Registered Nurse

To be a successful Registered Nurse you should…

• be compassionate and caring
• have excellent leadership and organizational skills
• have excellent communication skills
• have good physical and emotional stability
• be able to deal with a variety of people
• have the ability to note slight change
• have an understanding of computers and technology
• have the ability to analyze problems
• be flexible and able to multi-task

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What will my job be like?

Nurses care for the whole person, including physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual human responses to the range of health issues. Often they care for the ill or injured, but they are also involved in education and other health-promoting activities for patients, families, and communities. Usually nurses work as part of a larger team including physicians, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, social workers, and other health care practitioners. RNs direct and supervise nursing support personnel. They monitor their patients’ conditions, give medications, and provide treatment prescribed by physicians or advanced practice nurses.

Nurses can work in a variety of settings and with various populations such as infants, children, women, or the elderly. They may also work with special groups of patients such as those requiring dialysis (kidney machines), rehabilitation, or the mentally disabled.

Hospital Nurses form the largest group of nurses. They may work on general surgical or medical units or in a variety of specialties such as emergency department, pediatrics, operating rooms, maternity, or many types of critical care units.

Outpatient Nurses are a growing group. They may work in institutions in a variety of specialties or in private offices.

Geriatric/Gerontology Nurses are interested in caring for older adults. They can choose positions in varying levels of care including nursing homes, adult homes, and day treatment centers.

Home Health Nurses/Visiting Nurses provide periodic services, prescribed by a physician, to patients at home. Community Health Nurses work in government and private agencies; and in clinics, schools, retirement communities, and other community settings.

Occupational Health or Industrial Nurses provide nursing care at worksites to employees, customers, and others with minor injuries and illnesses.

Travel Nurses, with some experience, can work for agencies that offer opportunities all over the country. Assignments last from many weeks to months, and housing is often included.

Where could I work?

Office, occupational health, and public nurses are more likely to work regular business hours. Home health and community health nurses travel to patients’ homes and to schools, community centers, and other sites. Because patients in hospitals and nursing homes require 24-hour care, nurses in these institutions work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Other workplace settings:

• Ambulatory Care Clinics
• Birthing Centers
• Colleges and Universities
• Government Agencies
• Health Maintenance Organizations
• Home Health Care Agencies
• Hospice Care
• Industry
• Insurance Agencies
• Mental Health Settings
• Migrant Centers
• Military
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Physician Offices
• Prisons
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Research Facilities
• Residential Care Facilities
• Schools
• Social Service Agencies
• Specialized Outpatient Clinics
• Urgent Care

What is the average annual salary?

$75,300

What is the future of this career?

Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations, the BLS reports.

About 194,500 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

In addition to earning a degree at a state approved RN nursing program, licensure requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination or CGFNS examination if foreign-trained.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing, Bridgeport
• Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
• Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
• Fairfield University School of Nursing, Fairfield
• Gateway Community College, East Hartford
• Goodwin College, East Hartford
• Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury
• Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted
• Norwalk Community College, Norwalk
• Quinnipiac University, Hamden
• Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
• Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven
• Three Rivers Community College, Norwich
• University of Connecticut School of Nursing, Storrs
• University of Hartford, West Hartford
• University of St. Joseph, West Hartford
• Western Connecticut State University, Danbury

RN to BSN

• Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
• Fairfield University School of Nursing, Fairfield
• Post University, Waterbury
• Quinnipiac University, Hamden
• University of Hartford, West Hartford
• University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport
• Western Connecticut Sate University, Danbury

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. In addition to earning a degree at a state approved RN nursing program, licensure requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination or CGFNS examination if foreign-trained.

Please visit the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health website for more information.

Where can I get more information?