The U.S. Department of Labor has developed an automated occupational information database, O*NET, that identifies and describes work content, work skills, and training requirements for all jobs across the country in all sectors of the economy. Much of the occupational information contained in this report is derived directly from O*NET v3.1, and supplemented with information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, and Labor Market and Career Information.
OCCUPATION OVERVIEW
Job Description
Registered Nurses - Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. Includes advance practice nurses such as: nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Advanced practice nursing is practiced by RNs who have specialized formal, post-basic education and who function in highly autonomous and specialized roles.
Use of Advanced Technology
Every occupation includes some relationship between job duties and the use of advanced technology -- defined as work activities and environments that incorporate complex electronics as found in computers, lasers, robotics, digital devices, satellites, etc. While basic computer skills such as "keyboarding" apply to an increasing number of occupations, each has different levels of technology interface. Registered Nurses is classified as an occupation whose job duties rely on moderate use of technology.
Nature of the Work
Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, perform basic duties that include treating patients, educating patients and the public about various medical conditions, and providing advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. RNs record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help to perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.
RNs teach patients and their families how to manage their illness or injury, including post-treatment home care needs, diet and exercise programs, and self-administration of medication and physical therapy. Some RNs also are trained to provide grief counseling to family members of critically ill patients. RNs work to promote general health by educating the public on various warning signs and symptoms of disease and where to go for help. RNs also might run general health screening or immunization clinics, blood drives, and public seminars on various conditions.
RNs can specialize in one or more patient care specialties. The most common specialties can be divided into roughly four categories--by work setting or type of treatment; disease, ailment, or condition; organ or body system type; or population. RNs may combine specialties from more than one area--for example, pediatric oncology or cardiac emergency--depending on personal interest and employer needs.
RNs may specialize by work setting or by type of care provided. For example, ambulatory care nurses treat patients with a variety of illnesses and injuries on an outpatient basis, either in physicians’ offices or in clinics. Some ambulatory care nurses are involved in telehealth, providing care and advice through electronic communications media such as videoconferencing or the Internet. Critical care nurses work in critical or intensive care hospital units and provide care to patients with cardiovascular, respiratory, or pulmonary failure. Emergency, or trauma, nurses work in hospital emergency departments and treat patients with life-threatening conditions caused by accidents, heart attacks, and strokes. Some emergency nurses are flight nurses, who provide medical care to patients who must be flown by helicopter to the nearest medical facility. Holistic nurses provide care such as acupuncture, massage and aroma therapy, and biofeedback, which are meant to treat patients’ mental and spiritual health in addition to their physical health. Home health care nurses provide at-home care for patients who are recovering from surgery, accidents, and childbirth. Hospice and palliative care nurses provide care for, and help ease the pain of, terminally ill patients outside of hospitals. Infusion nurses administer medications, fluids, and blood to patients through injections into patients’ veins. Long- term care nurses provide medical services on a recurring basis to patients with chronic physical or mental disorders. Medical-surgical nurses provide basic medical care to a variety of patients in all health settings. Occupational health nurses provide treatment for job-related injuries and illnesses and help employers to detect workplace hazards and implement health and safety standards. Perianesthesia nurses provide preoperative and postoperative care to patients undergoing anesthesia during surgery. Perioperative nurses assist surgeons by selecting and handling instruments, controlling bleeding, and suturing incisions. Some of these nurses also can specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Psychiatric nurses treat patients with personality and mood disorders. Radiologic nurses provide care to patients undergoing diagnostic radiation procedures such as ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging. Rehabilitation nurses care for patients with temporary and permanent disabilities. Transplant nurses care for both transplant recipients and living donors and monitor signs of organ rejection.
RNs specializing in a particular disease, ailment, or condition are employed in virtually all work settings, including physicians’ offices, outpatient treatment facilities, home health care agencies, and hospitals. For instance, addictions nurses treat patients seeking help with alcohol, drug, and tobacco addictions. Developmental disabilities nurses provide care for patients with physical, mental, or behavioral disabilities; care may include help with feeding, controlling bodily functions, and sitting or standing independently. Diabetes management nurses help diabetics to manage their disease by teaching them proper nutrition and showing them how to test blood sugar levels and administer insulin injections. Genetics nurses provide early detection screenings and treatment of patients with genetic disorders, including cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease. HIV/AIDS nurses care for patients diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. Oncology nurses care for patients with various types of cancer and may administer radiation and chemotherapies. Finally, wound, ostomy, and continence nurses treat patients with wounds caused by traumatic injury, ulcers, or arterial disease; provide postoperative care for patients with openings that allow for alternative methods of bodily waste elimination; and treat patients with urinary and fecal incontinence.
RNs specializing in treatment of a particular organ or body system usually are employed in specialty physicians’ offices or outpatient care facilities, although some are employed in hospital specialty or critical care units. For example, cardiac and vascular nurses treat patients with coronary heart disease and those who have had heart surgery, providing services such as postoperative rehabilitation. Dermatology nurses treat patients with disorders of the skin, such as skin cancer and psoriasis. Gastroenterology nurses treat patients with digestive and intestinal disorders, including ulcers, acid reflux disease, and abdominal bleeding. Some nurses in this field also specialize in endoscopic procedures, which look inside the gastrointestinal tract using a tube equipped with a light and a camera that can capture images of diseased tissue. Gynecology nurses provide care to women with disorders of the reproductive system, including endometriosis, cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases. Nephrology nurses care for patients with kidney disease caused by diabetes, hypertension, or substance abuse. Neuroscience nurses care for patients with dysfunctions of the nervous system, including brain and spinal cord injuries and seizures. Ophthalmic nurses provide care to patients with disorders of the eyes, including blindness and glaucoma, and to patients undergoing eye surgery. Orthopedic nurses care for patients with muscular and skeletal problems, including arthritis, bone fractures, and muscular dystrophy. Otorhinolaryngology nurses care for patients with ear, nose, and throat disorders, such as cleft palates, allergies, and sinus disorders. Respiratory nurses provide care to patients with respiratory disorders such as asthma, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis. Urology nurses care for patients with disorders of the kidneys, urinary tract, and male reproductive organs, including infections, kidney and bladder stones, and cancers.
Finally, RNs may specialize by providing preventive and acute care in all health care settings to various segments of the population, including newborns (neonatology), children and adolescents (pediatrics), adults, and the elderly (gerontology or geriatrics). RNs also may provide basic health care to patients outside of health care settings in such venues as including correctional facilities, schools, summer camps, and the military. Some RNs travel around the United States and abroad providing care to patients in areas with shortages of medical professionals.
Most RNs work as staff nurses, providing critical health care services along with physicians, surgeons, and other health care practitioners. However, some RNs choose to become advanced practice nurses, who often are considered primary health care practitioners and work independently or in collaboration with physicians. For example, clinical nurse specialists provide direct patient care and expert consultations in one of many of the nursing specialties listed above. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs during surgery, and provide post-anesthesia care. Nurse midwives provide primary care to women, including gynecological exams, family planning advice, prenatal care, assistance in labor and delivery, and neonatal care. Nurse practitioners provide basic preventive health care to patients, and increasingly serve as primary and specialty care providers in mainly medically underserved areas. The most common areas of specialty for nurse practitioners are family practice, adult practice, women’s health, pediatrics, acute care, and gerontology; however, there are many other specialties. In most States, advanced practice nurses can prescribe medications.
Some nurses have jobs that require little or no direct patient contact. Most of these positions still require an active RN license. Case managers ensure that all of the medical needs of patients with severe injuries and illnesses are met, including the type, location, and duration of treatment. Forensics nurses combine nursing with law enforcement by treating and investigating victims of sexual assault, child abuse, or accidental death. Infection control nurses identify, track, and control infectious outbreaks in health care facilities; develop methods of outbreak prevention and biological terrorism responses; and staff immunization clinics. Legal nurse consultants assist lawyers in medical cases by interviewing patients and witnesses, organizing medical records, determining damages and costs, locating evidence, and educating lawyers about medical issues. Nurse administrators supervise nursing staff, establish work schedules and budgets, and maintain medical supply inventories. Nurse educators teach student nurses and also provide continuing education for RNs. Nurse informaticists collect, store, and analyze nursing data in order to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and improve patient care. RNs also may work as health care consultants, public policy advisors, pharmaceutical and medical supply researchers and salespersons, and medical writers and editors.
RNs teach patients and their families how to manage their illness or injury, including post-treatment home care needs, diet and exercise programs, and self-administration of medication and physical therapy. Some RNs also are trained to provide grief counseling to family members of critically ill patients. RNs work to promote general health by educating the public on various warning signs and symptoms of disease and where to go for help. RNs also might run general health screening or immunization clinics, blood drives, and public seminars on various conditions.
RNs can specialize in one or more patient care specialties. The most common specialties can be divided into roughly four categories--by work setting or type of treatment; disease, ailment, or condition; organ or body system type; or population. RNs may combine specialties from more than one area--for example, pediatric oncology or cardiac emergency--depending on personal interest and employer needs.
RNs may specialize by work setting or by type of care provided. For example, ambulatory care nurses treat patients with a variety of illnesses and injuries on an outpatient basis, either in physicians’ offices or in clinics. Some ambulatory care nurses are involved in telehealth, providing care and advice through electronic communications media such as videoconferencing or the Internet. Critical care nurses work in critical or intensive care hospital units and provide care to patients with cardiovascular, respiratory, or pulmonary failure. Emergency, or trauma, nurses work in hospital emergency departments and treat patients with life-threatening conditions caused by accidents, heart attacks, and strokes. Some emergency nurses are flight nurses, who provide medical care to patients who must be flown by helicopter to the nearest medical facility. Holistic nurses provide care such as acupuncture, massage and aroma therapy, and biofeedback, which are meant to treat patients’ mental and spiritual health in addition to their physical health. Home health care nurses provide at-home care for patients who are recovering from surgery, accidents, and childbirth. Hospice and palliative care nurses provide care for, and help ease the pain of, terminally ill patients outside of hospitals. Infusion nurses administer medications, fluids, and blood to patients through injections into patients’ veins. Long- term care nurses provide medical services on a recurring basis to patients with chronic physical or mental disorders. Medical-surgical nurses provide basic medical care to a variety of patients in all health settings. Occupational health nurses provide treatment for job-related injuries and illnesses and help employers to detect workplace hazards and implement health and safety standards. Perianesthesia nurses provide preoperative and postoperative care to patients undergoing anesthesia during surgery. Perioperative nurses assist surgeons by selecting and handling instruments, controlling bleeding, and suturing incisions. Some of these nurses also can specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Psychiatric nurses treat patients with personality and mood disorders. Radiologic nurses provide care to patients undergoing diagnostic radiation procedures such as ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging. Rehabilitation nurses care for patients with temporary and permanent disabilities. Transplant nurses care for both transplant recipients and living donors and monitor signs of organ rejection.
RNs specializing in a particular disease, ailment, or condition are employed in virtually all work settings, including physicians’ offices, outpatient treatment facilities, home health care agencies, and hospitals. For instance, addictions nurses treat patients seeking help with alcohol, drug, and tobacco addictions. Developmental disabilities nurses provide care for patients with physical, mental, or behavioral disabilities; care may include help with feeding, controlling bodily functions, and sitting or standing independently. Diabetes management nurses help diabetics to manage their disease by teaching them proper nutrition and showing them how to test blood sugar levels and administer insulin injections. Genetics nurses provide early detection screenings and treatment of patients with genetic disorders, including cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease. HIV/AIDS nurses care for patients diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. Oncology nurses care for patients with various types of cancer and may administer radiation and chemotherapies. Finally, wound, ostomy, and continence nurses treat patients with wounds caused by traumatic injury, ulcers, or arterial disease; provide postoperative care for patients with openings that allow for alternative methods of bodily waste elimination; and treat patients with urinary and fecal incontinence.
RNs specializing in treatment of a particular organ or body system usually are employed in specialty physicians’ offices or outpatient care facilities, although some are employed in hospital specialty or critical care units. For example, cardiac and vascular nurses treat patients with coronary heart disease and those who have had heart surgery, providing services such as postoperative rehabilitation. Dermatology nurses treat patients with disorders of the skin, such as skin cancer and psoriasis. Gastroenterology nurses treat patients with digestive and intestinal disorders, including ulcers, acid reflux disease, and abdominal bleeding. Some nurses in this field also specialize in endoscopic procedures, which look inside the gastrointestinal tract using a tube equipped with a light and a camera that can capture images of diseased tissue. Gynecology nurses provide care to women with disorders of the reproductive system, including endometriosis, cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases. Nephrology nurses care for patients with kidney disease caused by diabetes, hypertension, or substance abuse. Neuroscience nurses care for patients with dysfunctions of the nervous system, including brain and spinal cord injuries and seizures. Ophthalmic nurses provide care to patients with disorders of the eyes, including blindness and glaucoma, and to patients undergoing eye surgery. Orthopedic nurses care for patients with muscular and skeletal problems, including arthritis, bone fractures, and muscular dystrophy. Otorhinolaryngology nurses care for patients with ear, nose, and throat disorders, such as cleft palates, allergies, and sinus disorders. Respiratory nurses provide care to patients with respiratory disorders such as asthma, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis. Urology nurses care for patients with disorders of the kidneys, urinary tract, and male reproductive organs, including infections, kidney and bladder stones, and cancers.
Finally, RNs may specialize by providing preventive and acute care in all health care settings to various segments of the population, including newborns (neonatology), children and adolescents (pediatrics), adults, and the elderly (gerontology or geriatrics). RNs also may provide basic health care to patients outside of health care settings in such venues as including correctional facilities, schools, summer camps, and the military. Some RNs travel around the United States and abroad providing care to patients in areas with shortages of medical professionals.
Most RNs work as staff nurses, providing critical health care services along with physicians, surgeons, and other health care practitioners. However, some RNs choose to become advanced practice nurses, who often are considered primary health care practitioners and work independently or in collaboration with physicians. For example, clinical nurse specialists provide direct patient care and expert consultations in one of many of the nursing specialties listed above. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs during surgery, and provide post-anesthesia care. Nurse midwives provide primary care to women, including gynecological exams, family planning advice, prenatal care, assistance in labor and delivery, and neonatal care. Nurse practitioners provide basic preventive health care to patients, and increasingly serve as primary and specialty care providers in mainly medically underserved areas. The most common areas of specialty for nurse practitioners are family practice, adult practice, women’s health, pediatrics, acute care, and gerontology; however, there are many other specialties. In most States, advanced practice nurses can prescribe medications.
Some nurses have jobs that require little or no direct patient contact. Most of these positions still require an active RN license. Case managers ensure that all of the medical needs of patients with severe injuries and illnesses are met, including the type, location, and duration of treatment. Forensics nurses combine nursing with law enforcement by treating and investigating victims of sexual assault, child abuse, or accidental death. Infection control nurses identify, track, and control infectious outbreaks in health care facilities; develop methods of outbreak prevention and biological terrorism responses; and staff immunization clinics. Legal nurse consultants assist lawyers in medical cases by interviewing patients and witnesses, organizing medical records, determining damages and costs, locating evidence, and educating lawyers about medical issues. Nurse administrators supervise nursing staff, establish work schedules and budgets, and maintain medical supply inventories. Nurse educators teach student nurses and also provide continuing education for RNs. Nurse informaticists collect, store, and analyze nursing data in order to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and improve patient care. RNs also may work as health care consultants, public policy advisors, pharmaceutical and medical supply researchers and salespersons, and medical writers and editors.
Working Conditions
Most RNs work in well-lighted, comfortable health care facilities. Home health and public health nurses travel to patients’ homes, schools, community centers, and other sites. RNs may spend considerable time walking and standing. Patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities require 24-hour care; consequently, nurses in these institutions may work nights, weekends, and holidays. RNs also may be on call--available to work on short notice. Nurses who work in office settings are more likely to work regular business hours. About 23 percent of RNs worked part time in 2004, and 7 percent held more than one job.
Nursing has its hazards, especially in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and clinics, where nurses may care for individuals with infectious diseases. RNs must observe rigid, standardized guidelines to guard against disease and other dangers, such as those posed by radiation, accidental needle sticks, chemicals used to sterilize instruments, and anesthetics. In addition, they are vulnerable to back injury when moving patients, shocks from electrical equipment, and hazards posed by compressed gases. RNs who work with critically ill patients also may suffer emotional strain from observing patient suffering and from close personal contact with patients’ families.
Nursing has its hazards, especially in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and clinics, where nurses may care for individuals with infectious diseases. RNs must observe rigid, standardized guidelines to guard against disease and other dangers, such as those posed by radiation, accidental needle sticks, chemicals used to sterilize instruments, and anesthetics. In addition, they are vulnerable to back injury when moving patients, shocks from electrical equipment, and hazards posed by compressed gases. RNs who work with critically ill patients also may suffer emotional strain from observing patient suffering and from close personal contact with patients’ families.
Job Tasks
Listed below is a summary list of job tasks often performed by Registered Nurses. The list is not all-inclusive and job tasks and responsibilities will vary among employers.
<1> Delivers infants and performs postpartum examinations and treatment.
<2> Instructs on topics, such as health education, disease prevention, child birth, and home nursing and develops health improvement programs.
<3> Advises and consults with specified personnel concerning necessary precautions to be taken to prevent possible contamination or infection.
<4> Administers stipulated emergency measures, and contacts obstetrician when deviations from standard are encountered during pregnancy or delivery.
<5> Informs physician of patient's condition during anesthesia.
<6> Discusses cases with physician or obstetrician.
<7> Provides prenatal and postnatal care to obstetrical patients under supervision of obstetrician.
<8> Contracts independently to render nursing care, usually to one patient, in hospital or private home.
<9> Directs and coordinates infection control program in hospital.
<10> Maintains stock of supplies.
<11> Conducts specified laboratory tests.
<12> Refers students or patients to community agencies furnishing assistance and cooperates with agencies.
<13> Prescribes or recommends drugs or other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy, inhalation therapy, or related therapeutic procedures.
<14> Administers local, inhalation, intravenous, and other anesthetics.
<1> Delivers infants and performs postpartum examinations and treatment.
<2> Instructs on topics, such as health education, disease prevention, child birth, and home nursing and develops health improvement programs.
<3> Advises and consults with specified personnel concerning necessary precautions to be taken to prevent possible contamination or infection.
<4> Administers stipulated emergency measures, and contacts obstetrician when deviations from standard are encountered during pregnancy or delivery.
<5> Informs physician of patient's condition during anesthesia.
<6> Discusses cases with physician or obstetrician.
<7> Provides prenatal and postnatal care to obstetrical patients under supervision of obstetrician.
<8> Contracts independently to render nursing care, usually to one patient, in hospital or private home.
<9> Directs and coordinates infection control program in hospital.
<10> Maintains stock of supplies.
<11> Conducts specified laboratory tests.
<12> Refers students or patients to community agencies furnishing assistance and cooperates with agencies.
<13> Prescribes or recommends drugs or other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy, inhalation therapy, or related therapeutic procedures.
<14> Administers local, inhalation, intravenous, and other anesthetics.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Industry Employment Patterns
These industries, as defined under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) taxonomy, employ Registered Nurses. The NAICS, developed jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, replaces the former U.S. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. The industry order represents the employment distribution of this occupation relative to the top industries in which the occupation is found, from greatest to least percentage.
NAICS 6221 General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
NAICS 6211 Offices of Physicians
NAICS 6216 Home Health Care Services
NAICS 5613 Employment Services
NAICS 6111 Elementary and Secondary Schools
NAICS 6223 Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals
NAICS 6231 Nursing Care Facilities
NAICS 6113 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
NAICS 9991 Federal Government, Except Education
NAICS 6214 Outpatient Care Centers
NAICS 6221 General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
NAICS 6211 Offices of Physicians
NAICS 6216 Home Health Care Services
NAICS 5613 Employment Services
NAICS 6111 Elementary and Secondary Schools
NAICS 6223 Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals
NAICS 6231 Nursing Care Facilities
NAICS 6113 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
NAICS 9991 Federal Government, Except Education
NAICS 6214 Outpatient Care Centers
Texas Labor Market Information
The Texas statewide average hourly wage for the survey year 2006 for Registered Nurses was $27.49. This can be compared to the average wage rate for all occupations in Texas of $17.49 per hour, and nationally $18.84 per hour. Actual wages for any particular job within this occupation may vary depending on job responsibilities, degree of unionization, region of the state, and industry attachment.
In 2004, national employment was 2,393,559, while the current employment figure for the state of Texas for this occupation was 149,926. The most recent statewide forecast, available through the Texas Workforce Commission/LMCI, include a projection to the year 2014 of 208,383. Based on this projection, employment is expected to increase by 39.00%. This projection, along with openings due to turnover, translates into an average annual job openings estimate of 6,713 through the year 2014.
Certain career information, such as the labor market information in this section, is not available for O*NET-coded occupations. Instead, this narrative uses the data for the closest SOC-coded occupation, in this case SOC 29-1111, Registered Nurses.
In 2004, national employment was 2,393,559, while the current employment figure for the state of Texas for this occupation was 149,926. The most recent statewide forecast, available through the Texas Workforce Commission/LMCI, include a projection to the year 2014 of 208,383. Based on this projection, employment is expected to increase by 39.00%. This projection, along with openings due to turnover, translates into an average annual job openings estimate of 6,713 through the year 2014.
Certain career information, such as the labor market information in this section, is not available for O*NET-coded occupations. Instead, this narrative uses the data for the closest SOC-coded occupation, in this case SOC 29-1111, Registered Nurses.
Additional Labor Market Information
In general, this occupation has an average turnover rate. Average turnover rates most often indicate jobs which require some occupationally-specific skills, moderate investment in training of the worker by the employer, and have moderate career ladders.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated the average age and median years of tenure for persons in specific occupations in the United States. These tenure data are useful for career path planning, understanding turnover, job satisfaction, and stability in the labor market for specific occupations. The average age of workers in this occupation was 41.1 years old in 1998, compared to 38.0 years for all occupations in this country. Persons employed in this occupation had a median of 9.8 years of continuous employment in the same occupation, compared to 5.4 years nationwide for all occupations.
In general, median tenure is higher for occupations which are slow growing or declining. A major exception tends to be occupations which require significant educational requirements. Newer or faster growing occupations tend to have lower average tenure since they are attracting new workers, constantly lowering the rate. Low occupational tenure may also identify jobs with poor pay or working conditions and lower educational requirements. This occupation also had a median of 5.2 years of continuous employment with the same employer versus 4.7 years for all occupations nationally. Longer employer tenure tends to represent higher levels of worker satisfaction, a stable economy or otherwise stronger relationship between worker and job.
According to the 2000 Census, this occupation is typically female-dominated in the United States with 93.2% being female. Also, 27.3% of persons employed in this occupation are non-whites.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated the average age and median years of tenure for persons in specific occupations in the United States. These tenure data are useful for career path planning, understanding turnover, job satisfaction, and stability in the labor market for specific occupations. The average age of workers in this occupation was 41.1 years old in 1998, compared to 38.0 years for all occupations in this country. Persons employed in this occupation had a median of 9.8 years of continuous employment in the same occupation, compared to 5.4 years nationwide for all occupations.
In general, median tenure is higher for occupations which are slow growing or declining. A major exception tends to be occupations which require significant educational requirements. Newer or faster growing occupations tend to have lower average tenure since they are attracting new workers, constantly lowering the rate. Low occupational tenure may also identify jobs with poor pay or working conditions and lower educational requirements. This occupation also had a median of 5.2 years of continuous employment with the same employer versus 4.7 years for all occupations nationally. Longer employer tenure tends to represent higher levels of worker satisfaction, a stable economy or otherwise stronger relationship between worker and job.
According to the 2000 Census, this occupation is typically female-dominated in the United States with 93.2% being female. Also, 27.3% of persons employed in this occupation are non-whites.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND INTERESTS
Every person has unique characteristics, interests, and styles that influence his or her capacity to learn, as well as their willingness to do various kinds of activities. Studies have shown that these same characteristics can also be used to better predict a person's job satisfaction and success. While no job selection process can guarantee job success or satisfaction, by identifying these unique personal characteristics and matching them with jobs requiring similar performance attributes, a worker will have a better chance of selecting satisfying occupations. O*NET has identified these unique characteristics as Abilities, Interests, and Work Importance Values. Variables within these characteristics are rated on the importance of the variable to successful performance in an occupation using the following descriptors: Not Important, Somewhat Important, Important, Very Important, and Extremely Important.
Knowledge
Although most occupations require occupationally-specific training, knowledge of concepts and principles in other subject areas may be helpful or even necessary for successful performance in an occupation. Knowledge, for the purpose of this report, is defined as an organized set of facts and principles related to a specific subject area, but used in other occupational areas. Knowledge is rated on various levels of importance in the following subject areas for Registered Nurses to be effective on the job.
Business and management knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes information related to business administration and accounting, human and material resource management in organizations, sales and marketing, economics, and office information and organizing systems. Manufacturing and production knowledge is considered not important to this occupation. This includes information related to the production, processing, storage, and distribution of manufactured and agricultural goods. Engineering and technology knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes information related to the design, development, and application of technology for specific purposes.
Math and science knowledge is considered extremely important to this occupation. This includes information related to the history, theories, methods, and applications of the physical, biological, social, mathematical, and geographical sciences. Health knowledge is considered extremely important to this occupation. This includes the information related to diagnosing, curing, and preventing disease, and improving and preserving physical and mental health and well- being. Education and training knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes the information related to curriculum design principles, learning theory, group and individual teaching techniques, design of individual development plans, and test design principles.
Arts and humanities knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes information related to the branches of learning concerned with human thought, language, and the arts. Law and public safety knowledge is considered important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the regulations and methods for maintaining people and property free from danger, injury, or damage; the rules of public conduct established and enforced by legislation, and the political process establishing such rules.
Communications knowledge is considered important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the science and art of delivering information. Transportation knowledge is considered not important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including their relative costs, advantages, and limitations.
Important knowledges for Registered Nurses include:
BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
* Customer and Personal Service -- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including needs assessment techniques, quality service standards, alternative delivery systems, and customer satisfaction evaluation techniques
HEALTH SERVICES
* Medicine and Dentistry -- Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures
* Therapy and Counseling -- Knowledge of information and techniques needed to rehabilitate physical and mental ailments and to provide career guidance including alternative treatments, rehabilitation equipment and its proper use, and methods to evaluate treatment effects
MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE
* Biology -- Knowledge of plant and animal living tissue, cells, organisms, and entities, including their functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment
* Chemistry -- Knowledge of the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods
Business and management knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes information related to business administration and accounting, human and material resource management in organizations, sales and marketing, economics, and office information and organizing systems. Manufacturing and production knowledge is considered not important to this occupation. This includes information related to the production, processing, storage, and distribution of manufactured and agricultural goods. Engineering and technology knowledge is considered somewhat important to this occupation. This includes information related to the design, development, and application of technology for specific purposes.
Math and science knowledge is considered extremely important to this occupation. This includes information related to the history, theories, methods, and applications of the physical, biological, social, mathematical, and geographical sciences. Health knowledge is considered extremely important to this occupation. This includes the information related to diagnosing, curing, and preventing disease, and improving and preserving physical and mental health and well- being. Education and training knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes the information related to curriculum design principles, learning theory, group and individual teaching techniques, design of individual development plans, and test design principles.
Arts and humanities knowledge is considered very important to this occupation. This includes information related to the branches of learning concerned with human thought, language, and the arts. Law and public safety knowledge is considered important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the regulations and methods for maintaining people and property free from danger, injury, or damage; the rules of public conduct established and enforced by legislation, and the political process establishing such rules.
Communications knowledge is considered important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the science and art of delivering information. Transportation knowledge is considered not important to this occupation. This includes the information related to the principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including their relative costs, advantages, and limitations.
Important knowledges for Registered Nurses include:
BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
* Customer and Personal Service -- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including needs assessment techniques, quality service standards, alternative delivery systems, and customer satisfaction evaluation techniques
HEALTH SERVICES
* Medicine and Dentistry -- Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures
* Therapy and Counseling -- Knowledge of information and techniques needed to rehabilitate physical and mental ailments and to provide career guidance including alternative treatments, rehabilitation equipment and its proper use, and methods to evaluate treatment effects
MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE
* Biology -- Knowledge of plant and animal living tissue, cells, organisms, and entities, including their functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment
* Chemistry -- Knowledge of the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods
Skills
Today's employers are looking for individuals with workplace skills which go beyond good basic academic skills of reading, writing, and computation. Employers want workers who can efficiently apply new knowledge and skills to job duties and tasks. According to the Secretary's Commission On Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS), a study commissioned by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, several core skills are essential for job-readiness in the current economic environment. These skills are divided into a Three-Part Foundation and Five Competencies.
The Three-Part Foundation includes Basic skills (reading, writing, mathematics, listening, speaking), Thinking skills (creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, reasoning), and Personal qualitites (responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management). The Five Competencies include skills in the Technology, Resources, Interpersonal, Information, and Systems areas. In keeping with the findings of the SCANS report, these same skills are also addressed in O*NET.
In the SCANS study, employers expressed the importance of the Basic Foundation skills of reading, writing, mathematics, listening, and speaking. O*NET also cites these skills as a part of worker preparation. For Registered Nurses, O*NET rates Basic skills as very important. Another Foundational attribute that employers identified in the SCANS study is Personal qualities. This includes self-management, integrity, self-esteem, sociability, and responsibility. This is similar to two variables in O*NET: Social skills and Interacting with Others (discussed later in this report under Work Activities). Social skills for this occupation is rated as very important for effective job performance.
The third Foundation skill cited by employers in the SCANS study is Thinking skills. This includes creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, and reasoning. These same skills are addressed in the O*NET database under the variable of Complex Problem Solving Skills. For Registered Nurses, this skill is considered very important.
The SCANS Study also addressed five areas in which workers need to demonstrate competence. Being able to work with a variety of Technologies was identified as one of the five SCANS Competencies. More specifically, workers need to have the knowledge to select and apply procedures, tools or equipment to work-related situations, as well as maintain and troubleshoot if the need arises. Technical skills is also addressed in the O*NET database. Having an knowledge of technology is considered important for persons in this occupation. The second competency listed in the SCANS study addresses handling Resources. Workers need to be able to plan, organize, identify, and allocate resources such as time, money, materials/facilities, and people. Competence in this area is rated very important for Registered Nurses by O*NET.
A third area of competence identified in the SCANS report is Systems skills. Knowledge and understanding of social, organizational, and technical systems is becoming increasingly important for today's worker. Systems skills is considered very important for this occupation by O*NET. The fourth competency cited in the SCANS report is the ability to acquire, organize, interpret, and communicate Information. This worker attribute is a combination of Information Input and Mental Processes discussed by O*NET under Work Activities below. The last competency presented in the SCANS study is a worker's Interpersonal ability. This attribute is also addressed by O*NET within the Work Activities section.
Important skills for Registered Nurses include:
BASIC SKILLS
* Speaking -- Talking to others to effectively convey information
COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
* Problem Identification -- Identifying the nature of problems
SOCIAL SKILLS
* Coordination -- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions
* Service Orientation -- Actively looking for ways to help people
* Social Perceptiveness -- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react the way they do
SYSTEMS SKILLS
* Judgment and Decision Making -- Weighing the relative costs and benefits of a potential action
The Three-Part Foundation includes Basic skills (reading, writing, mathematics, listening, speaking), Thinking skills (creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, reasoning), and Personal qualitites (responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management). The Five Competencies include skills in the Technology, Resources, Interpersonal, Information, and Systems areas. In keeping with the findings of the SCANS report, these same skills are also addressed in O*NET.
In the SCANS study, employers expressed the importance of the Basic Foundation skills of reading, writing, mathematics, listening, and speaking. O*NET also cites these skills as a part of worker preparation. For Registered Nurses, O*NET rates Basic skills as very important. Another Foundational attribute that employers identified in the SCANS study is Personal qualities. This includes self-management, integrity, self-esteem, sociability, and responsibility. This is similar to two variables in O*NET: Social skills and Interacting with Others (discussed later in this report under Work Activities). Social skills for this occupation is rated as very important for effective job performance.
The third Foundation skill cited by employers in the SCANS study is Thinking skills. This includes creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, knowing how to learn, and reasoning. These same skills are addressed in the O*NET database under the variable of Complex Problem Solving Skills. For Registered Nurses, this skill is considered very important.
The SCANS Study also addressed five areas in which workers need to demonstrate competence. Being able to work with a variety of Technologies was identified as one of the five SCANS Competencies. More specifically, workers need to have the knowledge to select and apply procedures, tools or equipment to work-related situations, as well as maintain and troubleshoot if the need arises. Technical skills is also addressed in the O*NET database. Having an knowledge of technology is considered important for persons in this occupation. The second competency listed in the SCANS study addresses handling Resources. Workers need to be able to plan, organize, identify, and allocate resources such as time, money, materials/facilities, and people. Competence in this area is rated very important for Registered Nurses by O*NET.
A third area of competence identified in the SCANS report is Systems skills. Knowledge and understanding of social, organizational, and technical systems is becoming increasingly important for today's worker. Systems skills is considered very important for this occupation by O*NET. The fourth competency cited in the SCANS report is the ability to acquire, organize, interpret, and communicate Information. This worker attribute is a combination of Information Input and Mental Processes discussed by O*NET under Work Activities below. The last competency presented in the SCANS study is a worker's Interpersonal ability. This attribute is also addressed by O*NET within the Work Activities section.
Important skills for Registered Nurses include:
BASIC SKILLS
* Speaking -- Talking to others to effectively convey information
COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
* Problem Identification -- Identifying the nature of problems
SOCIAL SKILLS
* Coordination -- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions
* Service Orientation -- Actively looking for ways to help people
* Social Perceptiveness -- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react the way they do
SYSTEMS SKILLS
* Judgment and Decision Making -- Weighing the relative costs and benefits of a potential action
Abilities
Abilities are defined as enduring attributes of a person that influence performance. Abilities can be divided into four categories: Analytical (those abilities that use the mind for thinking and reasoning); Psychomotor (those abilities that coordinate the use of the mind and the body); Physical (those abilities that use body strength and/or endurance); and Sensory (those abilities that influence visual, auditory, and speech perception).
Analytical abilities are those abilities that influence how a person acquires and applies knowledge in problem solving. Six variables make up the analytical abilities group. One of these variables, verbal ability, influences how a person acquires and applies written and spoken information in problem solving. Verbal ability is considered extremely important for successful job performance for this occupation. A second variable, idea generation and reasoning ability, influences how a person applies and manipulates information in problem solving, and is rated as extremely important for Registered Nurses to be effective in their job.
Quantitative ability, a third variable, influences how a person solves problems involving mathematical relationships. Quantitative ability for persons in this occupation is considered important for successful job performance. A fourth variable, memory, relates to a person's ability to recall available information. This ability is regarded as very important for workers in this occupation to perform at an acceptable level in their normal job duties. Perceptual ability, a fifth variable, refers to a person's ability to acquire and organize visual information as it relates to job activities. It is considered very important to effective performance for this occupation.
Spatial ability, a sixth analytical variable, relates to the importance of a person's ability to manipulate and organize spatial information in performing job-related duties. It was determined that spatial ability is important to successful job performance for Registered Nurses. The last analytical variable is attentiveness. Attentiveness relates to a worker's ability to apply attention and concentrate on a specific task or duty over a period of time. This ability is regarded as very important to successful performance for workers in this occupation.
Psychomotor abilities are those abilities that affect a person's capacity to manipulate and control objects. Fine manipulative ability, one variable within the psychomotor category, relates to the manipulation of objects with the hands while performing job-related activities. This variable is rated as very important for effective job performance. A second variable within the psychomotor group, control movement ability, relates to the importance of the ability to control and manipulate objects in time and space. This ability is considered important for acceptable job performance for Registered Nurses. The last psychomotor variable, reaction time and speed ability, refers to a worker's ability to quickly and accurately manipulate objects in job-related activities. This variable is regarded as important for persons in this occupation to perform their jobs effectively.
Physical abilities are those abilities that influence strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Strength, one of the physical ability variables, refers to a person's capacity to exert force. Physical strength for Registered Nurses is considered important to be effective in this occupation. Endurance, another physical ability, is related to a worker's ability to exert him or herself physically over long periods of time without getting out of breath. This ability is rated as somewhat important to successful job performance for workers in this occupation. The last physical ability variable is flexibility, balance, and coordination. This variable refers to the need of the worker in this occupation to have control over total body movements. For Registered Nurses, this capacity is rated as important for effective job performance.
Sensory abilities is the last group of variables within the Abilities category and is defined as abilities that influence visual, auditory, and speech perception. The first variable within the sensory abilities category is visual. Visual ability refers to a worker's ability to see objects under various conditions, such as seeing detail at close or far range or in dim or bright light; detecting differences between colors, including shades and brightness; and judging distance between several objects or judging the distance between an object and the observer. For this occupation, visual ability is considered very important for acceptable job performance.
The second sensory variable relates to auditory and speech ability. This variable refers to a person's ability to tell the difference in pitch and loudness of multiple sounds; to tell the direction from which a sound originated; and to identify and understand the speech of another person. This ability is considered very important to successful job performance for Registered Nurses.
Important abilities for Registered Nurses include:
IDEA GENERATION & REASONING ABILITIES
* Inductive Reasoning -- The ability to combine separate pieces of information, or specific answers to problems, to form general rules or conclusions. It includes coming up with a logical explanation for why a series of seemingly unrelated events occur together.
* Information Ordering -- The ability to correctly follow a given rule or set of rules in order to arrange things or actions in a certain order. The things or actions can include numbers, letters, words, pictures, procedures, sentences, and mathematical or logical operations.
* Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
MEMORY
* Memorization -- The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures
VERBAL ABILITIES
* Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
* Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
* Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
* Written Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand
VISUAL ABILITIES
* Near Vision -- The ability to see details of objects at a close range (within a few feet of the observer)
Analytical abilities are those abilities that influence how a person acquires and applies knowledge in problem solving. Six variables make up the analytical abilities group. One of these variables, verbal ability, influences how a person acquires and applies written and spoken information in problem solving. Verbal ability is considered extremely important for successful job performance for this occupation. A second variable, idea generation and reasoning ability, influences how a person applies and manipulates information in problem solving, and is rated as extremely important for Registered Nurses to be effective in their job.
Quantitative ability, a third variable, influences how a person solves problems involving mathematical relationships. Quantitative ability for persons in this occupation is considered important for successful job performance. A fourth variable, memory, relates to a person's ability to recall available information. This ability is regarded as very important for workers in this occupation to perform at an acceptable level in their normal job duties. Perceptual ability, a fifth variable, refers to a person's ability to acquire and organize visual information as it relates to job activities. It is considered very important to effective performance for this occupation.
Spatial ability, a sixth analytical variable, relates to the importance of a person's ability to manipulate and organize spatial information in performing job-related duties. It was determined that spatial ability is important to successful job performance for Registered Nurses. The last analytical variable is attentiveness. Attentiveness relates to a worker's ability to apply attention and concentrate on a specific task or duty over a period of time. This ability is regarded as very important to successful performance for workers in this occupation.
Psychomotor abilities are those abilities that affect a person's capacity to manipulate and control objects. Fine manipulative ability, one variable within the psychomotor category, relates to the manipulation of objects with the hands while performing job-related activities. This variable is rated as very important for effective job performance. A second variable within the psychomotor group, control movement ability, relates to the importance of the ability to control and manipulate objects in time and space. This ability is considered important for acceptable job performance for Registered Nurses. The last psychomotor variable, reaction time and speed ability, refers to a worker's ability to quickly and accurately manipulate objects in job-related activities. This variable is regarded as important for persons in this occupation to perform their jobs effectively.
Physical abilities are those abilities that influence strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Strength, one of the physical ability variables, refers to a person's capacity to exert force. Physical strength for Registered Nurses is considered important to be effective in this occupation. Endurance, another physical ability, is related to a worker's ability to exert him or herself physically over long periods of time without getting out of breath. This ability is rated as somewhat important to successful job performance for workers in this occupation. The last physical ability variable is flexibility, balance, and coordination. This variable refers to the need of the worker in this occupation to have control over total body movements. For Registered Nurses, this capacity is rated as important for effective job performance.
Sensory abilities is the last group of variables within the Abilities category and is defined as abilities that influence visual, auditory, and speech perception. The first variable within the sensory abilities category is visual. Visual ability refers to a worker's ability to see objects under various conditions, such as seeing detail at close or far range or in dim or bright light; detecting differences between colors, including shades and brightness; and judging distance between several objects or judging the distance between an object and the observer. For this occupation, visual ability is considered very important for acceptable job performance.
The second sensory variable relates to auditory and speech ability. This variable refers to a person's ability to tell the difference in pitch and loudness of multiple sounds; to tell the direction from which a sound originated; and to identify and understand the speech of another person. This ability is considered very important to successful job performance for Registered Nurses.
Important abilities for Registered Nurses include:
IDEA GENERATION & REASONING ABILITIES
* Inductive Reasoning -- The ability to combine separate pieces of information, or specific answers to problems, to form general rules or conclusions. It includes coming up with a logical explanation for why a series of seemingly unrelated events occur together.
* Information Ordering -- The ability to correctly follow a given rule or set of rules in order to arrange things or actions in a certain order. The things or actions can include numbers, letters, words, pictures, procedures, sentences, and mathematical or logical operations.
* Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
MEMORY
* Memorization -- The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures
VERBAL ABILITIES
* Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
* Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
* Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
* Written Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand
VISUAL ABILITIES
* Near Vision -- The ability to see details of objects at a close range (within a few feet of the observer)
Work Activities
Generalized Work Activities are those similar job activities and behaviors that exist in a wide range of occupations. They can be very useful in predicting a person's potential success in a new occupation. By identifying the level in which a person successfully performs an activity in one job, it is likely that he/she will successfully perform a similar activity at the same level in a different job.
Information input activities are the activities related to where and how information and data needed to perform a job are obtained. For Registered Nurses, Information input is considered extremely important to successful job performance. Another work activity somewhat related to how a person uses information once it has been obtained is Mental processes. More specifically, Mental processes refers to the activities associated with processing, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making with job-relevant information. This activity is extremely important for Registered Nurses.
Many occupations involve the use of tools, equipment, machinery, and/or vehicles. The variable associated with this aspect of a job is Work output. For Registered Nurses, O*NET rates Work output as extremely important. The final activity in which a worker may be involved is Interacting with Others. This includes communicating with other workers within an organization as well as with persons outside of the organization. Activities may include selling, negotiating, teaching, supervising, monitoring, or other forms of interaction. Interacting activities are considered extremely important for Registered Nurses for successful job performance.
Important work activities for Registered Nurses include:
INFORMATION INPUT
* Getting Information Needed to Do the Job -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
* Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information received by making estimates or categorizations, recognizing differences or similarities, or sensing changes in circumstances or events.
* Monitor Processes, Material,Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, often to detect problems or to find out when things are finished.
INTERACTING WITH OTHERS
* Assisting and Caring for Others -- Providing assistance or personal care to others.
* Communicating With Other Workers -- Providing information to supervisors, fellow workers, and subordinates. This information can be exchanged face-to-face, in writing, or via telephone/electronic transfer.
* Communicating With Persons Outside Org. -- Communicating with persons outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged face-to-face, in writing, or via telephone/electronic transfer.
* Establishing & Maintaining Relationships -- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
* Performing Administrative Activities -- Approving requests, handling paperwork, and performing day-to-day administrative tasks.
* Teaching Others -- Identifying educational needs, developing formal training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
MENTAL PROCESSES
* Evaluating Info. Against Standards -- Evaluating information against a set of standards and verifying that it is correct.
* Judging Qualities of Things, Srvc., People -- Making judgments about or assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
* Making Decisions and Solving Problems -- Combining, evaluating, and reasoning with information and data to make decisions and solve problems. These processes involve making decisions about the relative importance of information and choosing the best solution.
* Updating & Using Job-Relevant Knowledge -- Keeping up-to-date technically and knowing one's own jobs' and related jobs' functions.
WORK OUTPUT
* Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in either written form or by electronic/magnetic recording.
* Performing General Physical Activities -- Performing physical activities that require moving one's whole body, such as in climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, where the activities often also require considerable use of the arms and legs, such as in the physical handling of materials.
Information input activities are the activities related to where and how information and data needed to perform a job are obtained. For Registered Nurses, Information input is considered extremely important to successful job performance. Another work activity somewhat related to how a person uses information once it has been obtained is Mental processes. More specifically, Mental processes refers to the activities associated with processing, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making with job-relevant information. This activity is extremely important for Registered Nurses.
Many occupations involve the use of tools, equipment, machinery, and/or vehicles. The variable associated with this aspect of a job is Work output. For Registered Nurses, O*NET rates Work output as extremely important. The final activity in which a worker may be involved is Interacting with Others. This includes communicating with other workers within an organization as well as with persons outside of the organization. Activities may include selling, negotiating, teaching, supervising, monitoring, or other forms of interaction. Interacting activities are considered extremely important for Registered Nurses for successful job performance.
Important work activities for Registered Nurses include:
INFORMATION INPUT
* Getting Information Needed to Do the Job -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
* Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information received by making estimates or categorizations, recognizing differences or similarities, or sensing changes in circumstances or events.
* Monitor Processes, Material,Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, often to detect problems or to find out when things are finished.
INTERACTING WITH OTHERS
* Assisting and Caring for Others -- Providing assistance or personal care to others.
* Communicating With Other Workers -- Providing information to supervisors, fellow workers, and subordinates. This information can be exchanged face-to-face, in writing, or via telephone/electronic transfer.
* Communicating With Persons Outside Org. -- Communicating with persons outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged face-to-face, in writing, or via telephone/electronic transfer.
* Establishing & Maintaining Relationships -- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
* Performing Administrative Activities -- Approving requests, handling paperwork, and performing day-to-day administrative tasks.
* Teaching Others -- Identifying educational needs, developing formal training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
MENTAL PROCESSES
* Evaluating Info. Against Standards -- Evaluating information against a set of standards and verifying that it is correct.
* Judging Qualities of Things, Srvc., People -- Making judgments about or assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
* Making Decisions and Solving Problems -- Combining, evaluating, and reasoning with information and data to make decisions and solve problems. These processes involve making decisions about the relative importance of information and choosing the best solution.
* Updating & Using Job-Relevant Knowledge -- Keeping up-to-date technically and knowing one's own jobs' and related jobs' functions.
WORK OUTPUT
* Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in either written form or by electronic/magnetic recording.
* Performing General Physical Activities -- Performing physical activities that require moving one's whole body, such as in climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, where the activities often also require considerable use of the arms and legs, such as in the physical handling of materials.
Interests
Another aspect of job satisfaction relates to a worker's personal interests. John Holland, in his publication "Making Vocational Choices: A Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments," theorized that a person's behavior is influenced by the interaction of his/her personality traits and the work environment, and that a person will seek out work environments that allow the greatest chance for expressing their attitudes and values. In his theory, Holland stated that all work places can be categorized primarily into one of six work environments. These are: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. He also theorized that workers have similar personality types. To make the connection between worker and work environment, Holland developed a dictionary assigning personality/work environment types to specific occupations using a coding system.
In describing the coding system, Holland states that no work envrionment or person is entirely one personality type, but rather a combination of several types. The dictionary assigns a three-letter personality code to each occupation. The first letter is the most important - showing the major personality category into which the occupation falls. The second and third letters, in order of importance, provide additional information showing the categories the occupation next most resembles. Thus, by matching a person's personality type to a similar work environment, the individual has a greater chance of making a satisfying occupational choice. For some O*NET occupations only the primary (or primary and secondary) category has been identified.
According to Holland's interest theory, Registered Nurses are classified primarily as Social. People with Social interests like work activities that assist others and promote learning and personal development. They prefer to communicate more than to work with objects, machines, or data. They like to teach, to give advice, to help, or otherwise be of service to people. The second Holland category is Investigative. People with Investigative interests like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking more than with physical activity. They like to search for facts and figure out problems mentally rather than to persuade or lead people.
The third Holland category is not identified.
In describing the coding system, Holland states that no work envrionment or person is entirely one personality type, but rather a combination of several types. The dictionary assigns a three-letter personality code to each occupation. The first letter is the most important - showing the major personality category into which the occupation falls. The second and third letters, in order of importance, provide additional information showing the categories the occupation next most resembles. Thus, by matching a person's personality type to a similar work environment, the individual has a greater chance of making a satisfying occupational choice. For some O*NET occupations only the primary (or primary and secondary) category has been identified.
According to Holland's interest theory, Registered Nurses are classified primarily as Social. People with Social interests like work activities that assist others and promote learning and personal development. They prefer to communicate more than to work with objects, machines, or data. They like to teach, to give advice, to help, or otherwise be of service to people. The second Holland category is Investigative. People with Investigative interests like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking more than with physical activity. They like to search for facts and figure out problems mentally rather than to persuade or lead people.
The third Holland category is not identified.
Work Importance Values
Although Work Values are more useful in exploring careers, jobs or training programs, knowing which values are shared by the most people in an occupation may also be informative.
The highest Work Values for Registered Nurses include:
Achievement - The Achievement Work Value is associated with jobs that let workers use their best abilities, see the results of their efforts and get the feeling of accomplishment.
Relationships - The Relationships Work Value is associated with jobs where co-workers are friendly and workers are able to be of service to others. This Work Value is associated with jobs where workers are not made to do anything that goes against their sense of right and wrong.
The highest Work Values for Registered Nurses include:
Achievement - The Achievement Work Value is associated with jobs that let workers use their best abilities, see the results of their efforts and get the feeling of accomplishment.
Relationships - The Relationships Work Value is associated with jobs where co-workers are friendly and workers are able to be of service to others. This Work Value is associated with jobs where workers are not made to do anything that goes against their sense of right and wrong.
TRAINING
Preferred Education and Training Duration
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has developed a system of classifying occupations based on the amount of education and training required to be proficient in this occupation. Although for many occupations there often is more than one way to qualify for a job, the education and training requirements listed here best reflect the typical requirements for the occupation and the preferences of most employers.
In order to qualify for the occupation of Registered Nurses, workers generally are expected to obtain an associate degree. Completion of the degree program usually requires at least 2 years of full-time equivalent academic work. However, workers in this occupation may have more or less formal education than is generally required because of an individual's personal choice or because the worker obtained a job during a time when workers in this occupation were in surplus or short supply.
In order to qualify for the occupation of Registered Nurses, workers generally are expected to obtain an associate degree. Completion of the degree program usually requires at least 2 years of full-time equivalent academic work. However, workers in this occupation may have more or less formal education than is generally required because of an individual's personal choice or because the worker obtained a job during a time when workers in this occupation were in surplus or short supply.
Method of Entry/Training
In all States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-RN, in order to obtain a nursing license. Nurses may be licensed in more than one State, either by examination or by the endorsement of a license issued by another State. Currently 18 States participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact Agreement, which allows nurses to practice in member States without recertifying. All States require periodic renewal of licenses, which may involve continuing education.
There are three major educational paths to registered nursing: A bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), and a diploma. BSN programs, offered by colleges and universities, take about 4 years to complete. In 2004, 674 nursing programs offered degrees at the bachelor’s level. ADN programs, offered by community and junior colleges, take about 2 to 3 years to complete. About 846 RN programs in 2004 granted associate degrees. Diploma programs, administered in hospitals, last about 3 years. Only 69 programs offered diplomas in 2004. Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of educational programs qualify for entry-level positions as staff nurses.
Many RNs with an ADN or diploma later enter bachelor’s programs to prepare for a broader scope of nursing practice. Often, they can find a staff nurse position and then take advantage of tuition reimbursement benefits to work toward a BSN by completing an RN-to-BSN program. In 2004, there were 600 RN-to-BSN programs in the United States. Accelerated master’s degree programs in nursing also are available. These programs combine 1 year of an accelerated BSN program with 2 years of graduate study. In 2004, there were 137 RN-to-MSN programs.
Accelerated BSN programs also are available for individuals who have a bachelor’s or higher degree in another field and who are interested in moving into nursing. In 2004, more than 165 of these programs were available. Accelerated BSN programs last 12 to 18 months and provide the fastest route to a BSN for individuals who already hold a degree.
Individuals considering nursing should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of enrolling in a BSN program, because, if they do, their advancement opportunities usually are broader. In fact, some career paths are open only to nurses with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. A bachelor’s degree often is necessary for administrative positions and is a prerequisite for admission to graduate nursing programs in research, consulting, and teaching, and all four advanced practice nursing specialties--clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. Individuals who complete a bachelor’s receive more training in areas such as communication, leadership, and critical thinking, all of which are becoming more important as nursing care becomes more complex. Additionally, bachelor’s degree programs offer more clinical experience in nonhospital settings. In 2004, 417 nursing schools offered master’s degrees, 93 offered doctoral degrees, and 46 offered accelerated BSN-to-doctoral programs.
All four advanced practice nursing specialties require at least a master’s degree. Most programs last about 2 years and require a BSN degree and some programs require at least 1 to 2 years of clinical experience as an RN for admission. In 2004, there were 329 master’s and post-master’s programs offered for nurse practitioners, 218 master’s and post-master’s programs for clinical nurse specialists, 92 programs for nurse anesthetists, and 45 programs for nurse midwives. Upon completion of a program, most advanced practice nurses become nationally certified in their area of specialty. In some States, certification in a specialty is required in order to practice that specialty.
All nursing education programs include classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience in hospitals and other health care facilities. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and other behavioral sciences, and nursing. Coursework also includes the liberal arts for ADN and BSN students.
Supervised clinical experience is provided in hospital departments such as pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity, and surgery. A growing number of programs include clinical experience in nursing care facilities, public health departments, home health agencies, and ambulatory clinics.
Nurses should be caring, sympathetic, responsible, and detail oriented. They must be able to direct or supervise others, correctly assess patients’ conditions, and determine when consultation is required. They need emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
Some RNs start their careers as licensed practical nurses or nursing aides, and then go back to school to receive their RN degree. Most RNs begin as staff nurses, and with experience and good performance often are promoted to more responsible positions. In management, nurses can advance to assistant head nurse or head nurse and, from there, to assistant director, director, and vice president. Increasingly, management-level nursing positions require a graduate or an advanced degree in nursing or health services administration. They also require leadership, negotiation skills, and good judgment.
Some nurses move into the business side of health care. Their nursing expertise and experience on a health care team equip them to manage ambulatory, acute, home-based, and chronic care. Employers--including hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and managed care organizations, among others--need RNs for health planning and development, marketing, consulting, policy development, and quality assurance. Other nurses work as college and university faculty or conduct research.
Foreign-educated nurses wishing to work in the United States must obtain a work visa. Applicants are required to undergo a review of their education and licensing credentials and pass a nursing certification and English proficiency exam, both conducted by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. (The commission is an immigration-neutral, nonprofit organization that is recognized internationally as an authority on credentials evaluation in the health care field.) Applicants from Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are exempt from the language proficiency exam. In addition to these national requirements, most States have their own requirements.
There are three major educational paths to registered nursing: A bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), and a diploma. BSN programs, offered by colleges and universities, take about 4 years to complete. In 2004, 674 nursing programs offered degrees at the bachelor’s level. ADN programs, offered by community and junior colleges, take about 2 to 3 years to complete. About 846 RN programs in 2004 granted associate degrees. Diploma programs, administered in hospitals, last about 3 years. Only 69 programs offered diplomas in 2004. Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of educational programs qualify for entry-level positions as staff nurses.
Many RNs with an ADN or diploma later enter bachelor’s programs to prepare for a broader scope of nursing practice. Often, they can find a staff nurse position and then take advantage of tuition reimbursement benefits to work toward a BSN by completing an RN-to-BSN program. In 2004, there were 600 RN-to-BSN programs in the United States. Accelerated master’s degree programs in nursing also are available. These programs combine 1 year of an accelerated BSN program with 2 years of graduate study. In 2004, there were 137 RN-to-MSN programs.
Accelerated BSN programs also are available for individuals who have a bachelor’s or higher degree in another field and who are interested in moving into nursing. In 2004, more than 165 of these programs were available. Accelerated BSN programs last 12 to 18 months and provide the fastest route to a BSN for individuals who already hold a degree.
Individuals considering nursing should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of enrolling in a BSN program, because, if they do, their advancement opportunities usually are broader. In fact, some career paths are open only to nurses with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. A bachelor’s degree often is necessary for administrative positions and is a prerequisite for admission to graduate nursing programs in research, consulting, and teaching, and all four advanced practice nursing specialties--clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. Individuals who complete a bachelor’s receive more training in areas such as communication, leadership, and critical thinking, all of which are becoming more important as nursing care becomes more complex. Additionally, bachelor’s degree programs offer more clinical experience in nonhospital settings. In 2004, 417 nursing schools offered master’s degrees, 93 offered doctoral degrees, and 46 offered accelerated BSN-to-doctoral programs.
All four advanced practice nursing specialties require at least a master’s degree. Most programs last about 2 years and require a BSN degree and some programs require at least 1 to 2 years of clinical experience as an RN for admission. In 2004, there were 329 master’s and post-master’s programs offered for nurse practitioners, 218 master’s and post-master’s programs for clinical nurse specialists, 92 programs for nurse anesthetists, and 45 programs for nurse midwives. Upon completion of a program, most advanced practice nurses become nationally certified in their area of specialty. In some States, certification in a specialty is required in order to practice that specialty.
All nursing education programs include classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience in hospitals and other health care facilities. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and other behavioral sciences, and nursing. Coursework also includes the liberal arts for ADN and BSN students.
Supervised clinical experience is provided in hospital departments such as pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity, and surgery. A growing number of programs include clinical experience in nursing care facilities, public health departments, home health agencies, and ambulatory clinics.
Nurses should be caring, sympathetic, responsible, and detail oriented. They must be able to direct or supervise others, correctly assess patients’ conditions, and determine when consultation is required. They need emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
Some RNs start their careers as licensed practical nurses or nursing aides, and then go back to school to receive their RN degree. Most RNs begin as staff nurses, and with experience and good performance often are promoted to more responsible positions. In management, nurses can advance to assistant head nurse or head nurse and, from there, to assistant director, director, and vice president. Increasingly, management-level nursing positions require a graduate or an advanced degree in nursing or health services administration. They also require leadership, negotiation skills, and good judgment.
Some nurses move into the business side of health care. Their nursing expertise and experience on a health care team equip them to manage ambulatory, acute, home-based, and chronic care. Employers--including hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and managed care organizations, among others--need RNs for health planning and development, marketing, consulting, policy development, and quality assurance. Other nurses work as college and university faculty or conduct research.
Foreign-educated nurses wishing to work in the United States must obtain a work visa. Applicants are required to undergo a review of their education and licensing credentials and pass a nursing certification and English proficiency exam, both conducted by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. (The commission is an immigration-neutral, nonprofit organization that is recognized internationally as an authority on credentials evaluation in the health care field.) Applicants from Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are exempt from the language proficiency exam. In addition to these national requirements, most States have their own requirements.
Training Programs
Catalog of Instructional Programs (CIP 2000) educational codes and titles related to this occupation include:
CIP 511603 Adult Health Nurse/Nursing
CIP 511616 Clinical Nurse Specialist
CIP 511617 Critical Care Nursing
CIP 511605 Family Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner
CIP 511606 Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing
CIP 511604 Nurse Anesthetist
CIP 511607 Nurse Midwife/Nursing Midwifery
CIP 511608 Nursing Science (MS, PhD)
CIP 511699 Nursing, Other
CIP 511601 Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN)
CIP 511618 Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing
CIP 511609 Pediatric Nurse/Nursing
CIP 511612 Perioperative/Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/Nursing
CIP 511610 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing
CIP 511611 Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing
CIP 511603 Adult Health Nurse/Nursing
CIP 511616 Clinical Nurse Specialist
CIP 511617 Critical Care Nursing
CIP 511605 Family Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner
CIP 511606 Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing
CIP 511604 Nurse Anesthetist
CIP 511607 Nurse Midwife/Nursing Midwifery
CIP 511608 Nursing Science (MS, PhD)
CIP 511699 Nursing, Other
CIP 511601 Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN)
CIP 511618 Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing
CIP 511609 Pediatric Nurse/Nursing
CIP 511612 Perioperative/Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/Nursing
CIP 511610 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing
CIP 511611 Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing
OTHER TITLES
New Occupational Titles
Under the newly-revised 2000 Standard Occupational Codes, the O*NET occupation Registered Nurses may be identified as:
Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1111)
Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1111)
Related or Similar O*NET Occupational Titles
Listed below are related O*NET occupational titles for Registered Nurses:
Chiropractors (29-1011.00)
Medical Assistants (31-9092.00)
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary (25-1072.00)
Podiatrists (29-1081.00)
Psychiatric Aides (31-1013.00)
Surgeons (29-1067.00)
Chiropractors (29-1011.00)
Medical Assistants (31-9092.00)
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary (25-1072.00)
Podiatrists (29-1081.00)
Psychiatric Aides (31-1013.00)
Surgeons (29-1067.00)
Other Related Codes and Titles
Other occupational and educational codes and titles related to this occupation include:
Census Occupations (2000)
CEN 313 Registered Nurses
Dictionary of Occupational Titles
DOT 075371010 Nurse Anesthetist
DOT 075264010 Nurse Practitioner
DOT 075127026 Nurse Supervisor, Community-Health Nursing
DOT 075127030 Nurse Supervisor, Evening-or-Night
DOT 075137010 Nurse Supervisor, Occupational Health Nursing
DOT 075124014 Nurse, Community Health
DOT 075127014 Nurse, Consultant
DOT 075364010 Nurse, General Duty
DOT 075137014 Nurse, Head
DOT 075127034 Nurse, Infection Control
DOT 075374014 Nurse, Office
DOT 075374018 Nurse, Private Duty
DOT 075124010 Nurse, School
DOT 075374022 Nurse, Staff, Occupational Health Nursing
DOT 075167010 Nurse, Supervisor
DOT 075264014 Nurse-Midwife
Guide for Occupational Exploration
GOE 100201 Nursing, Therapy, and Specialized Teaching Services: Nursing
Military Occupational Specialities
MOS NO0935 Ambulatory Care Nurse
MOS AO66J Clinical Nurse
MOS FO46N1E Clinical Nurse, Critical Care, Entry
MOS FO46N3E Clinical Nurse, Critical Care, Qualified
MOS FO46N4E Clinical Nurse, Critical Care, Staff
MOS FO46N1 Clinical Nurse, Entry
MOS FO46N1F Clinical Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care, Entry
MOS FO46N3F Clinical Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care, Qualified
MOS FO46N4F Clinical Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care, Staff
MOS FO46N1A Clinical Nurse, OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner, Entry
MOS FO46N3A Clinical Nurse, OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner, Qualified
MOS FO46N4A Clinical Nurse, OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner, Staff
MOS FO46N1G Clinical Nurse, Obstetrical, Entry
MOS FO46N3G Clinical Nurse, Obstetrical, Qualified
MOS FO46N4G Clinical Nurse, Obstetrical, Staff
MOS FO46N1B Clinical Nurse, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Entry
MOS FO46N3B Clinical Nurse, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Qual
MOS FO46N4B Clinical Nurse, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Staff
MOS FO46N1C Clinical Nurse, Primary Care Nurse Pract, Entry
MOS FO46N3C Clinical Nurse, Primary Care Nurse Pract, Qualified
MOS FO46N4C Clinical Nurse, Primary Care Nurse Pract, Staff
MOS FO46N3 Clinical Nurse, Qualified
MOS FO46N4 Clinical Nurse, Staff
MOS NO0925 Clinical Specialist, Nursing
MOS AO66B Community Health Nurse
MOS NO0904 Critical Care Nurse
MOS FO46F1 Flight Nurse, Entry
MOS FO46F3 Flight Nurse, Qualified
MOS FO46F4 Flight Nurse, Staff
MOS NO0049 Health Services Quality Assurance Coordinator
MOS AO66H Medicial-Surgical Nurse
MOS FO46P1 Mental Health Nurse, Entry
MOS FO46P1A Mental Health Nurse, Mental Health Nurse Spec, Entry
MOS FO46P3A Mental Health Nurse, Mental Health Nurse Spec, Qual
MOS FO46P4A Mental Health Nurse, Mental Health Nurse Spec, Staff
MOS FO46P3 Mental Health Nurse, Qualified
MOS FO46P4 Mental Health Nurse, Staff
MOS AO66A Nurse Administrator
MOS AO66F Nurse Anesthetist
MOS NO0952 Nurse Anesthetist
MOS FO46M1 Nurse Anesthetist, Entry
MOS FO46M3 Nurse Anesthetist, Qualified
MOS FO46M4 Nurse Anesthetist, Staff
MOS FO46G1 Nurse-Midwife, Entry
MOS FO46G3 Nurse-Midwife, Qualified
MOS FO46G4 Nurse-Midwife, Staff
MOS FO46A1 Nursing Administrator, Entry
MOS FO46A3 Nursing Administrator, Qualified
MOS FO46A4 Nursing Administrator, Staff
MOS AO66G Obstetric and Gynecologic Nurse
MOS AO66E Operating Room Nurse
MOS FO46S1 Operating Room Nurse, Entry
MOS FO46S3 Operating Room Nurse, Qualified
MOS FO46S4 Operating Room Nurse, Staff
MOS AO66D Pediatric Nurse
MOS NO0932 Perioperative Nurse
MOS NO0963 Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MOS AO66C Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse
MOS NO0944 Staff Nurse
Office of Personnel Management Occupations
OPM 9892 Nurse
OPM 9996 Nurse
OPM 0605 Nurse Anesthetist
OPM 0610 Nurse Series
O*NET Occupations (O*NET 1.0)
OU 32502 Registered Nurses
Census Occupations (2000)
CEN 313 Registered Nurses
Dictionary of Occupational Titles
DOT 075371010 Nurse Anesthetist
DOT 075264010 Nurse Practitioner
DOT 075127026 Nurse Supervisor, Community-Health Nursing
DOT 075127030 Nurse Supervisor, Evening-or-Night
DOT 075137010 Nurse Supervisor, Occupational Health Nursing
DOT 075124014 Nurse, Community Health
DOT 075127014 Nurse, Consultant
DOT 075364010 Nurse, General Duty
DOT 075137014 Nurse, Head
DOT 075127034 Nurse, Infection Control
DOT 075374014 Nurse, Office
DOT 075374018 Nurse, Private Duty
DOT 075124010 Nurse, School
DOT 075374022 Nurse, Staff, Occupational Health Nursing
DOT 075167010 Nurse, Supervisor
DOT 075264014 Nurse-Midwife
Guide for Occupational Exploration
GOE 100201 Nursing, Therapy, and Specialized Teaching Services: Nursing
Military Occupational Specialities
MOS NO0935 Ambulatory Care Nurse
MOS AO66J Clinical Nurse
MOS FO46N1E Clinical Nurse, Critical Care, Entry
MOS FO46N3E Clinical Nurse, Critical Care, Qualified
MOS FO46N4E Clinical Nurse, Critical Care, Staff
MOS FO46N1 Clinical Nurse, Entry
MOS FO46N1F Clinical Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care, Entry
MOS FO46N3F Clinical Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care, Qualified
MOS FO46N4F Clinical Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care, Staff
MOS FO46N1A Clinical Nurse, OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner, Entry
MOS FO46N3A Clinical Nurse, OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner, Qualified
MOS FO46N4A Clinical Nurse, OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner, Staff
MOS FO46N1G Clinical Nurse, Obstetrical, Entry
MOS FO46N3G Clinical Nurse, Obstetrical, Qualified
MOS FO46N4G Clinical Nurse, Obstetrical, Staff
MOS FO46N1B Clinical Nurse, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Entry
MOS FO46N3B Clinical Nurse, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Qual
MOS FO46N4B Clinical Nurse, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Staff
MOS FO46N1C Clinical Nurse, Primary Care Nurse Pract, Entry
MOS FO46N3C Clinical Nurse, Primary Care Nurse Pract, Qualified
MOS FO46N4C Clinical Nurse, Primary Care Nurse Pract, Staff
MOS FO46N3 Clinical Nurse, Qualified
MOS FO46N4 Clinical Nurse, Staff
MOS NO0925 Clinical Specialist, Nursing
MOS AO66B Community Health Nurse
MOS NO0904 Critical Care Nurse
MOS FO46F1 Flight Nurse, Entry
MOS FO46F3 Flight Nurse, Qualified
MOS FO46F4 Flight Nurse, Staff
MOS NO0049 Health Services Quality Assurance Coordinator
MOS AO66H Medicial-Surgical Nurse
MOS FO46P1 Mental Health Nurse, Entry
MOS FO46P1A Mental Health Nurse, Mental Health Nurse Spec, Entry
MOS FO46P3A Mental Health Nurse, Mental Health Nurse Spec, Qual
MOS FO46P4A Mental Health Nurse, Mental Health Nurse Spec, Staff
MOS FO46P3 Mental Health Nurse, Qualified
MOS FO46P4 Mental Health Nurse, Staff
MOS AO66A Nurse Administrator
MOS AO66F Nurse Anesthetist
MOS NO0952 Nurse Anesthetist
MOS FO46M1 Nurse Anesthetist, Entry
MOS FO46M3 Nurse Anesthetist, Qualified
MOS FO46M4 Nurse Anesthetist, Staff
MOS FO46G1 Nurse-Midwife, Entry
MOS FO46G3 Nurse-Midwife, Qualified
MOS FO46G4 Nurse-Midwife, Staff
MOS FO46A1 Nursing Administrator, Entry
MOS FO46A3 Nursing Administrator, Qualified
MOS FO46A4 Nursing Administrator, Staff
MOS AO66G Obstetric and Gynecologic Nurse
MOS AO66E Operating Room Nurse
MOS FO46S1 Operating Room Nurse, Entry
MOS FO46S3 Operating Room Nurse, Qualified
MOS FO46S4 Operating Room Nurse, Staff
MOS AO66D Pediatric Nurse
MOS NO0932 Perioperative Nurse
MOS NO0963 Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MOS AO66C Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse
MOS NO0944 Staff Nurse
Office of Personnel Management Occupations
OPM 9892 Nurse
OPM 9996 Nurse
OPM 0605 Nurse Anesthetist
OPM 0610 Nurse Series
O*NET Occupations (O*NET 1.0)
OU 32502 Registered Nurses
Similar Military Careers
The different branches of the U.S. military have many occupations in which the duties performed are similar to those required by civilian occupations, or which may prepare you for employment in a similar civilian field.
Each of the military services publishes handbooks, factsheets, and pamphlets describing entrance requirements, training and advancement opportunities, and other aspects of military careers. These publications are widely available at all recruiting stations, at most State employment service offices, and in high schools, colleges, and public libraries. Information on educational and other veterans' benefits is available from VA offices located throughout the country.
In addition, the Defense Manpower Data Center, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, publishes Military Career Guide Online, a compendium of military occupational, training, and career information designed for use by students and jobseekers. This information is available on the Internet at http://www.militarycareers.com
Registered Nurses
Each of the military services publishes handbooks, factsheets, and pamphlets describing entrance requirements, training and advancement opportunities, and other aspects of military careers. These publications are widely available at all recruiting stations, at most State employment service offices, and in high schools, colleges, and public libraries. Information on educational and other veterans' benefits is available from VA offices located throughout the country.
In addition, the Defense Manpower Data Center, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, publishes Military Career Guide Online, a compendium of military occupational, training, and career information designed for use by students and jobseekers. This information is available on the Internet at http://www.militarycareers.com
Registered Nurses
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sources of Additional Information
For information on a career as a registered nurse and nursing education, contact:
* National League for Nursing, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006. Internet: http://www.nln.org
For information on nursing career options, financial aid, and listings of BSN, graduate, and accelerated nursing programs, contact:
* American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 1 Dupont Circle NW., Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036. Internet: http://www.aacn.nche.edu
For additional information on registered nurses, including credentialing, contact:
* American Nurses Association, 8515 Georgia Ave., Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Internet: http://nursingworld.org
For information on the NCLEX-RN exam and a list of individual States’ boards of nursing, contact:
* National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 111 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 2900, Chicago, IL 60611. Internet: http://www.ncsbn.org
For information on obtaining U.S. certification and work visas for foreign-educated nurses, contact:
* Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, 3600 Market St., Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Internet: http://www.cgfns.org
For a list of accredited clinical nurse specialist programs, contact:
* National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, 2090 Linglestown Rd., Suite 107, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Internet: http://www.nacns.org/cnsdirectory.shtml
For information on nurse anesthetists, including a list of accredited programs, contact:
* American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, 222 Prospect Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068.
For information on nurse midwives, including a list of accredited programs, contact:
* American College of Nurse-Midwives, 8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 1550, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Internet: http://www.midwife.org
For information on nurse practitioners, including a list of accredited programs, contact:
* American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, P.O. Box 12846, Austin, TX 78711. Internet: http://www.aanp.org
* National League for Nursing, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006. Internet: http://www.nln.org
For information on nursing career options, financial aid, and listings of BSN, graduate, and accelerated nursing programs, contact:
* American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 1 Dupont Circle NW., Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036. Internet: http://www.aacn.nche.edu
For additional information on registered nurses, including credentialing, contact:
* American Nurses Association, 8515 Georgia Ave., Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Internet: http://nursingworld.org
For information on the NCLEX-RN exam and a list of individual States’ boards of nursing, contact:
* National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 111 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 2900, Chicago, IL 60611. Internet: http://www.ncsbn.org
For information on obtaining U.S. certification and work visas for foreign-educated nurses, contact:
* Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, 3600 Market St., Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Internet: http://www.cgfns.org
For a list of accredited clinical nurse specialist programs, contact:
* National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, 2090 Linglestown Rd., Suite 107, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Internet: http://www.nacns.org/cnsdirectory.shtml
For information on nurse anesthetists, including a list of accredited programs, contact:
* American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, 222 Prospect Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068.
For information on nurse midwives, including a list of accredited programs, contact:
* American College of Nurse-Midwives, 8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 1550, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Internet: http://www.midwife.org
For information on nurse practitioners, including a list of accredited programs, contact:
* American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, P.O. Box 12846, Austin, TX 78711. Internet: http://www.aanp.org
Contact CDR
Texas Workforce Commission/Labor Martet and Career Information (TWC/LMCI)
Northview Business Center
9001 IH 35N, Suite 103B
Austin, TX 78753
1-800-822-PLAN
http://www.lmci.state.tx.us
The information in this report may be derived from many sources. To learn more about OSCAR or any data element please contact LMCI (formerly CDR).
USEFUL TIP: Now that you have identified one or more occupations which may be of interest to you, you might consider using the internet to look for job openings in those occupations. One recommended place to start is the nationwide job posting service called America's Job Bank, which is located at http://www.ajb.dni.us. At this site you may perform a search for specific job openings which are unlikely to be posted in your local newspapers.
Northview Business Center
9001 IH 35N, Suite 103B
Austin, TX 78753
1-800-822-PLAN
http://www.lmci.state.tx.us
The information in this report may be derived from many sources. To learn more about OSCAR or any data element please contact LMCI (formerly CDR).
USEFUL TIP: Now that you have identified one or more occupations which may be of interest to you, you might consider using the internet to look for job openings in those occupations. One recommended place to start is the nationwide job posting service called America's Job Bank, which is located at http://www.ajb.dni.us. At this site you may perform a search for specific job openings which are unlikely to be posted in your local newspapers.
