Article Analysis Essay on What is an RN?

Introduction

In her article, Dawn Rosenberg describes a registered nurse as a nurse who has achieved the education milestone beyond the basic nursing training and has acquired recognition by a professional organization. Registered nurses constitute approximately three million of the United States population as at 2016. Registered Nurses are different from licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in that RNs treat, advice and provide emotional support to patients and their families whereas LPNs have restrictions regarding precisely what they can do.

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In terms of works schedule. Registered nurses work tight- round the clock shifts, and this includes weekends, evenings and holidays. Some of the common employers of Registered Nurses include doctors' offices, nursing care facilities, outpatient facilities, home health care services, schools and correctional facilities. The number of registered nurses is likely to grow drastically compared to other professions.

A Day in a Registered Nurse's Life

A typical day in an RN's life will involves the implementation of a physician's orders (such as administering medications, starting IVs and documentation of medication as required by company and State policy), ordering, interpretation and evaluation of diagnostic tests to identify a patient's condition and patient care. Moreover, they are involved in collaborating with the nursing team to create a patient care plan and to provide direction to ancillary personnel and maintain an overall standard of professional nursing.

The Downside of Being an RN

Just like every other profession, being an RN is bound to have its shortcomings as an RN one may be exposed to communicable diseases as a result of the hands-on care system. Also, the physical strains of moving patients put one at risk of sustaining physical injuries thus the need for policies that guide this practice.

Education and Licensing Requirements

A career as a registered nurse requires one to hold a Bachelor's of Science Degree in nursing, an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing. To hold a license in nursing, one must have graduated from a program that the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has accredited regardless of the state where one wants to practice in. In addition to this, all states require that a qualified and licensed RN should have passed the National Council Licensure Examination-RN or NCLEX-RN.

What Soft Skills Do You Need

Soft skills are the basic skills that one should possess in their chosen profession. In essence, Registered nurses should be able to demonstrate compassion seeing as they interact with patients from different calibers all day long. They should also possess organizational skills, critical thinking skills, listening skills, speaking skills and patience. Registered nurses should generally be emotionally stable to handle everyday pressures. Employers, in turn, accept a high degree of confidentiality from RNs, teamwork, excellent communication skills and flexibility to work irregular schedules.

Deciding to go for a career in nursing should match one's interest, personality type and work-related values as these are the cornerstone of what the nursing profession is all about. In reality, becoming an RN has been my main dream. This is based on the fact that RN is involved in various activities such as the provision of health care and delivers treatment as instructed by a medical doctor. I will, therefore, be able to assist patients in recovering from various health problems they are facing.

Works Cited

McKay, Rosenberg, D. What is an RN? Job Description for a RN. The Balance Careers. Accessed on 17 March, 2019. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/registered-nurse-526062