How to Be Nurse - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 25, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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FAQ

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Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing vital care to patients. Their hard work and dedication can have a huge impact on a patients health. When nurses are well-trained, organized and knowledgeable, their care can help prevent disease and improve patient outcomes.

On the other hand, when nurses lack experience or are poorly trained, it can lead to negative effects like errors in diagnosis or treatment, increased risk of infection and longer hospital stays. All of these factors can lead to increased costs for hospitals and patients alike. Therefore, it is essential that nurses receive the right training and support so they can provide the highest quality of care possible.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming a nurse is to earn a high school diploma or GED. Nursing school admissions require a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum education requirement for entry-level nursing positions. ADN programs usually take two to three years to complete and includes prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
Pass the NCLEX-RN. After completing an ADN program, aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is a comprehensive test that covers all aspects of nursing, including anatomy, pharmacology, and assessment.
Obtain Licensure. After passing the NCLEX-RN, nurses must obtain licensure from the state in which they will be practicing. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so nurses should check with their state board of nursing.
Pursue Continuing Education. Continuing education is important for nurses who want to stay current with the latest developments in the field of nursing. Continuing education courses can include CPR certification, advanced courses in specialty areas, and even doctoral degrees.

The importance of staying updated and qualified as a nurse cannot be overstated. To ensure they are providing the best care possible, nurses must keep up with the latest advances in medicine by attending continuing education courses, reading journals and other literature, and participating in professional organizations. The effects of staying informed can be seen in improved patient outcomes due to the nurses' increased knowledge and skills.

nurses who stay current on their qualifications are more likely to find employment quickly and to be considered for career advancement opportunities. Finally, staying informed allows nurses to remain up-to-date on the latest treatments and technology, ensuring that their patients get the best care possible.

You may want to check Specialist, Podiatrist, and Internist for alternative.

Job Description

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Nurse Educator
Nurse Manager
Home Health Nurse
Hospice Nurse
Cardiac Care Nurse
Emergency Room Nurse

Skills and Competencies to Have

Clinical Skills: The ability to assess, diagnose, and treat patients using evidence-based practices.
Communication Skills: The ability to effectively communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals.
Compassion: The ability to empathize and show compassion for patients and their families.
Professionalism: The ability to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor when dealing with patients and their families.
Leadership: The ability to take the lead in providing care and ensuring the best possible outcome for patients.
Interpersonal Skills: The ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and create a positive work environment.
Problem-Solving: The ability to identify problems and develop solutions in challenging situations.
Cultural Awareness: The ability to understand different cultures and backgrounds when interacting with patients and families.
Critical Thinking: The ability to think critically and make decisions based on sound judgment and evidence-based practices.
Time Management: The ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently in order to provide quality care.

The ability to effectively communicate is one of the most important skills a nurse can have. Good communication with patients and healthcare professionals is essential for providing proper care and ensuring accurate communication of medical information. Without effective communication, nurses can face difficulty in accurately diagnosing and treating patients, and can even lead to medical errors.

In addition, effective communication skills can help nurses build relationships with their patients, which can create a more positive atmosphere for the patient and encourage them to take an active role in their own healthcare. This can lead to improved health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. Finally, good communication skills can help nurses better collaborate with other healthcare professionals, leading to better coordination of care and a more efficient healthcare system overall.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in nursing?
How do you handle stressful situations?
What do you think makes a successful nurse?
What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a nurse?
What would you say are your strongest nursing skills?
How do you stay up to date on current medical practices?
How do you handle difficult patient situations?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in a nursing situation.
How do you handle working with physicians and other health care professionals?
Describe a time when you had to work in a team environment to achieve a goal.

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic medical record (EMR) software. Software used to manage patient records, appointments, and billing information. (eg: Epic, Athenahealth)
Patient portals. Secure websites used to provide patients with access to their medical records and other health information. (eg: MyChart, MyMedicalRecords)
Scheduling software. Software used to manage and automate nurse scheduling, patient appointment requests, and waitlist management. (eg: AdvancedMD, Bizmatics PrognoCIS)
Telehealth technology. Technology used to provide remote patient care and consultation services through video conferencing or other electronic communication tools. (eg: Zoom, Doxy. me)
Practice management software. Software used to automate administrative tasks such as billing, reporting, and inventory management. (eg: Athenahealth, Kareo)
Nursing documentation software. Software used to track patient information and notes through digital forms or templates. (eg: Nursing Notes, Soap Vault)
Electronic prescribing software. Software used to send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies for faster and easier processing. (eg: ePrescribe, QS/1 ePrescribe)
Medication administration software. Software used to manage medication orders, track patient compliance, and ensure accurate dosages. (eg: Medication Administration System, eMAR)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Nurses Association (ANA)
National League for Nursing (NLN)
American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)
National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)
National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)

Common Important Terms

Clinical Nursing. Clinical nursing is the practice of nursing based on scientific knowledge, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice. It focuses on the use of health promotion, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyle management to improve the health and well-being of patients.
Advanced Practice Nursing. Advanced practice nursing is a type of nursing that requires additional education and training beyond the basic nursing degree. It includes roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist.
Patient Care. Patient care is the provision of care to an individual or group of individuals by a healthcare professional. It involves assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a patients condition.
Nursing Theory. Nursing theory is a set of concepts and principles that provide a framework for understanding and analyzing nursing practice. Theories are used to guide research and inform practice.
Evidence-Based Practice. Evidence-based practice is a process of applying the best available evidence to guide decision-making in clinical practice. It involves finding, appraising, and applying the best available research evidence to make decisions about patient care.
Informatics. Informatics is the application of computing and information technology to solve healthcare problems. It includes activities such as collecting and managing patient data, using electronic health records, and providing decision support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary of a Nurse?

The average salary of a Nurse in the United States is approximately $73,300 per year.

What is the educational requirement to become a Nurse?

To become a Nurse, an individual must have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

What are the duties of a Nurse?

The duties of a Nurse can include providing patient care, administering medications and treatments, monitoring vital signs, and educating patients and families about health care.

What is the job outlook for Nurses?

The job outlook for Nurses is very positive with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 12% growth by 2028.

Is certification required to become a Nurse?

Yes, certification is required to become a Nurse. In order to practice as a Nurse, an individual must obtain a license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).