Registered Nurse

Nurses tend to be known for their caring nature and warm personalities, but the truth is that they need to be quite knowledgeable about medicine too. As a registered nurse or RN, you’re often the one to administer medications and treatments, record detailed information about symptoms, and explain medical conditions to patients and their families. A registered nurse needs to understand the ins and outs of healing and recovery processes since you educate patients about how to manage their injuries or illnesses after they leave your care.

You may spend more time with patients and their families as a nurse than the doctors do, so your bedside manner needs to be well honed. You help patients feel comfortable when dealing with embarrassing symptoms, encourage them to keep fighting through their illnesses, and make sure they are well cared for during their hospital stay.

Work as a registered nurse can vary quite a bit. You might run blood drives or immunization clinics, specialize in an area such as diabetes or dermatology, travel to patients’ homes, or be stationed in a hospital wing. No matter what you focus on, you’re typically on your feet all day, so be sure to invest in a pair of comfortable sneakers and scrubs. You also have to deal with the depressing elements of disease and death, but seeing patients regain their health under your care makes it all worth it.