Career Description

Registered nurses (R.N.s) care for sick and injured patients. Registered nurses will assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Registered nurses monitor and record patients’ conditions and report any changes to physicians. They maintain detailed reports, record vital signs, and order, interpret and evaluate tests to identify and assess patients’ conditions and work closely with patients and their families.

Academic Requirements

Becoming a registered nurse requires formal education from a state-approved nursing school and state licensure. R.N.s train by completing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program in nursing. To obtain licensure after completion of an approved nursing program, registered nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) before practicing in the profession.