Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Registered Nurse
Job description
A registered nurse (RN) is the essential supplier of health care. The registered nurse provides care, treatment, counseling, and health education to the ill, injured and infirmed. The registered nurse assists in the maintenance of health and the prevention or management of illness, injury and disability. Nurses work as part of a health care team.
Activities may include
●
determine nursing and health needs of patients
●
plan and provide nursing care for patients
●
evaluate and record patient progress
●
administer medications
●
perform a wide variety of treatments
●
supervise LPNs and NACs
●
teach and counsel patients and their families
●
work as a vital part of the health care team
Specialties
Registered nurses work in a wide variety of settings and new roles are continually evolving. While about 65% of all nurses work in hospitals, other nurses work in settings such as community/public health, ambulatory care, nursing education, occupational health, nursing home/extended care facilities, student health, private duty, and a small percentage are self-employed. Specialties include:
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) - The role of the nurse as clinical specialist varies from providing direct patient care in the area of expertise to acting in the consultant role with other nurses, physicians, or students. The clinical nurse specialist possesses an advanced body of knowledge in a specific area such as obstetrics, cardiac ICU, orthopedics, etc. That knowledge is used to provide a high level of quality care to patients and valuable assistance to colleagues.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) - The role of the nurse practitioner allows the nurse to function independently. The nurse practitioner is an RN, with one to two years of additional education in specialized areas, who can perform examinations, prescribe medications, order tests, and work as a team member with a physician. In Washington State, a nurse practitioner can function autonomously, having their own practice. Specialized areas for nurse practitioners include geriatrics, pediatrics, community health, family, obstetrics and gynecology. Some programs award a certificate, while others award an MSN degree. Nurse practitioners work in all work settings.
Nurse Anesthetist - A nurse anesthetist is an RN who has specialized in the administration of anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery. This is an exciting yet demanding field for nurses who wish to function at a more autonomous level.
To become a nurse anesthetist, the student must have a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN), a minimum of one year acute care experience, and be accepted into an accredited program of nurse anesthesia. Once the program is completed, the nurse is eligible to take the national certification examination. After successfully passing the exam, the individual may use the initials CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) after their name. CRNAs enjoy a diverse range of professional opportunities and are generally well compensated.
Nurse-Midwife - Nurse midwives are another group of nurses who have continued their education and training in their specialty area. Nurse midwives function in an expanded role, in conjunction with, but independent of, physicians. This specialty requires post-graduate work followed by a certification exam. To enter a nurse midwife program, the student must have a BSN and a current RN license. These specialists are then certified nurse midwives, and their practice is legal in every state. Nurse midwives perform a wide range of health services to their client, primarily pregnant women and their newborns. Nurse midwives assist these women through labor and delivery, monitoring their progress, attending the birth while providing as natural and comforting an environment as possible. Nurse midwives believe that pregnancy is a normal, natural process; but should complications occur, they will call on a physician to assist in the birth process. Nurse midwives practice in hospitals, birth centers, public health departments, and private practice. One of the important elements of a nurse midwife's practice is the emphasis on teaching and prevention of disease.
Salaries and benefits*
Entry-level Registered Nurses usually earn $1,900 to $3,290 per month. Those with experience usually earn $2,947 to $5,494 per month. Large, progressive hospitals which give Nurses more responsible duties usually pay more than smaller facilities, particularly nursing homes.
A licensed entry-level Registered Nurse 1 working for the State of Washington earns $2,510 to $3,277 per month. In the Puget Sound area, an Industrial Nurse with one to three years of experience averages $3,756 to $4,530 per month. In Eastern Washington, Registered Nurses average $2,730 to $3,815 per month. Public Health Nurses working for county governments in the state average $2,748 to $3,583 per month. Registered Nurses working for public schools throughout the state average $4,110 per month. Statewide, Registered Nurses average $3,191 to $4,508 per month. In the Pacific Northwest, experienced Registered Nurses working in a clinic average $3,095 to $3,795 per month, while those working in home care/hospice average $3,612 to $4,140 per month and those working in acute care average $3,687 to $4,260 per month. Nationally, recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in nursing average $2,669 per month. Nurses usually receive a full benefit package.
Nurse Practitioner
Wages vary depending on the work setting. Entry-level wages generally range
from $3,100 to $4,180 per month. Working for the State of Washington,
a Nurse Practitioner makes $3,136 to $4,540 per month. Nurse Practitioners
working for Snohomish County earn $3,854 to $4,687 per month, while those
working for Skagit County earn $3,786 to $4,656 per month. NPs working
in the health care industry in the Pacific Northwest average $4,615 to $5,290
per month. Nationally, the average wage for Nurse Practitioners is
$4,491 per month or more.
Training and requirements
A registered nurse (RN) may hold either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) earned from a four-year university or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) earned from a two-year community college. All graduates must successfully pass the Registered Nurse Licensing Examination in order to become licensed to practice as a professional RN. Graduation from a state accredited program is a prerequisite to taking the licensing examination. Nurse Practitioners must have a Master's degree in nursing and proof of successful completion of national certification by approved program for the area of specialization.
In Washington State, nurses training is offered at Bellevue Community College, Big Bend Community College, Clark College, Columbia Basin College, Everett Community College, Gonzaga University (CRNA program), Grays Harbor College, Highline Community College, Intercollegiate College of Nursing, Lower Columbia College, Olympic College, North Seattle Community College (LPN to RN program), Pacific Lutheran University, Peninsula College, Seattle Central Community College, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, Shoreline Community College, Skagit Valley College, South Puget Sound Community College, Spokane Community College, Tacoma Community College, University of Washington, Walla Walla College, Walla Walla Community College, Wenatchee Valley College, Whatcom Community College (LPN to RN program), and Yakima Valley Community College.
For more information contact:
●
P.O. Box 47864
Olympia, WA 98504-7864
(360) 236-4748
https://wws2.wa.gov/doh/hpqa-licensing/HPS6/Nursing/default.htm
Necessary skills
●
ability in math and science
●
ability to make good decisions
●
ability to think clearly and logically
●
excellent communication skills
●
physical and emotional stability
●
ability to deal with a variety of people
●
ability to learn quickly
●
ability to stand and move about for extended periods
●
ability to note slight change
Licensure/Certification
Registered Nurses must be licensed by the State Board of Nursing. Applicants must pass an exam after completing a program at an approved school of nursing. AIDS education is also required. Nurse Practitioners who wish to prescribe medications (excluding narcotics) must have an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Registration with prescriptive authority granted by the Nursing Commission.
Helpful high school courses
Include English, speech, math, algebra, geometry, social studies, chemistry, biology, physics, physiology, psychology, health, physical education, computer science.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Bellevue Community College
3300 Langerholm Circle SE
Bellevue, WA 98009-6484
(425) 564-1000
●
Big
Bend Community College
7662 Chanute St.
Moses Lake, WA 98837
(509) 762-5351
●
Clark College
1800 E. McLoughlin Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98663
(360) 992-2000
●
Columbia Basin College
2600 N. 20th Ave.
Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 547-0511
●
Everett Community College
2000 Tower St.
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 388-9100
●
Gonzaga University (CRNA program)
502 E. Boone Ave.
Spokane, WA 99258-0001
(509) 328-4220
●
Grays Harbor
College
1620 Edward P. Smith Dr.
Aberdeen, WA 98520
(800) 562-4830
●
Highline Community College
2400 S. 240th St.
Des Moines, WA 98198-9800
(206) 878-3710
●
Intercollegiate College of Nursing (ICN - BSN program)
2917 W. Fort George Wright Dr.
Spokane, WA 99224-5291
(509) 324-7360
ICN partners:
Eastern Washington University
Gonzaga University
Washington State University
Whitworth College
●
Lower Columbia College
1600 Maple St.
Longview, WA 98632-0310
(360) 442-2370
●
North Seattle Community College (LPN to RN
program)
9600 College Way North
Seattle, WA 98103-3599
(206) 527-3639
●
Olympic College
1600 Chester Ave.
Bremerton, WA 98337-1699
(800) 259-6718
●
Pacific Lutheran
University (BSN program)
1010 122nd St. S
Tacoma, WA 98447
(253) 531-6900
●
Peninsula College
1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 452-9277
●
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 587-3800
●
Seattle Pacific University (BSN program)
3307 Third Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119-1997
(206) 281-2000
●
Seattle
University (BSN program)
900 Broadway & Madison
Seattle, WA 98122-4340
(206) 296-6000
●
Shoreline Community College
16101 Greenwood Ave. N.
Shoreline, WA 98133-5696
(206) 546-4101
●
Skagit Valley College
2405 E. College Way
Mount Vernon, WA 98273-5899
(360) 416-7600
Skagit Valley College also provides an LPN to RN program at Whatcom Community College
●
South
Puget Sound Community College
2011 Mottman Rd. SW
Olympia, WA 98512-6218
(360) 754-7711
●
Spokane Community College
North 1810 Greene St.
Spokane, WA 99207-5399
(509) 533-7000
●
Tacoma Community College
6501 S. 19th St.
Tacoma, WA 98466-6139
(253) 566-5000
●
University of Washington
(BSN program)
School of Nursing
Box 357260
Seattle, WA 98195-7260
(206) 543-8736
●
Walla Walla College (BSN program)
204 S. College Ave.
College Place, WA 99324
(509) 527-2615
●
Walla
Walla Community College
500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, WA 99362-9267
(509) 522-2500
●
Wenatchee Valley College
1300 Fifth St.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 682-6800
●
Whatcom Community College (LPN to RN
program)
237 W. Kellog Rd.
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 676-2170
Whatcom CC's program is a satellite of Skagit Valley College
●
Yakima Valley Community College
16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd.
Yakima, WA 98907-2520
(509) 574-4600
Outlook*
In Washington, this occupation is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase 13 percent by 2008.
Professional Associations
●
American Nurses Association
600 Maryland Ave. SW, 100 West
Washington, DC 20024-2517
(202) 651-7000
(800) 274-4262
http://www.nursingworld.org
●
National League for Nursing
61 Broadway.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 363-5555
(800) 669-9656
http://www.nln.org
●
Northwest Organization of Nurse Executives
300 Elliott Ave. W., Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98119-4122
(206) 285-0102
http://www.nwone.org/index.cfm
●
Washington State Nurses Association
2505 Second Ave., Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121-1460
(206) 443-9762
http://www.wsna.org/
Nurse Practitioners
●
American College of Nurse Practitioners
503 Capitol Ct. NE, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 546-4825
http://www.nurse.org/acnp
●
ARNPs United of Washington State
10024
SE 240th St, Suite 102
Kent, WA 98031
(253) 480-1035
http://www.nurse.org/wa/au
●
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners
1101 North Kings Highway, Suite 206
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-1912
(609) 667-1773
(877) 662-7627
http://www.napnap.org
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04