Registered Nurses (RN) observe patients to assess symptoms, reactions to treatment, and progress. They administer medications, perform therapeutic procedures, and instruct patients and their families in proper health care practices. RNs supervise licensed vocational nurses, nursing assistants, patient care assistants, and home health aides. Working in collaboration with physicians and other members of the health care team, RNs develop and implement a plan of care to help the patient achieve optimal health.

Areas of Specialization

Registered nurses are qualified for specialty practice at two levels: basic and advanced. These levels are differentiated by education. RNs with an Associate degree (ADN) or a Bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN) practice at the basic level. Advanced practice nursing requires additional education at the Master's level. There are many specialty practices in the nursing profession.

Work Environment

Some nurses work with patients in a particular age group, such as children or older adults. Other nurses specialize in specific illnesses such as neurological disease, heart problems, pregnancy, diabetes, and emotional disorders. Still other RNs become consultants, educators, administrators and researchers.

Length of Training

Prospective nurses may choose an Associate degree in nursing (ADN), the Bachelor's of nursing degree (BSN), or a Master's degree in nursing (MSN). ADN programs are offered by community colleges and take two to three years to complete. BSN programs are offered by universities and take four years to complete. MSN programs are offered at universities and take at least two years to complete past the BSN.

Licensure/Certification

To be licensed, graduates of approved registered nursing programs must pass the NCLEX-RN comprehensive examination developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The test is administered by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. The term "registered nurse" may be used only by those graduates who have successfully passed this licensing examination. The American Nurses Credentialing Center of the American Nurses Association certifies registered nurses based on predetermined standards, including a written subject examination and the amount of practice time in a specified area. Although certification is voluntary, it provides tangible recognition of professional achievement in a defined area of nursing.

Education Programs

C=Certification, A=Associate's, B=Bachelor's, M=Master's, D=Doctorate

Professional Associations

American Academy of Nursing
www.nursingworld.org/aan/index.htm

American Association of Colleges of Nursing
www.aacn.nche.edu

American Nurses Association
www.ana.org

National League for Nursing
www.nln.org

Texas Board of Nurse Examiners
www.bne.state.tx.us

Texas Nurses Association
www.texasnurses.org

Back to top

**Content generously provided by TexasHotJobs.org