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Learn About Being a Nurse
Nursinglink
Considering Nursing?
Nursing is the largest health care profession in the US, with over 2.9 million RNs nationwide. Because nurses are involved in every type of health care need from basic health to acute care, every nurse has followed a specific path of education to become an RN and develop an expertise.
Not sure where you fit? This guide was designed to educate you about our profession and help you identify the path to becoming a nurse that calls to you!
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2.4 million Registered Nurses
- 92% Percentage of RNs That are Women
- 624,000 Projected growth in RNs (2002 – 2012)
What do Nurses do?
Although work settings and clinical populations may differ, all nurses are trained to perform the following duties:
Treat patients and alleviate their suffering
Educate patients and families about care and wellness
Provide emotional support to patients’ family members
Would You Pass the NCLEX?
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Record patients’ medical histories and monitor symptoms
Help perform diagnostic tests and medical procedures
Operate medical machinery
Administer treatments and medication
Where do Nurses Work?
Hospitals 56%
Community Health Clinics 14.9%
Ambulatory Care 11.5%
Would You Survive Your 1st Year as a Nurse?
Nursing Homes 6.3%
Nursing Education 2.6%
What Advanced Nursing Careers Are There?
An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a global term used for the following specialization areas. All APRNs have a masters degree and met clinical practice requirements for their specialization.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Nurse practitioners are able to deliver a wide range of primary care, preventive health, and women’s health care services, prescribe medication, and diagnose and treat common minor illnesses and injuries.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Nurse-Midwives provide well-woman gynecological and low-risk obstetrical care.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Include specialization in treating various physical and mental health problems, and also work in consultation, research, education, and administration.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Administer more than 65% of anesthetics given to patients annually.
Explore Nursinglink.
Meet RNs and ask questions about their work, interests, likes and dislikes. This may teach you the most!
Next: Step 2 >>
<< Previous: 10 Steps to Becoming a Nurse
manolitojr
8 months ago
2 comments
hello,im a nursing graduate back in the philippines and i dont have my liscense yet,i plan to continue nursing here in the US.can you give me advice on what i should do to continue my nursing career.
Jaxson
about 1 year ago
6 comments
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brenda14
about 1 year ago
8 comments
Thanks for the information.
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over 1 year ago
62 comments
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tanishagerstein
over 1 year ago
2 comments
Nurses, on the other hand, continued to make "daddy" happy, and continue to turn out more nurses every year, and only to watch them leave due to the intolerable working conditions, low pay, and benefits, and complete lack of respect for our profession. Acronis true image home SugarSync Review
sharonortigas
over 1 year ago
2 comments
Hi there, I found your site quite interesting since I am making a career transition into either nursing or radiography. I too have had a desire to become actively involved in making the world a better place, and due to a variety of health crises in my family I have had the chance to admire nursing and hospital staff and the work they do. Medical Billing From Home
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over 1 year ago
2 comments
If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me. Scrotal Enhancement
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ceg_888
almost 2 years ago
2 comments
i wont to be a nurse im going to school for nursein and i think it is a really great thing to do you help people who are sick or in real bad health it is a real good thing you can save people life
dello
almost 2 years ago
8 comments
please my brother and sister are need your help. I want to be a nurse but I want no all the lessons
Cupcake70
about 2 years ago
2 comments
Hi i am 21 years old and i already have one 14 month old daughter. I am working on getting my GED and am 75% sure i want to be a nurse but have NO idea where to start. Someone help me i need some guidance. There are trade schools, community colleges, universities!?! I dont know where to start. I want to make the most of my career, help people and support a healthy, happy family Anyone??
zagogoboy
over 2 years ago
10 comments
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lkosnick
almost 3 years ago
2 comments
Best website ever! Nursing Link gives so much great advice to prepare my for my interviews at hospitals! And everytime i read something it inspires me more and more to become a nurse. Now only if I can get into a nursing school! I've done everything possibly wise to prepare myself except for my gpa is pretty low from undergrad school that may be holding me back :( Undergrad i was still a lil immature and was more focused on personal growth. And if it weren't for that i wouldn't be where i am today and now i'm more ready and prepared than ever to be a nurse and very mature 25 year old. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Psychology degree May 2009, interned at IDS, volunteered in ER at hospital, volunteer at Hospice, worked as a nursing assistant 4-5 years..in a variety of places with a variety of patients..working w/ dementia, parkinsons, & alzheimers: medical imaging aide experiencing- pediatric, elderly, intensive care unit, mental unit, post op, every area in the hospital i have experienced. I have a great personal statement, skills and experience. I have everything it takes to be an amazing nurse. I am planning on being one in Chicago and am in the process of applying to schools there and hospitals. Any advice would be appreciative :)
onmyway
about 3 years ago
4 comments
I've seen this on NursingLink before but re-visited it when I got it in my inbox. I love the way the 10 steps are laid out - and they're dead on it seems. I'm just starting down my BSN (accelerated BSN) road after 3 years of "should I? shouldn't I?" until working as an editor (I'm a journalism major) for an online nursing magazine was the final...confirmation? push? : ) I would add: if you're between steps 1 and 2 (like me!) it's a great idea to expose yourself, as much as possible without hurting anyone ; ), to the pysicality of nursing - volunteer at a hospital/nursing home..something. It also helps when applying to nursing programs, so I've heard. Also I would even consider doing a month or two (if you can) abroad as a volunteer at a care facility, hospital or clinic. There are programs out there (like ProjectsAbroad that I've looked into) that will place people at every stage of their careers (students/professionals/those just looking into the medical/nursing field) in care/medical projects in other parts of the world where volunteer contribution is really needed. Granted, you won't be practicing nursing for some of the more qualification-necessary projects, but it opens up a whole new (and global) perspective toward nursing and there is a much broader level of service you'll be allowed to experience, and perform, since the help is so desperately needed. Just a thought. Thanks NursingLink! : )
aima10
about 3 years ago
2 comments
I am a RN actualy .Is that I need informacion of what documents I need to work like a telefone triage nurse and ER nurse.The preparacion that I need to work in thoes areas. how much they pay to a RN and a BSN.
medgirl14
about 3 years ago
2 comments
Start by checking all R.N. schools in your area. Talk to nurses in the program nearest you. Start taking pre-reqs such as; Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology and all other required classes. Make high grades and keep your GPA high. This will help you get placement into the program. While in R.N. program continue to make the highest grades possible. This will help when you start B.S.N. and Masters programs. Take your time and get a good understanding of the basics. The information all builds upon each other. Be sure to check different schools because they all have different requirements. Go talk to the Head of the Nursing school. There is NO short cut. Just start, make excellent grades, get help when needed. You will be a nurse in no time. It flies by!