Registered Nurse - Alabama Nursing Schools and Nursing Programs

Registered Nurses (RN)

To become a licensed registered nurse in Alabama you must graduate with a bachelor's degree, an associate degree or a diploma from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination - NCLEX-RN ®. To be recognized as a registered nurse by a state other than the one that issued your licensure you usually need to pass the NCLEX exam for that state. States require periodic renewal of licenses.

Registered nurses - Registered Nurses make up the largest health care occupation in the US. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more new jobs are expected to be created for registered nurses than for any other occupation in the USA. Most registered nurses work in hospitals but physician offices, nursing care facilities, educational institutions and government agencies also provide substantial job opportunities. Registered nurses work to help patients cope with illness and prevent disease. Registered Nurses that provide patient care are responsible for assessing, observing and recording patient symptoms, assist physicians during examinations and surgeries, administer medications and develop care plans.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are offered by colleges and universities and take about four years to complete while Associate Degree in Nursing programs take only two or three years. Diploma programs which are mostly offered by hospitals last about three years and are not too common. The successful completion of any of these programs and a passing grade on the NCLEX-RN qualifies you for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. If you are not sure which education path is right for you please take into consideration that many registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma enter bachelor's programs to take advantage of the many opportunities available to BSN-educated nurses.

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement if you enter a RN to BSN program and upon graduation you will have broader advancement opportunities. Accelerated BSN and MSN programs are available if you have a bachelor's or higher degree in another field and want to become a registered nurse. Accelerated BSN and MSN programs usually take between one and two years to complete. Registered nurse training includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Classroom instruction includes but is not limited to courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition and nursing. Advanced registered nurses called nurse practitioners diagnose and treat common acute illnesses and injuries and can also prescribe medications. To become an advanced practice nurse you must meet educational and clinical practice requirements beyond the basic nursing education and licensing required of all registered nurses.

The workplace is the determining factor for the job duties of Registered Nurses. For example, registered nurses that work in a hospital provide bedside care and administer medications. They may supervise licensed practical nurses and nursing aides and are usually assigned to one department. A registered nurse working in a physicians' office may prepare patients for examinations, administer injections and medications and maintain records. Nursing care facility nurses manage care for residents. They create care plans and often are responsible for administrative and supervisory tasks. Some registered nurses provide services to patients at home. They must be able to work independently and care for a broad range of patients.

Most nurses work in comfortable healthcare facilities but may be required to work some nights, weekends or holidays. Registered nurses are often expected to deal with stress, heavy workloads and uncooperative or agitated patients. They must follow strict standard guidelines to protect against disease and other dangers. Emotional stability, the ability to cope with human suffering, emergencies and other stress factors is of outmost importance if you consider a nursing career. The average salary for registered nurses is around $52,000 per year. Employers usually provide medical insurance plans, bonuses, paid time off, disability and social security benefits.