Are you in nursing school or planning to start nursing school? As a nursing student, you may be required to interview a registered nurse with some questions your professor may require of you. The reason this assignment is given to a student is to help the student develop an understanding about the profession they plan to enter. In addition, it gives the student the chance to ask the practicing nurse any questions or concerns they may have about the profession.
Below is a recent interview between a student and nurse. In this interview, the interviewer ask the nurse why they wanted to become a nurse, what a typical work day is like, and common challenges the nurse faces at their job. This interview is a great resource for students who are thinking about entering the field of nursing. It can help give you an idea about what to expect as nurse.
What was the reason(s) why you wanted to become a registered nurse? And why would someone choose this career?
I believe everyone was created for a God-given purpose and I have always had the desire to help others. In addition, I love being around people and helping nurse them back to health. I believe the reason someone who chooses this career is to fulfill a lifelong goal, have job security, receive a steady pay check, and help others.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse and what classes should you take to become a nurse?
You can expect to be in school (once you graduate from high school) an additional 2-4 years, depending on in you want to obtain an ADN (associated degree in nursing) or BSN (bachelor’s degree in nursing). You can expect to take many science classes such as Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Nutrition and nursing classes like Nursing Fundamentals, Pediatric Nursing, Maternity Nursing, and psychiatric nursing just to name a few. You will receive training during clinical time, which is time spent in a hospital setting. During the clinical time, you will gain insight and skills on how to start IVs, give medications, and take care of patients.
On a typical day as a nurse, what do you do in your nursing job?
I assist physicians with cardiac stress tests, tilt table tests, transesophageal echocardiograms, and stress echocardiogram procedures. I am required to know how to give moderate sedation, maintain cardiac drips, perform advanced life support for cardiac arrest situations, and start IVs. In addition, I perform the duties of a charge nurse, which requires me to lead my team of nurses.
After I become a nurse, how much money can I expect to earn?
This depends on where you live. According to BLS.gov the average in the United States is $67,720. The average hourly wage of a registered nurse is $32.56 – See more at: registered nurse salary
What does your typical work schedule as a nurse look like?
I typically work Monday-Friday 8am- 5pm and some weekends 7am-3pm. However, many nurses work 12-hour shifts. Example: 7am-7pm
What type of patients do you take care of at your job?
I mainly work with patients who have coronary artery disease.
What should someone new to the nursing field, who is thinking about becoming a nurse, know about the nursing field?
Nursing is challenging but very rewarding. When you decide to become a nurse, choose it for the right reasons not for the glamour or pay because those two things soon fade away. You have to be willing to be selfless.
What challenges do you face as a nurse?
As most people know, our healthcare system in the U.S. is a mess. I face many areas of red tape that affects the delivery of patient care. In addition, patients taking responsibility for their own health is a problem. Many patients feel they do not have to make lifestyle changes (example: lose weight, quit smoking, or using drugs) to get better. They keep doing these things, which makes their coronary artery disease worse. It can be frustrating at times.
How would you rate the importance of your job as a nurse compared to a doctor?
On a 1-10 with 10 being the most important, I would say a 10. However, I would rate a doctor’s importance as a 10 as well. A nurse and doctor are both equally important for the healthcare system to work properly. I could not do my job without a doctor and a doctor could not do his or her job with me.