Associate and 4-Year Programs

Degree Program or Associate Program > RN

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses (RNs) care for patients, and promote their physical, mental and social well being. The duties performed by RNs include: monitoring patient status and progress, assisting the physician in care and rehabilitation, administering medication, and advising patients and their families on preventive health care measures. State laws and specific employer restrictions specify exactly what a registered nurse is allowed to do on the job. The title of registered nurse encompasses a wide range of specialties, among the: hospital nurses, office nurses, home health nurse, nursing home nurses, public health nurses, occupational health/industrial nurses and head nurse/nurse supervisor. Specialized training or experience may be necessary for some of these positions. The main difference among them, however, is simply the setting and/or members of the community toward which registered nurses choose to direct their skills. For registered nurses, seeking advanced practice there are also opportunities to be come a certified nurse-midwife (CNM), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and nurse practitioner (NP).

More than 60% of RNs are employed by hospitals, while the others may work in physicians' offices, nursing homes, schools, or government agencies. On a daily basis, and RN may be found in a hospital, patient's home, elementary school, community center, or at a worksite. The majority of registered nurses are employed full time, with hours that may extend around the clock. Hospital and nursing home positions are those most likely to provide 24-hour care, while office nurses, occupation health nurses, or public health nurses follow nine-to-five business hours.

Becoming a licensed registered nurse requires graduation from an accredited nursing school and the successful completion of a national licensing examination. There are currently over 1,500 RN training programs, each falling into a category based upon the degree it awards and length of student enrollment. Approximately 70% of RNs graduate from a program which offers an associate degree (AND). Other schools may award either a diploma or a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN). Associate's programs last two years and are generally offered by community or junior colleges. Diploma programs offered by hospitals last two to three years and bachelor's programs offered at colleges and universities last four to five years. RNs with a BSN degree may have more employment opportunities in administrative and community positions and someday this degree may be a standard requirement for all registered nurses. Graduate programs require its applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science degree.