REGISTERED NURSE (RN) PROGRAM

REGISTERED NURSE (RNs) provide care, treatment, counseling, and health education to the ill, injured, and infirm. They assist in the maintenance of health and the prevention or management of illness, injury, or disability. General Duty Nurses give general nursing care to patients in a hospital, nursing home, or a similar institution. Hospital, nursing home, or other institutional Registered Nurses may be supervised by the head nurse or supervisor and may supervise auxiliary nursing and other health care personnel such as licensed practical nurses, nursing aides, and orderlies. They usually work in clean, well lighted, and ventilated hospitals, clinics, offices, nursing homes, or classrooms. All Registered Nurses in Michigan must be licensed by the Board of Nursing of the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services. To become licensed, applicants must be at least 18, complete an approved nursing program, have a knowledge of the English language, and pass a computerized exam.

General Duties of a Registered Nurse may include:

• Determining nursing and health needs of patients

• Carrying out prescribed medical and nursing treatments

• Teaching and counseling patients and their families

• Observing and reporting the condition of patients and modifying the plan of care if necessary

• Directing and supervising less skilled nursing and other health personnel

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic to reach a decision

• Work well under pressure and emotional stress

• Work effectively with others

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Use instruments and equipment from diagrams and instructions

• Communicate well, in both speech and writing

• Maintain confidentiality of records and other information

The employment of Registered Nurses in Michigan is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.

Earnings of Registered Nurses vary according to experience and training, the employer, area of responsibility, hours worked, and geographic location.

Mid Michigan Community College’s Registered Nursing Program provides opportunities to gain knowledge and skills for employment giving complete health care to individuals, families, and communities in homes, schools, hospitals, and other health service settings. Our program incorporates classroom theory and clinical experiences.

The following high school subjects are helpful in preparing you for this occupation:

Contact Person: