When you go to a hospital or to see a doctor, you see people in white helping you. They are called nurses. Among them, there are a group of people who have received special training and are registered with the government, we call them Registered Nurses , or `(RN)` for short. These people are like the backbone of our health system. So today, let's talk about who this `(RN)` is, what their role is, and how someone becomes an `(RN)`.
Who is this Registered Nurse (RN)?
Simply put, a registered nurse (RN) is someone who works with doctors and other healthcare providers to provide patient-centered care . Specifically, this involves identifying your needs and tailoring care to suit you.
Often these `(RN)`s` specialize in specific fields. For example, some specialize in caring for people with heart disease (what we call heart problems). Others are skilled in working in emergency departments. When you are in the hospital, or even when you go to see a general practitioner, you may be cared for by an `(RN)`.
Similarly, if someone in your family gets sick, an ``RN'' is often the one who explains to you about their condition and how to care for them at home. They have an amazing ability to explain even complex medical information in a way that is simple for you and your family to understand . This is a big deal, because when we are sick or in pain, we don't understand some of the medical terms.
Becoming an RN is not easy. They must complete a rigorous educational program and obtain a government-issued license (`licensure`) . This training gives them the knowledge and skills they need to provide you with the best care.
Where do Registered Nurses (RN) work?
There are many places where you can find a `(RN)`. Check out this list:
- In hospitals: Everywhere from large government hospitals to private hospitals.
- In doctors' offices: The doctor you are channeling is at your place.
- Outpatient clinics: Places where you can get medicine without having to stay in the hospital.
- In schools: Some large schools have ``(RN)s'' who look after the health of the children.
- At community health centers: At village health centers.
- In nursing and residential care facilities: such as nursing homes and places where people need special care.
- In private homes (home health care): Sometimes there are RNs who come to your home and provide care.
I saw how many places they were there to help us.
What does a Registered Nurse (RN) do?
The things an `(RN)` does can vary slightly depending on where they work and their specialty. But in general, an `(RN)` does the following:
- Doing a physical examination of you: checking your temperature, checking your blood pressure, etc.
- Talking to you about your medical history and symptoms: Asking about your past illnesses and current difficulties.
- Recording observations about your health: These are what help the doctor make decisions about you.
- Giving you medicine or other treatments: like giving you injections or saline.
- Helping with diagnostic tests: things like taking blood for a blood test, preparing for an X-ray, etc.
- Using medical equipment: They are skilled at using various types of machines and equipment.
- Working together with your other healthcare providers to coordinate your care: Talking to people like doctors and physiotherapists to plan the best care for you.
- Helping you create a plan to guide your care.
- Educating yourself and your family about your condition and the treatment or management plan: This is very important. It teaches you about the disease, the medications, and how to take care of yourself.
- Supervising people like licensed practical nurses (LPNs): Since they also contribute to your care, the RN also oversees their work.
Imagine, when you suddenly have a hard time and go to the hospital, the first person to comfort you until the doctor arrives may be an ``RN'' who looks after you. They are the ones who sometimes take the first step to save your life.
However, no matter how much an RN can help you with your care, there are some things they cannot do. An RN cannot diagnose your condition, they cannot create your treatment plan, and they cannot prescribe medication. These are the responsibilities of a doctor. However, some RNs complete graduate-level training and become Nurse Practitioners (NPs) . They are legally allowed to diagnose, plan treatment, and prescribe medication in some countries. This situation is gradually changing in Sri Lanka.
Who is this Pediatric Registered Nurse?
As the name suggests, a pediatric registered nurse (RN) is someone who has specialized training in caring for children . They gain experience by working in the pediatrics field, sometimes even earning a specialty certification.
These pediatric `(RN)s` are very good at working with young children and understanding their needs. They have an amazing ability to give a little one an injection or a little medicine without crying. They are also ready to explain a child's medical condition to the parents.
How to become a Registered Nurse (RN)?
To become an `(RN)`, one must complete these steps:
1. You must complete a nursing education program.
2. To obtain a nursing license, you must pass a national level examination (`National Council Licensure Examination - NCLEX-RN`). (In Sri Lanka, you must pass the examinations conducted by the `Sri Lanka Nursing Council`.)
3. You must meet other licensing requirements at the state or local level, such as passing a background check or obtaining a specific certification. You can learn more about this from your state board of nursing.
Registered nursing programs
These nursing education programs provide the knowledge and skills needed to work as a Registered Nurse (RN). There are several ways to obtain this education:
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This is the path most RNs choose. This is usually a 4-year degree.
- Obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). This is a 2-3 year course.
- Obtaining a diploma from a nursing program. This also takes about 2-3 years.
All three of these paths will qualify you to work as an entry-level staff nurse by taking an exam like the NCLEX-RN. However, some organizations, especially larger hospitals, prefer to hire nurses who have a bachelor's degree (BSN) . You can start your career with a diploma, an ADN, or an ASN, and then complete your BSN later. Some universities even offer RN-to-BSN programs for those already in nursing.
Whichever path you choose, you will need to learn these things:
- Courses in natural sciences and social sciences. Examples: anatomy, physiology, biology, and psychology. These help us understand how our bodies and minds work.
- Gaining clinical experience under supervision. That means working in hospitals and clinics and receiving practical training.
``(BSN)`` degree programs provide a slightly broader, more in-depth education. They include subjects such as:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Health informatics
- Health policy
- Caring for special populations. For example, children, adults with chronic illnesses, or those with mental health conditions.
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, or ``NCLEX-RN'', is a computer-based exam. It is taken at a professional testing center. This exam measures your ability to work as an ``(RN)'' and provide safe, effective care to patients. You must pass this exam to obtain your ``(RN)'' license. (In Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Nursing Council exam is also important.)
"It's normal to feel a little nervous and anxious before a big exam. Talking about your feelings with a friend or mentor as you prepare can help reduce your anxiety and help you feel better prepared for exam day."
You can find information about this exam, as well as resources to help you prepare, on the NCLEX website. To be eligible to sit for this exam, you must have completed an accredited nursing program.
Registered nurse specialty certifications
A specialty certification is a professional qualification that you can earn in addition to your ``(RN)`` license. It shows that you have advanced knowledge and skills in a specific area of patient care. For example, you might specialize in caring for children, or people with certain medical conditions or needs. Or you might specialize in providing care in settings like emergency rooms.
In some countries/states, you must have a specific certification to work as a nurse. Some employers also expect or require such certification. Although not required, you may be interested in obtaining a specific certification to learn and advance in your field. To obtain this certification, you must write and pass an exam. After that, you must meet certain requirements to maintain that certification for a number of years.
Organizations such as the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) provide a list of accredited nursing specialty certification programs. "Accredited" means that a program has met certain quality standards. More information can be found on the (ABSNC) website.
How many years does it take to become a Registered Nurse (RN)?
It usually takes two to four years to become an RN. The quickest way is to earn an associate's degree or a nursing diploma. These programs can sometimes be completed in as little as two years.
However, many jobs and graduate programs require you to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). So, while you can get an entry-level job as an RN in two years, you may need to retrain later to advance your career. Most people spend four years as an RN and then earn a BSN.
If you already have a degree in another field, you can enroll in an ``accelerated nursing program`` to earn a ``BSN`` degree. These programs take 11 to 18 months to complete.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
When you're receiving treatment, it's easy to get confused about the position of the healthcare provider and their role. But knowing what the people providing your care do and what kind of training they have received can help you feel a little more at ease, especially when you're feeling scared and unsure of what to expect.
Registered Nurses (RNs) have the training and skills to provide direct care, educate you and your family, and work with your other healthcare providers. Never hesitate to ask a RN a question or share your concerns with them. They will listen, provide guidance, and point you to other resources that can help you learn more. Remember, they are there to help you!
` Nursing, Registered Nurse, RN, Nursing Education, Hospital Service, Health Care, Medical Professions
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