Registered Nursing - How to Know If It's the Right Career for You
Not everyone has the right interests and abilities to pursue a career in nursing. How do you know if you do?
Here are three questions to ask yourself to see if you have what you need to become a registered nurse (RN).
1. Do you like working with people?
Nurses interact with sick people every day. They must have the compassion and patience to communicate well with others who may not be at their best. Having a sense of humor is an important characteristic that helps nurses get through the most challenging days.Related Content:
2. Do you have average or above scores in high school English, math and science?
Nurses don't just care. They have to be able to think critically to observe for changes in patients and solve complicated problems. Nursing students need knowledge in English, algebra, biology and chemistry to get through the rigorous nursing curriculum and pass the state board exam.3. Are you able to work with a team? Can you lead others?
Nurses need to know how to work with other members of the health care team like physical and occupational therapists, social workers, speech pathologists, x-ray technicians and physicians. Nurses must have leadership traits to supervise teams of other nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing aides. They must be well organized to make sure everyone on the team does what needs to be done so patients receive quality care. Emergencies can occur at any time on any nursing unit. The charge RN will need the ability to stay calm in a crisis.
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So how did you do? If you like working with people, have good scores in English, math and science and want to work with and lead a team, nursing may be the career for you.
