airway is required, tracheostomy is usually chosen, since oral and nasal endotracheal tubes can damage the structures of the oral and nasal pharynx, glottis, and larnyx.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written analysis of the progress of a patient who has just had their tonsils removed.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Must be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills and be able to make decision under   pressure regarding patient care. 

The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Nurse, Registered and Nurse, School for specific licensing information.   Also, special certifications will be available in Michigan for licensed RN's who have completed advanced training for nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner. Some RN's may also obtain special certification from professional associations.

Students interested in becoming RN's should know that changes are occurring in basic licensure requirements. Any changes that are made might vary from state to state.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: An Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

A Diploma Program (Hospital-Based Nurse Training of up to Three years beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***  

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1500 FOODS & NUTRITION , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH   CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS,  3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

153  REGISTERED NURSING

Programs in Registered Nursing provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment giving complete health care to individuals, families, and communities in home, schools, hospitals, and other health service settings.

NOTE: Master's degree programs such as radiology, neurology, and ophthalmology are for professionals in medicine wanting to specialize.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

194  REGISTERED NURSING, DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

Three diploma programs in Registered Nursing in Michigan provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment giving complete health care to individuals, families, and communities in homes, schools, hospitals, and other health service settings.

Required college or university courses vary from program to program but may include:

Specific Nursing courses vary from program to program but may include:

The most common requirements for entering a hospital-based nurse training program are graduation from high school, or a GED, with an acceptable grade point average in particular subjects; acceptable ACT or SAT test scores; references; and health exams. Additional requirements may be necessary at individual programs. 

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration script

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at www.myfuture.com.

REGISTERED NURSES  

Nurses are a key part of the staff at military hospitals and clinics. Registered nurses direct nursing teams and give patients individual care to help them recover from illness or injury.   

What They Do  

Registered nurses in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Help physicians treat patients

• Give injections of pain killers, antibiotics, and other medicines as prescribed by physicians

• Change bandages and dressings

• Assist physicians during surgery

• Provide life support treatment for patients needing emergency care

• Provide care for mental health patients

• Keep records of patients' conditions

• Supervise practical nurses, nurse aides, and other support personnel

Helpful Attributes  

Helpful attributes include:

• Desire to help others

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely

• Self-confidence and the ability to remain calm under pressure

Civilian Counterparts 

Civilian registered nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and private medical facilities. They also work for public health agencies, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Civilian registered nurses perform duties similar to those performed in the military. They often specialize and may be known as public health nurses, nurse practitioners, or general duty nurses.

Special Requirements 

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing and a license to practice nursing are required to enter this occupation.

Training Provided  

Job training consists of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Practices and principles of military nursing

• Care of emotionally disturbed patients

• Health care for children

• Nursing techniques

• Anesthesia, respiratory therapy, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Work Environment  

Registered nurses work in hospitals and clinics. Some work in sick bays aboard ships or in mobile field hospitals. Others work in airplanes that transfer patients to medical centers.

Opportunities

The exact number of Registered Nurses is unknown. They need new registered nurses each year due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. Positions for registered nurses in the Coast Guard are filled by U.S. Public Health Service Officers. Depending on the prior experience that nurses bring with them to the military, their job assignments may vary. After job training, inexperienced nurses work under close supervision. Experienced nurses normally work under less supervision.   In time, nurses may become nurse supervisors. Eventually, they may become directors of nursing in hospitals or advance to senior health service management positions.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Health career courses in high school and volunteer work at any health care facility will allow you to explore this occupation. Postsecondary registered nursing programs and related training in the military may offer experience.

Students taking clinical nursing as part of their nursing education may find summer and part-time employment as a nurse aide/orderly or nurse assistant.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Registered Nurses employer

internships

volunteer work with a Registered Nurses employer

community service work with an agency

Registered Nurses may find positions by applying to hospitals, Civil Service offices, and other employers. Assistance may be obtained through newspaper want ads, nursing journals, and school placement offices. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Registered Nurses vary according to experience and training, the employer, area of responsibility, hours worked, and geographic location.

Nationally, the annual average salaries (early 2009) of Registered Nurses who were employed by hospitals and related institutions were:

School Nurses employed by public schools in 2007-2008 had an annual average salary of $41,957.

In Michigan, Registered Nurses employed by hospitals had annual earnings (late 2008) of:

Registered Nurses employed by the State of Michigan earned from $42,720 to $69,280 per year in mid 2009. Supervisors earned from $48,400 to $79,093 per year. Directors of state run health care facilities earned $ 54,436 to $ 94,064 per year.

In early 2009, Registered Nurses employed with the Federal Government earned between $52,095 and $143,500 per year depending on their education and experience.    

Depending on the employer, most RN's, other than Private Duty Nurses, receive paid vacations and holidays; sick leave; retirement plans; and disability and hospitalization insurance. Some employers also provide day-care centers.

A career ladder for hospital/nursing home RN's may be: RN's; head or charge Nurse; supervisor; assistant director; director of nursing.  Registered Nurses with graduate education or further experience may become administrators, teachers, public health nurses, or consultants.  Other specializations may also mean advancement.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were about 2,504,700 Registered Nurses employed nationally in 2006.

Employment of RN's is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016 because of the increasing health care needs of a growing and aging population and advances in medical technology. Many health officials indicate that there is a nursing shortage due to the retirement of an aging nursing workforce.  However, enrollment in various nursing programs has increased in recent years. The industry distribution for Nurses looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

The growth of intensive-care and special care units in hospitals has spurred the demand for clinically specialized nursing personnel. This trend in favor of nursing personnel with higher levels of education will continue, especially with the widespread use of advanced medical equipment and procedures. Employment opportunities will also increase in nursing homes, in HMO's, home health-care agencies, and free-standing emergency centers.

There were approximately 110,300 Registered Nurses licensed in Michigan in early 2009. Most worked in urban areas for hospitals, physicians' offices, nursing homes, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) and other in-patient health facilities.

The employment of Registered Nurses in Michigan is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014.   An average of 3,500 annual openings is expected with 1,750 openings due to growth and 1,750 due to replacement of Registered Nurses who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons.  Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

In hospitals, nursing homes, physicians' offices, HMO's, and other work settings, Nurses perform  more and more types of care that were formerly performed by physicians. Technology has multiplied the number of procedures, medicines, and tests that are typically given a patient, especially in hospitals. In addition, with greater financial ability to afford health services and a growing, aging population, there are more patient visits to physicians and other health care facilities. These factors, along with others, have resulted in the expanding demand for Registered Nurses in many areas of the state. Employment opportunities will be more favorable for persons who have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Michigan, like other areas of the country, is experiencing a shortage of Registered Nurses.

As other industries experience massive layoffs, many opportunities will be available in the health care sector for many individuals who are retraining to enter the health care field.

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below .

Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth