R e gistered Nurse

1. Registered Nurse Kelly Grady 4th Hour January 22, 2013 Career Tech

2. Introduction “Being a nurse isn't about grades, its about being who you are. No book can teach you how to cry with a patient. No class can teach you how to tell a family that someone has died, or is dying. No professor can teach you about how to find dignity in giving a patient a bed bath. Being a nurse isn't about the pills or the charts. It’s about being able to love people when they are at their weakest moments. “ I think that being a nurse you have to have a lot of compassion, kindness, and patience. I guess there wasn’t a certain thing that made me want to become a nurse, I just always have. I knew what I wanted the first time I played with my pretend doctor set, as a little kid. I think the chance to help people, and at l want to give them the patience and compassion when they need it most is one of the main reason I want to become a nurse. I know that in all jobs you help people someway. I think the reason I have been drawn to a job in the medical field is because, the human body, biology, medicine, curing illness, etc. it is so interesting to me. I think that these two things combined are what give me my aspiration to become a nurse. I will be researching the nature of work, working conditions, training, qualifications, job outlook, employment, earnings, and occupations related to the job of a registered nurse to further understand my career choice.

3. Nature of Work • Record patients' medical histories and symptoms • Give patients medicines and treatments • Set up plans for patients’ care or contribute to existing plans • Observe patients and record the 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 their illnesses or injuries • Explain what to do at home after treatment

4. Working Conditions • Being a nurse is a physical but also mental task. You have to be able to do a lot of standing walking and sometimes even lifting patients. Its also mental because a lot of the work requires thinking and making the right decisions because peoples lives are in your hands. • For the most part it is an indoor job. Most registered nurses work in general medical and surgical hospitals, or office physicians. Either way its an indoor job. • Injuries are common for nurses lifting patients can cause back injuries, and also you can be exposed to hazardous illness and substances. There are stick sanitation procedures that must be followed to guarantee safety. • Nurses hours can be irregular if you work in a hospital, round-the-clock care is need for patients. Most nursing shifts work in rotation, covering every hour of the day. Weekends, holidays, and nights aren't off limits either, all year around 24/7 nursing care is needed. * Although if you work in an office or school, regular business hours may apply since round-the-clock care isn't needed.*

5. Training, Qualifications, Advancement • There are three degree options to become a registered nurse, the one I’m choosing is the bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN) • I want to complete this at Oakland University. • High school courses I should take/have taken that will help me in my chosen career are:  Chemistry  AP Chemistry  Biology  AP Biology  Anatomy/Physiology  HN Anatomy/Physiology  Pre-Med Careers

6. Job Outlook/Employment • Employment is expected to grow 26% over the next ten years. • Job opportunities for registered nurse are excellent. • To get more registered nurses hospitals are making family friendly work schedules, bonuses, and subsidized training. • I want to work in a hospital, anywhere, but I would love to work in New York City

7. Earnings • Life-Style Goals; Eventually own a nice house, with a family of a husband and two/three kids. In the near future I want to live in/near New York City. I would love to get a little dog for an apartment but I might be waiting until I have a house for a big dogs. • Average Earnings: $64,690 per year • Yes this does fit my lifestyles goals because I really don’t have many expensive high expectations of being a registered nurse and being paid in millions, yes my job isn't the highest paying job but I feel that its right for what I want in life.

8. Related Occupation Physicians Assistant • I choose this as a back up career because for me its not really a back up eventually I hope to go back to school and become a physicians assistant. It’s the next step up from a registered nurse and it has a lot more responsibilities. • Earnings: $86,410 per year  • Job outlook: 30% more jobs available by 2020 • They are able to actually diagnose patients and work up a care plan for then, they can also order scans, and they work under the supervision of a doctor or surgeon. • Masters degree, in a Physicians Assistant Program (PAP)

9. Summary • This research made me truly believe that becoming a registered nurse is the right job for me. I know that with a lot of hard work and effort I can accomplish my goals. Becoming a registered nurse will make my life complete and I know that being able to help people, will give me such a sense of accomplishment in my career and life. I know that it might be tough but I know that it will be worth it. The thing that I look forward two most is having compassion for people and being able to help them through difficult times. What I look forward to least is having to give people difficult news. My overall learning experience was excellent because I got a further understanding I'm my chosen career.

10. Work- Cited • http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-1 • http://www.arc-pa.org/