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

Apr 7, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The shortage of nurses in hospitals and other health care facilities has a direct effect on the quality of patient care. With fewer nurses available, patients may have to wait longer to receive treatment, as nurses have more tasks to complete in a shorter amount of time. Furthermore, nurses may be overworked and become more prone to errors in judgement or medical practice, which can lead to serious consequences for the patient.

To address this issue, hospitals and health care facilities should invest in their nursing staff by providing competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and a supportive work environment. This will ensure they have the best qualified nurses on staff, which will not only benefit the quality of patient care, but also boost nurse retention and satisfaction.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most nursing programs require a high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) for admission.
Complete an accredited nursing program. Nursing programs can be found at community colleges, technical schools and universities. Depending on the type of program, it may take from one to four years to complete.
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam. After completing an accredited nursing program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and tests the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective nursing practice.
Apply for licensure in your state. After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you must apply for licensure in the state in which you plan to practice. Each state has its own licensing requirements and fees, so be sure to check with your specific state board of nursing.
Consider obtaining additional certifications or degrees. Many nurses choose to specialize in a certain area of nursing and obtain certifications in that area. Additionally, many nurses choose to pursue higher degrees such as a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Nursing.

Becoming a skilled and capable registered nurse requires significant dedication, commitment and hard work. First, a student must complete a nursing program, including classroom and clinical instruction, to obtain their nursing degree. This educational foundation gives the nurse the knowledge to understand the principles of patient care and to apply the latest evidence-based practices.

After this, the nurse must pass the national licensure exam to become a registered nurse. With this certification, a nurse can then gain experience in a clinical setting to build on their knowledge and develop hands-on skills. With practice, the nurse acquires the ability to effectively assess patient needs, develop treatment plans and monitor patient progress.

As they gain experience, they also become more confident in their abilities to make clinical decisions and work autonomously. Over time, the nurse will become a skilled and capable registered nurse, able to provide quality care to their patients.

You may want to check Nursing Supervisor, Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) Nurse, and Occupational Health Nurse for alternative.

Job Description

Provide direct patient care to meet the physical and emotional needs of patients.
Monitor and assess patient's health condition by performing assessments and evaluations.
Develop and implement individualized patient care plans in accordance with standards of practice and facility policies.
Administer medications, treatments, and tests as prescribed by physicians.
Educate patients and their families about health care management and treatments.
Document patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment by adhering to infection-control protocols and procedures.
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patient's condition to physicians.
Increase knowledge of nursing practices by participating in educational opportunities, workshops, and reading current literature.
Collaborate with other health care professionals to plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of nursing principles, standards, and procedures
Ability to assess and prioritize patient care needs
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
Knowledge of pharmacology and medications
Ability to perform basic medical procedures
Understanding of patient rights and confidentiality laws
Ability to recognize and respond to changes in patient condition
Knowledge of infection control protocols
Ability to monitor vital signs and other patient data
Ability to administer treatments and medications
Knowledge of regulatory requirements for nursing practice
Proficiency with medical technology and equipment
Knowledge of documentation requirements

A Registered Nurse (RN) needs to have a variety of skills to be successful in the field. One of the most important skills to have is excellent communication. Having good communication skills helps an RN to effectively communicate with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.

This helps to ensure that patient care is provided in a safe and effective manner. In addition, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for an RN to be able to identify and respond to potential medical issues quickly and accurately. With these skills, RNs can make important decisions based on the patients individual needs.

Finally, having good organizational and time management skills allows an RN to prioritize tasks and provide quality care within the established time frame. Having these skills can help an RN to work effectively and efficiently, resulting in better patient outcomes.

Public Health Nurse, Surgical Nurse, and Nurse Practitioner are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a Registered Nurse?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest medical treatments and protocols?
Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a patient?
What do you find most rewarding about being a Registered Nurse?
Describe your experience with medication administration and management?
What strategies do you use to ensure that you provide high quality patient care?
How do you handle stress in a high-pressure environment?
How do you prioritize tasks when there are multiple demands on your time?
What experience do you have working with different types of medical equipment and technology?
Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond to provide excellent customer service to a patient or family member?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records System. A computerized system used to store and manage patient data, such as medical history and test results. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Patient Monitoring Systems. Devices used to monitor patient vital signs such as heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure. (e. g. Philips IntelliVue, Mindray TE7)
Medical Imaging Technology. Technology used to visualize internal organs and structures inside the body. (e. g. X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
Medication Administration Software. Computer-based systems used to manage patient medications and drug orders. (e. g. Pyxis, Omnicell)
Vital Signs Monitors. Devices used to measure and record patients vital signs such as heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure. (e. g. Welch Allyn Connex ProBP3400, Omron HEM-907XL)
Electronic Prescribing Software. Computer-based systems used to create and send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies. (e. g. ePrescribe, Surescripts)
Infusion Pumps. Devices used to deliver medications and fluids intravenously to patients. (e. g. Alaris GP, Graseby MS26)
Laboratory Information Systems. Computer-based systems used to store and manage laboratory test results. (e. g. SCC SoftLab, Sunquest LIS)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Nurses Association (ANA)
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)
National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
International Council of Nurses (ICN)
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)

We also have Hospice Nurse, Family Practice Nurse, and Wound Care Nurse jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Patient Care. The provision of medical services to a patient by a healthcare professional, such as a registered nurse.
Assessment. The evaluation of a patient's condition and needs in order to plan and provide appropriate care.
Documentation. The written record of a patient's medical history, diagnosis, treatment, and progress.
Medication Administration. The process of ensuring proper dosage, timing, and route of administration for medications.
Infection Control. Practices used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.
Health Education. The provision of educational materials and resources to patients and their families to help them manage their health conditions.
Patient Advocacy. The promotion of the interests and well-being of patients by advocating for their rights and providing them with resources and support.
Clinical Practice Guidelines. Standards for health care practice that are based on evidence-based research and best practices.
Patient Safety. Strategies used to reduce the risk of errors and harm in medical care, such as medication errors and medical errors.
Quality Improvement. A systematic approach to the evaluation, improvement, and maintenance of the quality of care provided to patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary of a Registered Nurse?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses was $73,300 in May 2019.

What is the job outlook for Registered Nurses?

The job outlook for Registered Nurses is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% increase in employment between 2019 and 2029.

What qualifications are needed to become a Registered Nurse?

To become a Registered Nurse, you must have at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and obtain a nursing license from your state's Board of Nursing.

What duties do Registered Nurses typically perform?

Registered Nurses typically perform a variety of tasks, such as assessing patient health, administering medications, creating care plans, and providing patient education and support. They may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

What career paths can Registered Nurses pursue?

Registered Nurses can pursue a variety of career paths, such as becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, nurse educator, or nurse researcher. They may also specialize in certain areas, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or oncology.