Nurses are vital members of a patient’s healthcare team, often having the most patient interaction. Nursing is an emotionally-fulfilling and rewarding career that blends science and technology with the art of caring and compassion. Individuals who excel in nursing may have many of the following interests and skills:

• Fond of and amazed by biology
• Desire to help and educate others
• Interest in how diseases affect the body
• Enjoyment of a fast paced, flexible environment
• Ability to listen and empathize with others
• Desire to use knowledge to make someone’s life better

Nursing careers have many advantages, including:

• Positive image of nurses in the media
• Strong career demand (jobs are plentiful)
• Ability to find a job in any city, even internationally
• Ability to specialize in a specific health condition, part of the body, group of people or workplace

1. On Your Own: Like physicians and pharmacists, nurses are required to say an oath (pledge) upon graduation. Named after Florence Nightingale, who is credited with laying the foundation for modern nursing, the pledge states:

   “… I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to work closely with the health team, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.”

   What else do you think should be included in the nursing oath?


2. Internet Research: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in what type of work environment can a registered nurse expect to work?


3. Internet Research: What is the job outlook for registered nurses?

After deciding to become a nurse, you need to determine which educational path to pursue:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) — a two-year program at a community college or hospital
• Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) — a four-year program at a university or college, or two years of pre-nursing classes at a community college followed by a two-year program at a hospital. The last two years of study provide clinical experience in hospital departments including pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity and surgery.

Nursing education programs include the following classes:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Nutrition
• Psychology
• Social and Behavioral Science
• Supervised Clinical Experience

To become a registered nurse, after completing an ADN or BSN degree, you must pass the national licensing examination (NCLEX-RN), which requires competency in:

• Safe and effective care environment
  1. Management of care
  2. Safety and infection control
• Health promotion and management
• Psychosocial integrity
• Physiological integrity
  1. Basic care and comfort
  2. Pharmacological and parenteral therapies
  3. Reduction of risk potential
  4. Physiological adaptation

After passing the NCLEX-RN certification your state may also require continuing education units (CEUs) over the years to maintain your license.

1. Internet Research: Research a local college/university/school with a medical program to become a registered nurse. Provide the following information:
   • Entrance requirements (GPA, PCAT score, essays)
   • Tuition costs (per credit hour or per semester)
   • School location
   • Length of program/degree
   • Courses/classes required to graduate


2. Internet Research: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, what is the current median pay of a registered nurse?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.

Registered nurses typically do the following:

• Record patients’ medical histories and symptoms
• Administer patients’ medicines and treatments
• Set up plans for patients’ care or contribute to existing plans
• Observe patients and record observations
• Consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals
• Operate and monitor medical equipment
• Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results
• Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries
• Explain what to do at home after treatment

Registered nurses’ duties and titles often depend on where they work and the patients with whom they work.

1. On Your Own: Using the list above, identify which responsibilities benefit the patient and which responsibilities benefit other members of the healthcare team.