While physicians tend to get the glory that accompanies positive patient outcomes, registered nurses actually do more of the heavy lifting in the modern patient care paradigm. A key aspect of registered nurse jobs is coordinating the care patients receive.
Engaging in activities ranging from drawing blood and keeping patients informed to working closely with doctors of all specialties, registered nurses are responsible for maintaining patient care aligned and moving forward. In this guide, we’ll examine what registered nurse jobs mean and outline the steps required to acquire these positions in the field.
Understanding the Role of a Registered Nurse
Because contemporary medicine is so compartmentalized, coordinating specialists, primary care providers, therapists and case management all fall upon the RN. They are also called upon to evaluate and categorize patients’ needs in order to apply and oversee the care they receive. Furthermore, RN jobs entail ensuring that patient care is conducted in accordance with the dictates set forth by the facility in which the nurse works.
The Growing Demand for Registered Nurses
According to data supplied by the National Institutes of Health, the Baby Boomer generation— as it has for many decades in many different ways—is driving significant growth. By 2030, 73.1 million people, or 21 percent of the US population, including all baby boomers, will be older than 65. It means significant increases will be seen in the demand for nurses, as well as the intensity and types of nursing care needed. Moreover, given that the average age of an RN is currently 52, a large wave of retirements from the profession is on the horizon.
How to Prepare for a Registered Nurse Career
The first step toward qualifying for registered nurse jobs is attending an accredited nursing program. Among a registered nurse’s primary functions is the management of other nurses and assistants, along with overseeing patient care systems. Thus, having a good grounding in leadership skills is helpful as well.
You must earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN), as well as complete the prescribed clinical requirements. While you can qualify for registered nurse jobs with an associate degree, employers tend to hire candidates with BSNs more readily.
Upon completion of your educational program, you must pass the Registered Nursing National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to get a license to practice. Once licensed, you can begin to seek registered nurse jobs.
Exploring Registered Nurse Jobs Near You
Given the current shortage of nurses and the fact that it is projected to continue into the foreseeable future, finding a job can be relatively straightforward. While completing your clinical requirement, you may have developed an affinity for a specific type of environment or specialty in which you’d like to work.
Work for registered nurses exists in a wide variety of settings beyond hospitals. You can get a sense of the opportunities available by working with a travel nurse agency. Even if your goal is to find “registered nurse jobs near me,” you can find listings in your area by working with such organizations.
Resume Writing Tips for RN Jobs
Key to the success of RN jobs search, a solid resume illustrating your clinical capabilities, soft skills, and dedication is a necessity. These days, your resume is likely to be reviewed by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) algorithm before it reaches the hands of a human being.
As this is the topic of a lengthy article unto itself, we won’t go into much detail in that regard here. Fundamentally, though, you need to be sure you’re qualified for the registered nurse jobs you’re seeking and that your resume is demonstrative of that fact.
It’s essential to make sure your resume contains the keywords indicated within the job posting. Keep in mind that those keywords also have to make sense when your resume makes it into the hands of a living recruiter. While keyword stuffing might get you past the ATS, it will stop a recruiter cold.
The.docx format is usually the safest bet for ensuring an ATS processes it quickly. However, if the listing calls for a different format, by all means, employ it.
Interview Tips to Secure RN Jobs
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Do Your Homework
The best advice when it comes to landing RN jobs is to prepare with your whole heart, and this can be done only if you do your homework–conduct research. Visit the facility’s website and read up on its values and specialties. See what you can discover about its reputation, the nature of the workplace, and its culture by conducting some supplementary research.
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Formulate and Practice Answers to FAQs
Go through the list of the most often asked questions by individuals looking for RN careers. Formulate your responses to those questions and practice them until they come effortlessly and without hesitation.
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Ask Questions
Be prepared to ask some insightful questions of the interviewer, such as what they think it takes to be successful in their environment, and what is the nature of the company culture. It demonstrates your genuine interest in the facility.
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Communicate Nonverbally
Maintain eye contact, smile when appropriate, sit up straight, lean toward the person when speaking, nod in understanding, and avoid crossing your arms and legs. The aim is to present yourself as a polite, open-minded, and astute individual—who is also a team player.
Navigating Challenges in the Nursing Job Market
With lots of registered nurse jobs available, one might wonder what some of the challenges nurses face are. Nursing, while it can be a satisfying and rewarding career, isn’t easy. Some of the challenges facing nursing include long shifts and varying schedules. There is an emotional component to consider as well.
Nursing can also be physically demanding and entail constant exposure to illnesses and chemicals. We’ve already discussed the shortage of nurses, and while that can make RN jobs easier to secure, it can also mean harder work.
Keeping up with the technological changes entailed by the digital transformation that is currently taking place in healthcare can be another concern. Finally, there can also be situations in which nurses experience less-than-ideal treatment from patients and their families. The good news is that there is lots of information and help available to see you through these challenges.
Snag the Best Registered Nurse Jobs
Registered nurse jobs are in demand, lucrative, and rewarding in many different ways. These tips will help you prepare yourself to secure RN jobs and excel once you’ve landed a position. As you embark upon your professional career, Wanderly can help you secure the best traveling registered nurse jobs available.
You can connect with a range of healthcare staffing agencies, talk to their team members, and learn about opportunities there. At Wanderly, we aim to elevate the healthcare staffing industry with our transparent marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What skills do RNs jobs entail in their role?
To secure the best RN jobs, one’s technical skills need to be excellent. Along with those, a number of soft skills are important, such as passion, communication, collaboration, attention to detail, and efficiency.
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How can I stand out in interviews for RN jobs?
Research the facility and the person with whom you’ll be meeting so you can speak in terms of actualities rather than theories. Demonstrate the strength of your communication skills while responding to nursing interview questions. Emphasize your ability to prioritize patient care, be an effective part of a team, and adapt to stressful situations.
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What are the typical responsibilities of a registered nurse (RN)?
RNs are responsible for providing and coordinating patient care, administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, enlightening patients and their families about various health conditions, and teaming with other healthcare professionals to create and implement care plans.
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573922/
https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-shortage