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

Jan 9, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of the professional nurse is essential to the health and wellbeing of patients. Nursing staff are responsible for providing direct patient care, administering medication and treatments, and educating patients and their families about health care. As a result of this important work, nurses experience high levels of job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment.

Furthermore, they help to reduce patient mortality rates by recognizing illnesses early and providing timely interventions. nurses are instrumental in reducing medical errors and improving the overall quality of care in hospitals and other health care settings. nurses play a vital role in ensuring that all patients receive the highest quality of care possible.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Most employers now prefer to hire nurses who have a BSN. This degree requires four years of study and typically includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
Pass the NCLEX-RN. After completing a BSN, nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as a registered nurse. This national exam tests the nursing knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform at the entry level of nursing practice.
Obtain Clinical Experience. Many employers require professional nurses to have at least one year of clinical experience in their specialty area. Clinical experience is typically completed in a hospital setting under the supervision of an experienced nurse.
Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). A master's degree is increasingly becoming the standard for professional nurses. This degree requires two additional years of study and provides advanced knowledge and practice skills.
Pursue Specialty Certification. Professional nurses often pursue specialty certification in areas such as critical care, pediatrics, geriatrics, or informatics. Specialty certification requires additional education and/or experience and is often required for employment in specialized settings.
Consider Doctoral Study. Professional nurses may decide to pursue doctoral study in nursing to become a nurse researcher, educator, or practitioner. Doctoral programs typically require additional years of study and research, but they provide advanced professional expertise and opportunities for career advancement.

As a professional nurse, staying ahead and qualified is increasingly important in todays competitive health care environment. To stay ahead and qualified, nurses must stay up to date on the latest technology and advances in healthcare, maintain a valid nursing license, and participate in continuing education courses. Technology is an important part of healthcare today, and nurses must stay current on new developments, such as electronic health records and telemedicine.

In addition, nurses must keep their license up to date by renewing on time and completing the required continuing education courses to earn a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs). Participating in continuing education courses helps nurses develop new skills, stay informed about new treatments and procedures, and remain knowledgeable about current changes in the healthcare system. By staying ahead and qualified, nurses can ensure that they are providing the best care for their patients.

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Job Description

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records
Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients
Monitor and report changes in patient symptoms or behavior
Consult and coordinate with health care team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans
Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patient conditions and responses
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects
Instruct individuals and groups on topics such as health education, disease prevention, and prenatal care
Supervise licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, and other personnel in the provision of patient care
Provide emergency care in cases such as cardiac arrest or shock
Perform diagnostic tests, analyze results, and make recommendations to physicians

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to assess patient care needs and develop nursing care plans
Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
Ability to administer medications, treatments, and therapies
Excellent communication skills
Critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with other healthcare professionals
Strong ethical and legal knowledge of patient privacy and confidentiality
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations
Knowledge of applicable healthcare regulations and standards

As a Professional Nurse, one of the most important skills to have is the ability to communicate effectively. Being able to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, healthcare providers, and patients, is essential for providing quality nursing care. Effective communication enables nurses to be able to accurately assess patient needs, understand patient concerns, and provide appropriate and timely interventions.

good communication skills help build trust between nurses and their patients, allowing them to develop a strong rapport and provide better patient outcomes. Furthermore, effective communication increases the efficiency of the healthcare team and helps to ensure that the highest standards of care are being met. By having outstanding communication skills, Professional Nurses can ensure that their patients receive the best possible care and treatment.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What made you choose a career in nursing?
What have been your most rewarding experiences as a nurse?
How do you stay organized while managing multiple patients?
Describe a time when you had to take initiative and think quickly on your feet.
What strategies do you use to stay motivated?
How do you handle difficult or challenging patient situations?
What do you consider to be the most important aspects of providing quality care?
How do you ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest medical procedures and protocols?
What do you think makes a great nurse?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records System. A software system designed to store patient medical data and health information electronically. (Eg: Epic Systems)
Clinical Decision Support System. A computer-based system that provides health care professionals with patient-specific information and guidance at the point of care. (Eg: UpToDate)
Automated Dispensing Cabinets. A computerized system that stores and dispenses medications and supplies in a secure, organized manner. (Eg: Pyxis MedStation)
Health Information Exchange. A technology platform that enables the secure exchange of patient health information between clinicians, hospitals, and other health care providers. (Eg: HealtheConnections)
Electronic Prescribing System. A system that allows healthcare providers to electronically send prescriptions to pharmacies for processing. (Eg: Surescripts)
Telemedicine Platform. A system that enables remote medical services and consultations through video calls, audio calls, and text messaging. (Eg: Teladoc)
Nursing Documentation System. A software system designed to support nurses in documenting patient care. (Eg: Cerner Millennium Clinical Documentation)
Infection Control Software. A software system designed to track and monitor infection control practices within a health care facility. (Eg: Infection Control Manager)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Nurses Association (ANA)
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
National League for Nursing (NLN)
American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN)
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)
American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN)

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Common Important Terms

Nursing Theory. A set of concepts and principles that guide nursing practice and provide a framework for research and reflection.
Patient Advocacy. The act of supporting and advocating for the rights and needs of patients.
Evidence-Based Practice. A practice that uses the best available evidence from research and clinical practice to make decisions.
Professional Development. A process of learning and growth that improves the professional skills and knowledge of nurses.
Quality Improvement. The ongoing process of improving the quality of care through changes in policies, procedures, and practices.
Informatics. The use of technology to manage patient information, improve communication, and support decision-making.
Patient Education. The process of educating patients about their health condition, treatment plan, and self-care strategies.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and minimizing risks to patients and healthcare providers.
Ethics. An area of philosophy that examines values, beliefs, and behaviors related to right and wrong.
Leadership. The ability to influence, motivate, and inspire people to achieve organizational goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Professional Nurse?

To become a Professional Nurse, individuals must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and be licensed as a registered nurse (RN).

What is the role of a Professional Nurse?

The role of a Professional Nurse is to provide safe, compassionate and quality patient care, coordinate healthcare teams, and educate patients and their families on health conditions and treatments.

What skills are needed to be successful as a Professional Nurse?

To be successful as a Professional Nurse, individuals must possess strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills, an empathetic attitude and an aptitude for multitasking.

What is the average salary of a Professional Nurse?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Professional Nurses was $71,730 in 2019.

What is the job outlook for Professional Nurses?

The job outlook for Professional Nurses is very positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 12% growth rate from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.