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Registered Nurse

Provide compassionate care that saves lives

$77,000-$95,000

Salary Range

16-24 months ABSN

Training Time

Job Growth

Career Overview

Registered nurses provide patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support. Accelerated BSN programs allow degree holders to become nurses in as little as 16 months.

📅 A Day in the Life

1Assess patient health and record vital signs

2Administer medications and treatments

3Collaborate with doctors on patient care plans

4Educate patients and families about health conditions

5Document patient progress in electronic health records

💪 Key Skills

✓Compassion and emotional resilience
✓Critical thinking and clinical judgment
✓Communication with patients and medical teams
✓Attention to detail in medication administration
✓Physical stamina for long shifts

📜 Certifications

★NCLEX-RN (Required for licensure)
★BLS/ACLS Certification
★Specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, etc.)
★State nursing license

📈 Career Progression

Staff Nurse / Bedside RN→

Charge Nurse→

Clinical Nurse Specialist→

Nurse Practitioner (with MSN)→

Nurse Manager / Director of Nursing

Pros & Cons

Pros

+High demand and job security
+Meaningful work helping others
+Many specialization options
+Flexible scheduling

Cons

−Emotionally demanding
−Long shifts (often 12 hours)
−Physical strain
−Exposure to illness

🔗 Learn More

American Nurses Association →Bureau of Labor Statistics - RNs →ABSN Programs Directory →

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