There’s no doubt about that fact that the need for RN’s has never been greater! The reason behind this is the development in technology, an increase in the aging population, and, of course, experienced nurses retiring. That’s why, this may be the best time for you to become a registered nurse by pursuing a postgraduate nursing program in Canada. Let us help you understand a registered nurse’s career path, in the event you are thinking of becoming one by joining an international nursing program of your choice.
What does a Registered Nurse Do?
- Registered Nurses are needed at all levels of society, to help deal with common illnesses and the day-to-day hazards of physical life.
- 60% of registered nurses work in hospitals.
- Your options to find a job can also be in clinics, physicians’ offices, home health care settings, rehabilitation centers, government organizations, long-term and critical care facilities, the military, and nursing schools.
- There are obviously a number of unique directions that you can take your career as an RN.
The Duties of a Registered Nurse
For a registered nurse, the duties vary depending on the work settings. RN’s provide and coordinate patient care, and educate patients as well as the public about various health conditions. They also give advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. The most common duties and responsibilities include-
- Evaluating and recording patient symptoms, performing diagnostic tests
- Assisting physicians in medical procedures
- Offering guidance to family members
- Leading public health education campaigns
- Treating medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, car accidents and burns. And, recovering post-operative patients
- Supervising licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nurse assistants (CNAs)
The Bonus Points
- Registered nurses can also operate medical monitoring equipment and handle medications.
- With specialized nursing courses and continuing education options, registered nurses have the privilege to focus on a medical specialty. It can be gerontology, neonatal, pediatric, emergency or surgical care.
The Shift Timings
- As a registered nurse, needless to say, you have to run around the clock. Work schedules and shift timings can be either rotating or permanent.
- Overtime and emergency hours will be unpredictable.
The Salary
The average annual salary that a registered nurse in Canada can earn is up to $66,640* or close to$32 per hour.
To be a Registered Nurse
- Not only do you have to pass the NCLEX-RN test to be a registered nurse, you also have to complete ongoing education to maintain the license.
- In case you already have a nursing diploma or an associate’s degree, you can return to school to complete your bachelor or master’s level degree. This way, you’ll be allowed to move into healthcare administration or into advanced nursing practice roles.
As a registered nurse, you might search for the specialized nursing programs in Canada to sharpen your skills and become a specialized nurse. INSCOL provides the Post Registration Nursing Programs in Canada for Internationally educated Nurses. For more information about the available courses, you can visit our academic section.