What a Registered Nurse Does
What type of work does a Registered Nurse do?
The duties and tasks associated with being a registered nurse may include the following:
- Assess the condition of patients
- Obtain and record the medical history and symptoms a patient may be experiencing
- Observe patients regularly
- Administer treatments and medications to patients
- Consult and collaborate with healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care
- Provide education to patients and their family regarding how to manage illness or injury
- Provide instructions to patients and their family regarding at-home treatment after discharge
Where do Registered Nurses work?
Registered nurses can be found working in a variety of healthcare settings. Some of these may include hospitals, home health care, outpatient care centers, and nursing and residential care facilities. Nurses working in facilities such as hospitals are needed to provide care ‘round-the-clock.’ That means that registered nurses are needed to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
How to Become an RN
How long does it take to become an RN?
There are a variety of programs designed to prepare someone to pursue a career as a registered nurse. Typically, registered nurse training programs can take anywhere from 2-4 years to complete.
What are the steps to becoming an RN?
If you’re interested in becoming an RN, the first step is to receive training from a school approved by your state board of nursing. Upon successful completion of your education and training, you may go on to challenge the NCLEX-RN® exam. Those who pass the NCLEX-RN® exam are then eligible to become licensed as an RN. Keep in mind, specific guidelines or requirements may vary from state to state.
What type of RN training is needed?
If you are thinking about a career as a registered nurse, you may be asking yourself, “what type of RN training is needed?” RNs typically go to school for 2-4 years to pursue their new career. Education for RNs can take place in both a classroom setting as well as during clinical practice/rotations. Classroom education is key to exposing students to the topics they will need to build a solid foundation and develop critical thinking skills. Clinical practice/rotations allow students to apply what they have learned in the classroom in an actual (or simulated) occupational setting.
What does it take to become an RN?
Are you wondering, “What does it take to become an RN?” In addition to receiving the proper training and passing the licensure exam, there are several qualities or characteristics that an RN should possess. These qualities include critical thinking skills, developed communication skills, compassion, empathy, attention to detail, resilience, good organizational skills, and stamina.
What education is needed to become an RN?
The education typically needed to become an RN includes both classroom instruction coupled with clinical practice/training. RN programs are approved by their State Board of Nursing to ensure their program and curriculum meets the state’s requirements in regards to preparing future registered nurses for success. Topics often covered during an RN program may include (but are not limited to) fundamentals of nursing, medical surgical nursing, pharmacology, mental health, obstetrics, and leadership.
The Dorsey College Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program
What types of classes are included in this program?
At Dorsey College, students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program will take classes such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Nutrition and Health
- Pharmacology for Nurses
- Nursing for Childbearing Families
- Transition to RN Practice
- Nursing Leadership
- Mental Health Nursing
- …and more!
How long is this program?
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at Dorsey College is designed to be completed in two years.
Where is this program offered?
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program is offered at the Dorsey College Madison Heights, MI campus (Main Campus), the Saginaw, MI campus (a branch campus of Madison Heights), and the Wayne, MI campus (a branch campus of Madison Heights).
Does this program include licensure?
While actual licensure is not included in the curriculum of the Dorsey College Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program, graduates may go on to challenge the NCLEX-RN® exam. Dorsey College has determined that its Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to nursing licensure requirements. In the state of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs holds the authority to grant licensure to graduates of approved programs who have passed the NCLEX-RN® exam.
Will your program prepare me for licensure?
The Dorsey College Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program is designed to prepare students to go on to challenge the NCLEX-RN® exam. Dorsey College has determined that its Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to nursing licensure requirements.
Is Dorsey College Accredited?
Yes, you can read more by visiting our Accreditation page.
What are the tuition and fees for this program?
The current tuition and fees for the Dorsey College Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program can be accessed by clicking here.
Is Financial Aid available?
Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. For additional information on Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance, we would encourage you to visit our Financial Aid Information page.
Can you help me find a job after graduation?
Dorsey College offers Career Services assistance to all program completers, however, job placement is not guaranteed by Dorsey College. You can learn more about the assistance our Career Services team offers by visiting our Career Services for Students and Graduates page.
