R egistered Nurse
Registered nurses assume a wide variety of roles in patient care, and are critical players in individuals’ journeys to good health. Often working in collaboration with physicians to provide the best care for patients, the importance of registered nurses cannot be understated. Those with observational minds who possess a genuine passion for helping others, may find nursing to be an excellent and fulfilling career choice.
T he Perks
By becoming a RN, you are contributing to the global effort to provide health care for individuals in need.
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Months
An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) – which qualifies you to become a registered nurse – can take as few as 18 months to complete.
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Growth
Between the years 2016-2026, the total employment of this position is projected to grow by over 15%, more than double the national average.
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Salary
The median yearly salary for registered nurses is $71k, with some positions offering salaries in the range of $140k
Registered Nurse
SSM Health
Every day is different, and I’m constantly learning. One minute I’ll be giving a report to a doctor and then I’ll be in another room giving CPR and then I’m working with the families of my patients. I’ll never forget when one family told me, ‘Thank you so much for treating our mom like your mom’ .
W hat Do I Need?
A career in the medical field may seem like it requires a lot of prerequisites and qualifications. However, the path to becoming a registered nurse is very accessible, and resources to aid you are abundant.
Diligence
ADN or BSN
The two most common pathways to a career as a Registered Nurse are by to obtain either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Communication Skills
Since RNs are often working directly with patients and their families, it is important that they are able to effectively anticipate patients’ needs and communicate with them.
Flexibility
Due to the unpredictable work hours in the medical field and the nature of the practice, RNs need to be adaptable to working longer shifts or having a variable schedule.
Empathy
The ability to connect and empathize with a patient is essential; a large part of this position is to provide some comfort to patients.
Problem-Solving Skills
RNs are constantly faced with unexpected situations and should be ready and willing to think on their feet.
Diligence
As an RN you must be able to carefully observe and record things such as symptoms and procedures, and keep careful track of patient’s symptoms and histories.
ADN or BSN
The two most common pathways to a career as a Registered Nurse are by to obtain either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Communication Skills
Since RNs are often working directly with patients and their families, it is important that they are able to effectively anticipate patients’ needs and communicate with them.
Flexibility
Due to the unpredictable work hours in the medical field and the nature of the practice, RNs need to be adaptable to working longer shifts or having a variable schedule.
Empathy
The ability to connect and empathize with a patient is essential; a large part of this position is to provide some comfort to patients.
Problem-Solving Skills
RNs are constantly faced with unexpected situations and should be ready and willing to think on their feet.
Y our Resources
Ready to get started? Here are some resources and pathways you can explore to get started in a successful career as a registered nurse!
WGU Missouri Online Degree Programs
The mission of WGU Missouri is to expand access to affordable higher education for Missouri residents through online, competency-based programs that address key workforce needs. WGU Missouri offers more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the high-demand fields of business, IT, teacher education, and healthcare. WGU now serves almost 3,200 students in Missouri and has awarded degrees to more than 3,200 Missouri residents.
Nursing, Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
This program prepares students to become registered nurses. Students learn to provide direct care for clients that is based on the nursing process. Students acquire knowledge and technical skills necessary for effective communication with clients and families. They learn management, organizational and delegation skills necessary to provide competent care to a group of clients. Healthcare teaching is emphasized as a critical aspect of the communication process.
BJC HealthCare Careers
Are you determined to provide excellent care with your talent, ambition, skills, and experience? Join the team at BJC HealthCare. Positions are available for nurses, CNAs, medical assistants, customer support representatives, and other health care professionals.
SSM Health Careers
SSM Health is one of the largest integrated health care delivery systems in the nation, with over 40,000 employees in four states. Nurses, medical assistants, CNAs and other health care professionals can find excellent employment opportunities at the SSM Health Careers website.
Family Workforce Centers of America
12-week training program that empowers students to combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training to advance to better careers in the science/biotechnology industries. Assists underemployed and unemployed Saint Louis region residents to gain career track employment and earn livable wages.
EXPLORE Healthcare with Centene
EXPLORE is a free Career Immersion Program for St. Louis high school students of color which connects students to industry leaders at SSM Health.This program might be a fit for students who enjoy working with people, medicine, laboratory research, or computers, equipments and machines.
Healthcare Industry Training and Education – HITE
The HITE program provides eligible low-income individuals the opportunity to receive training for a career in the healthcare industry. Training is available for nursing, technician, secretarial, and a wide range of other positions.
