Becky, a university graduate with a Bachelorâs of Science Degree in Nursing, took time out of her busy week going through hospital orientation as a recently certified Registered Nurse, to answer some questions about the world of nursing.
When did you become interested in nursing?
I became interested in nursing after my freshman year of college. I was Pre-Med and the fit just didnât seem right for my long term goals. I knew I wanted to be a mom, but at the same time, I wanted to have a career. I love that nursing will afford me the opportunity to identify with something outside of mothering. Also, after a few years of work experience, I plan to go back to school and get my masterâs degree and become a nurse practitioner, or possibly even get my Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I love that I have these choices!
What is your favorite part of being an RN?
I love that I am always learning! It can be frustrating at times to not know everything, but the learning and growth can be so rewarding because you really see the impact in peopleâs lives! As a nurse you get to be with your patients during some of their most vulnerable times-being a part of that and helping them through the process of healing, loss, whatever their situation may be is really fulfilling.
What has been particularly memorable about your job now or nursing school?
I canât pinpoint one single patient. You see everything in nursing! Really, everything.
“You see everything in nursing! Really, everything.”
I love the growth that I have seen in myself throughout nursing school, and even now as a RN- I learn something new each day, and have so much left to learn. I also love knowing that I really helped someone in my day.
What is the “NCLEX-PN” exam?
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNâs) are required to take the NCLEX-PN exam in order to become licensed. Each state has different standards that it requires for certified Registered Nurses.
What can new RNs expect in terms of responsibilities?
Depending on what unit you work, nurses manage the care of anywhere from 2 to 8 patients. We communicate with Doctors, Respiratory Therapists, Pharmacists, Physical/Occupational Therapists as well as our patient care assistants (PCAâs aka CNAâs) to ensure patients receive the best care available. Managing all of our patientâs physical, social as well as psychological needs can become quite complex and requires a lot of organization-something that I as a new graduate am learning a lot about and comes with time and practice.
What are some misconceptions about nursing?
I think a lot of people think that nurses are people who didnât go to medical school because they thought it would be “too hard.” From someone who has been down that road, I can honestly say that I didnât go to medical school because I thought it would be too hard, It was a conscious decision. I could go to medical school if I wanted, I have no doubt about it. Itâs just not what I chose to do.
Also, some think that nurses are just the “gophers” or “shadows” of the doctor. In all reality, we let the doctor know what is going on with the patient and then he writes the orders. Doctors couldnât survive without nurses, and nurses couldnât survive without doctors: itâs a team.
“Doctors couldnât survive without nurses, and nurses couldnât survive without doctors: itâs a team.”
Without that team mentality, communication breaks down and the best care isnât being given.
- A strong sense of right and wrong
- Strong work ethic
- Ability to think on your feet
- Flexibility
- Organization!
What is something most donât realize about nursing?
Itâs a lot of work!
Thanks Becky! Best wishes to you in all of your endeavors!
For more information about nursing degrees and careers, visit My Colleges and Careers.
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Pingback by nursing-world.com » Registered Nurse (RN) Career Spotlight | My Colleges and Careers Blog — August 12, 2009 @ 9:50 pm
Iâm so glad I found this site…Keep up the good work
Comment by Bill Bartmann — September 2, 2009 @ 10:29 pm
Excellent site, keep up the good work
Comment by Bill Bartmann — September 3, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
Itâs always good to have opinions and views from those who actually are a part of the industry. This creates a clear picture and better understanding about the field that you are contemplating to be a part of. I am an RN pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. I always wanted to enhance my skills, and that led me to take the BSN program at Independence University. As a student all of us dream of a career in healthcare, nursing in particular. Getting a degree in nursing is considered to be the safest bet in the current economic scenario. As a student I have a few points to share for all those who have their eye on being a nurse. One should not be a part of the fraternity simply because it guarantees a secured future and there is a great demand for nurses. You should choose nursing if you have that urge and passion to take care of others which makes you happy.
Comment by Brown G — December 8, 2009 @ 2:16 am
Thanks for a very informative post. Though you said that in every state has different requirements, what about if someone would plan to get it through online school? Is there a concrete standard for all online nursing schools?
Comment by LPN BSN — December 3, 2010 @ 5:08 pm