Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) play a crucial role in the healthcare system, offering direct patient care and support. Their day-to-day responsibilities include assessing patient health problems and needs, developing and implementing nursing care plans, and maintaining medical records. RNs administer medications and treatments, observe patients, and record observations (Masterson, 2018). The scope of practice for registered nurses is defined by legislation and varies by jurisdiction; however, it generally includes performing physical exams and health histories, providing health promotion, counseling, and education, and coordinating care with other health professionals (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2023). The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics is one such framework often referenced by registered nurses. It emphasizes principles such as respect for human dignity, commitment to patient care, advocacy for patient rights, accountability, and responsibility for nursing judgments. (American Nurses Association, 2015)
To become a registered nurse, students need to complete a nursing program that encompasses classroom courses and hands-on clinical experience. Students are then required to complete clinical practice with supervised training in healthcare settings. After completing the program requirements, students will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to practice as a licensed registered nurse. (National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCSBN], 2023). Two educational institutions that are offering nursing programs are Florida International University, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences FIU, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program (Florida International University, n.d.) and Miami Dade College, Benjamín León School of Nursing, offers Associate in Science in nursing (ASN). 
Florida International University (FIU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) that usually takes four years to finish for students starting fresh. In 2023, the tuition cost for Florida residents is about $205.57 per credit hour. Since the program requires 120 credits to complete, the total estimated tuition cost for in-state students is around $24,668. (Florida International University, 2023). Miami Dade College offers a two-year Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program. The program includes roughly 72 credits, the total estimated tuition cost for in-state students is around $8,511. This estimate does not include other expenses such as fees, textbooks, or housing. (Miami dade college, 2023)
The minimum degree required to work as a registered nurse is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) (AACN, 2023). To practice as an RN, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is mandatory (NCSBN, 2023). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 203,200 RN positions are projected to open annually, mainly due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).
Nursing jobs typically take 1-2 years of experience and can be preferred for specialized roles or positions in hospitals and surgical centers (American Nurses Association, 2020). Local job listings and online job boards frequently show numerous openings for registered nurses. The average starting salary for a registered nurse is about $55,000 to $65,000 per year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Registered nurses have several paths for advancement, which may or may not require additional education. One option is to become a Nurse Case Manager which often requires experience and possibly additional management or leadership training. Another is to become a Nurse Practitioner, which typically requires a Master’s degree in Nursing. This role involves more responsibilities, including diagnosing and managing patient care (American Nurses Association, 2020).
The National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) is an organization for nursing students in the U.S to take part in. By becoming a student member of NSNA, you can enjoy many benefits like the chance to meet other nursing students, attend educational workshops, and access career resources to help you move from school to work. Currently, it costs $40 to join NSNA as a new student member and $35 per year to renew your membership. (National Student Nurses’ Association, n.d.)
The American Journal of Nursing (AJN) is a well-respected professional journal that provides comprehensive information on the latest nursing practices, research, and policy developments. As of the latest information, a student subscription to AJN costs approximately $34.95 annually, making it an affordable resource for those seeking to deepen their professional knowledge. (American Journal of Nursing, n.d.). Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are essential for maintaining nursing licensure in most U.S. states. Nursing students can earn CEUs by attending workshops and seminars hosted by professional organizations, where experts share the latest practices and advancements in healthcare (Smith, 2022). Another way is participating in online webinars offered by accredited institutions, which provide flexibility and convenience (Johnson, 2023). 
As I reflect on my journey towards becoming a registered nurse, I see myself fitting well into this profession due to a combination of personal attributes, experiences, and inspirations.Since childhood, I have always had a deep sense of empathy and a desire to help others. I have always enjoyed solving problems and thinking critically, which is vital in a nursing role that often involves assessing patient needs and making quick decisions. Volunteering at local clinics and caring for family members during their illnesses has given me firsthand experience in healthcare settings. My inspiration mainly came from when I had to take care of my grandmother in her last few months as she passed away , which fueled my desire to join the nursing profession. With these attributes and experiences, I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to patient care.
My goals and objective is first to enroll in an accredited nursing program to earn my Associates in Science in Nursing program (ASN). After that, secure a job as a registered nurse in a hospital or healthcare facility. Then do continuing education and specialized certifications in areas of interest, such as pediatrics to improve my knowledge in that field. In order to accomplish these goals and objectives I’ll be doing networking throughout my academic career and so on. Improve my skills by regularly engaging in self-study and online courses to improve technical and soft skills, such as time management and emotional intelligence. Have a good work-life balance by developing a balanced schedule that allows time for self-care to prevent burnout and maintain enthusiasm for my career. By following this career plan, I aim to become a skilled and compassionate registered nurse, committed to delivering high-quality patient care and continuously improving my professional abilities.
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