A registered nurse career can be very profitable. With a 15% job outlook and millions of people in this field there is a lot that can be said for it. Below is an interview with Linda Ezechukwu a
Pediatric Registered Nurse (RN) at Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles providing advice, benefits and requirements of being registered nurse.
Why did you seek a career in Nursing?
I decided to be a nurse primarily because I like the interpersonal relationship nurses have with their patients. Being able to treat them, communicate with them and be with them through out their healing process at the bedside. Also, I love the vast flexibility of various jobs that nursing offers. One can not only work in the hospital setting but also in communities, companies and businesses.
What type of nurse are you? What does that mean? What’s the difference between that type of nurse and other nurses?
I am a pediatric nurse in a medical surgical unit at a children’s hospital. There are so many different types of nurses the only difference between what I am and other nurses would be that I specifically take care of children after surgery.
What are some perks of being a nurse?
There are two major perks of being a nurse, flexibility and the ability to make a positive impact. Being a nurse I have the ability to work only 3 days a week for 12 hours each. I love the fact that I can make my schedule how I want and have multiple days off. I also have the opportunity to switch shifts with other coworkers, which makes the job even more flexible. The second perk is the reward and joy of seeing your patients discharged and feeling better than when they initially arrived. It’s extremely rewarding being able to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
What are some downsides to being a nurse?
One downside to being a nurse is when our patients are critically ill to the point of death. Nothing can prepare you for this. As a nurse, we have to bring comfort to these patients and be of support to them. Though we try our best to prepare for moments like this each time is still just as difficult as the last.
Do you need a specific degree to be a nurse? If so what degrees?
You need to either have your Associates degree or your Bachelors degree in nursing. Most hospitals strive to hire nurses with Bachelors degrees. That being said, there are different types and levels of a nursing career. The key thing for anyone considering a career in nursing is to know what type of nurse you want to become. Once you know this you then need to do your research in what it takes to get there. I’m an RN at the Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, and I got my Bachelors degree in nursing.
Are there any internship that would be helpful in becoming a nurse?
There are a few internships available and also volunteering opportunities to work in the hospital or any area of interest. I highly suggest volunteering as much as you can at blood drives, hospitals, and etc.
What are the work hours like for a nurse?
I work three days a week for 12 hours each day and night. My shift starts from 7p.m. to 7:30am. Usually day shifts start from 7a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Like I said earlier, the nursing career allows the ability for very flexible schedules. Some nurses even work at different locations because they can work 3 days a week at each and still have a day off.
What is something you wish you knew before you became a nurse?
I wish I volunteered at the hospital in high school, which would have helped me realize that I wanted to be a nurse in order to apply to the right college with the relevant nursing programs. I knew I wanted to be in the medical field from a young age but if I would have realized I wanted to be a nurse earlier I would have better prepped to become one.
What is something you would have done earlier that would have helped your career?
It would have helped if I became a CNA (Certified Nursing assistant) while in school. This is because it helps you to become more confortable at the bedside as a new nurse. Another thing would have done earlier would be to get a mentor in the field that I could rely on.
Is there an exam(s) that you needed to take to be a nurse?
Once you graduate from your nursing program, there is a requirement to take a license exam in order to work as a registered nurse. As a registered nurse, you need to take a board exam called he NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) in order to be licensed as a registered nurse.
What are 3 skills nurses need in order to succeed?
The skills that are required to succeed as a nurse are being compassionate, a hard worker and a critical thinker. Compassion is the sense you have to be able to genuinely care for patients being that they are at their most vulnerable state and they need help and support to get them through the healing process. Being hard working is critical because you will be on your feet for long hours. Lastly being a critical thinker is important because while you are at a patients bedside you have to be watchful for changes in the patients condition in order to figure out an intervention and also alert the doctor for a plan of care. As a nurse you need these traits to excel in your career.
What are some tools/resources that would be helpful for someone who is trying to become a nurse?
I would say anyone trying to become a nurse should do these three things. Firstly, network, network, and network. It doesn’t matter what career you are in networking can really play a huge role. Second, do your research early about the schools you are interested in and make sure those schools are accredited. Lastly, attend information sessions to find out what the schools offer.
What is a tip you would tell your past self related to your career?
I would say make sure you take advantage of volunteering opportunities in health care while in high school. It really does help to apply for a nursing program before graduating for high school.
