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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?
NCLEX Review: Part INCLEX Review: Part II
NCLEX Review: Part III
NCLEX Review: Part IV
NCLEX Vocab Review
NCLEX Math Review
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!
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Patti59
over 4 years ago
4 comments
I have worked in the medical field in various capacities for 29 years. Caring for others is what I have always done best and nursing would be the most rewarding to mr.
jaflo
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I have always loved caring for others. I'm wanting to find all I need to accomplish this choice as nursing would be the ultimate for me.
Crbarker
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I would like to become a nurse I like helping people and others things that a nurse does
pat1979
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I'm trying to get enrolled in school for nursing, please help
tajasmom
over 4 years ago
36 comments
Its very hard for me I wonder if I will ever pass
diprod
over 4 years ago
2 comments
well lust come in to the country and all my life is to be a nurse but i dont know what to do and how am am going to start here in united state.can somebody pls help me out.thank you
akakentucky
over 4 years ago
2 comments
i am on the waitlist at a 2 year nursing program where i live...i have a bachelors degree in psychology, and am currently taking a CNA class.... is it worth it to go through being a CNA when i am already in the RN program??? Should I do LVN in the meantime? My projective start date for RN pgm is fall of 2010 due to the waitlist...
what do i do!?
ababynurse
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I feel so blessed to have found this website.I am a 47 yr. old single mother with big dreams and I'm going to be a nurse! I have been a caregiver for the last 12 yrs. I did a crazy thing and let my CNA license lapse, although I know within my spirit I'm supposed to be a nurse. My goal is to be a Midwife and deliver healthy babies at home. The thing is I don't know where to start. I also need help with tuition. Please help!
mya
over 4 years ago
2 comments
In intrested in becoming an RN but some people tell me that is better to become an LVN first then an RN. Right now im the bread winner from the house my husband is at school and he finishes in june 2009. So after he starts to work i would like to go back to school but i want to know if the mean time should i go to college to get my math and english out the way or wait if some one could help me decide . thanks
Shield22
over 4 years ago
0 comments
I just got into the pre-nursing program in MT. Now, i feel that i just want to start taking the real classes that are towards an RN. The nursinglink website has helped alot. i try to read some articles each day of what it takes to become an RN. Thx
Jonatshaja
over 4 years ago
8 comments
I disovered my passion for nursing after I started caring for my chronically ill son. It's the first time I really knew what I wanted to do. Now that my son is doing better (EndStage Renal Disease) after recieving a transplant...I am ready to get to it!!! Where do I start?? I was taking classes at home at Univ. of Phoenix...but that turned out to be be the wrong start. I only have home experience..about 5 years of patient home care...and nothing else. I'd like to work at a hospital while getting my prereqs...but how?
jlangford
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I am 32 years old and really have enjoyed the administrative part of being in the healthcare industry, but it is my dream to become and nurse and possibly even a doctor. I really am making a big decision, but I am ready for this journey.
Maria89
over 4 years ago
4 comments
I would love to become a nurse, because ever since a child I loved helping others. I am a graduated student from William Allen here in Allentown,I also went to LCTI and took health Occupations. I went to Fellowship Manor for clinical and at the same time for my graduation project. It was a great Experience helping other Residents and performing hands on. I was also apart of the skills USA Competition and place Second place for Medical Assistance. I would really love to be apart of a team in the Medical Field someday be it working for kids or any type of people but I would really love to work with kids.
lharris583
over 4 years ago
2 comments
i have decided to become a nurse and have applied at my local community college. it is my understanding that 2 yr nurses do just as well as 4 yr nurses; is this correct? any tips or advice?
KindheartedCNA
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I work as a CNA I really do love working with the elderly and I want to get my RN, how hard is the math and With me having only a GED about how long do you think it will take for me to get into the program? I would really love to hear back from someone who entered in with a GED.