How to Be Registered Nurse (RN) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 28, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Registered Nurse (RN) is critical in providing patients with the highest level of care. RNs are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care, as well as educating patients and families on disease prevention and health promotion. they are also responsible for managing medication and treatments, as well as observing and recording patients symptoms and behaviors.

These duties can have a direct effect on patient outcomes; when RNs provide high-quality care, patients are more likely to experience positive health outcomes. Furthermore, RNs play an important role in advocating for the rights of their patients and making sure they are receiving the best possible care. By providing both direct patient care and support to other medical professionals, RNs can help ensure that the healthcare system is effective and efficient.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. To become a registered nurse, you must first earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This four-year undergraduate program includes courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, nutrition, and other health-related topics.
Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). To obtain a nursing license, you must pass the NCLEX-RN examination. This is a comprehensive exam that covers all of the major topics in nursing. In order to be eligible to take the exam, you must have completed an accredited nursing program and have a minimum of two years of clinical experience.
Obtain a Nursing License. Once you have passed the NCLEX-RN exam, you will need to apply for and obtain a nursing license from your state's Board of Nursing. This license must be renewed every two years, and is necessary for you to practice as an RN.
Pursue Continuing Education. In order to maintain your nursing license, you must complete continuing education every year. This may include lectures, seminars, or online courses. Additionally, many states require RNs to complete a certain number of hours of continuing education in order to renew their licenses.
Consider Specializing. RNs can choose to specialize in different areas of nursing such as pediatrics, geriatrics, acute care, or mental health. A specialization requires additional training and certification.

Staying ahead and qualified as a Registered Nurse (RN) requires the continual pursuit of knowledge and skills. Obtaining an advanced degree, such as a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), can provide an RN with more job opportunities, higher pay, and more respect. Furthermore, as medical technologies advance and new treatments are developed, RNs must stay up to date on the latest evidence-based practices and healthcare trends.

Attending professional conferences, reading health-related articles, and taking continuing education courses are great ways to stay ahead of the curve. obtaining certifications in specialized areas of nursing, such as gerontology or emergency nursing, can help RNs demonstrate their expertise in their field. Finally, networking with other RNs through social media and professional organizations can help RNs access career opportunities and stay abreast of industry news.

By continually pursuing knowledge and staying on top of the latest developments in healthcare, an RN can remain qualified and stay ahead in the field.

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Job Description

Provide patient-centered care in collaboration with multidisciplinary health care teams.
Manage and coordinate patient care plans, including evaluation, education, and follow-up.
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients conditions.
Provide health care advice or education to patients and their families.
Ensure that all treatments and medications are administered in accordance with approved nursing standards.
Participate in continuing education, professional development, and quality improvement programs.
Maintain accurate patient medical records and documentation.
Respond to emergency situations and provide immediate medical attention when needed.
Assess patient needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Respect patient's rights to privacy and confidentiality.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of pharmacology and the ability to administer medications correctly
Ability to assess patients physical and mental health
Understanding of patient privacy and confidentiality
Ability to use medical equipment (such as EKG machines, IV pumps, etc. )
Understanding of infection control protocols
Ability to interpret lab results and diagnostic tests
Ability to interpret diagnostic imaging results
Ability to recognize signs and symptoms of common medical conditions
Ability to recognize signs of abuse or neglect
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and collaborate with other healthcare professionals
Demonstrated leadership qualities
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to make decisions quickly and effectively
Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

Being a Registered Nurse (RN) requires an array of skills to ensure optimal care for patients. One of the most important skills to possess is the ability to think critically. Critical thinking enables the nurse to assess a patients condition, interpret data, and make sound decisions in emergencies.

This skill is necessary in order to provide effective nursing care for every individual patient. It also helps the nurse to identify potential risks or complications and take preventative measures. strong communication skills are essential for RNs in order to effectively collaborate with other healthcare professionals, as well as build relationships with patients and their families.

Being an empathetic listener and being able to explain medical terminology clearly are important components of this skill. Lastly, compassion and empathy are key qualities that must be present in order for the nurse to effectively provide care and comfort to patients. All of these skills combined are essential in order for an RN to provide quality care and ensure patient safety.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of nursing?
How do you handle difficult or challenging patients?
What techniques do you use to ensure accurate documentation?
How do you prioritize tasks as an RN?
Describe a time when you had to take initiative to solve a problem.
How do you stay current on new developments in the field of nursing?
What measures do you take to provide a safe and comfortable environment for patients?
How do you handle ethical dilemmas as an RN?
Describe the most rewarding experience youve had in your nursing career.
What do you think is the most important quality for a successful nurse?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Record (EHR) System. A computerized system used by healthcare providers to store and manage patient medical records. (example: Epic)
Medication Administration Record (MAR). A system used to document and track medication administration. (example: Pyxis)
Vital Sign Monitor. A device used to measure and monitor patients' vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate. (example: Welch Allyn Spot Monitor)
Intravenous (IV) Pump. A device used to deliver medication and fluids intravenously. (example: Alaris IV Pump)
Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADC). A cabinet used to store and dispense medications. (example: Pyxis MedStation 4000)
Patient Care Documentation System. A system used to document and track patient care plans, treatments, and other related data. (example: Cerner Millennium)
Communication Platforms. Platforms used to facilitate communication between healthcare providers, such as text messaging, video conferencing, and email. (example: Zoom)
Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). A system that provides clinicians with evidence-based recommendations based on patient data and clinical guidelines. (example: UpToDate)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)
American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
National League for Nursing (NLN)
International Council of Nurses (ICN)
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma)
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

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Common Important Terms

Patient Care. The provision of healthcare services to a patient by a Registered Nurse.
Nursing Assessment. The systematic collection and analysis of data about a patients health status, medical history, and lifestyle, used to develop a plan of care.
Patient Education. The process of educating patients and their families about their health and helping them make informed decisions about their care.
Medical Terminology. The language used by medical professionals to communicate with each other.
Documentation. The process of recording information related to a patients health status, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.
Medication Administration. The preparation and distribution of medications to patients according to a physicians orders.
Infection Control. The practice of preventing the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.
Quality Improvement. The use of evidence-based practice to improve the quality of care for patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical educational requirement to become an RN?

The typical educational requirement to become an RN is a two- or four-year associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

What is the expected job growth for RNs through 2028?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the expected job growth for RNs through 2028 is 12%, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

What type of duties does an RN typically perform?

RNs typically perform a variety of duties, including assessing patient health problems and needs, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications and treatments, monitoring patient progress, and providing patient education and support.

What is the typical salary for an RN?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for an RN in 2019 was $73,300.

What certifications are available to advance an RNs career?

Advanced certifications are available to advance an RN's career, such as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Nurse Practitioner (NP), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).