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. Registration required. This is distinct from the Licensed Practical Nurse and is increasingly considered the preferred basic credential for nurses.

Make a Difference

A Typical Day

  • Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
  • Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
  • Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
  • Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
 

Recommended Credentials

Bachelor’s Degree and pass NCLEX-RN

Education & Training

Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.

 

Northwest Lower Michigan

 

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
— Northwestern Michigan College
LPN to RN Transition Program (AAS)
— North Central Michigan College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
— Davenport University (NMC University Center)

  • Note: Munson Medical Center provides tuition reimbursement for employees who wish to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Explore This Career

Try it before you buy it!

Tour North Ed's Career Tech Center – Health Services program.

Volunteer in a health care setting to see if it is the right fit for you.

The Local Advantage Learning Pathway

Pathway 1

Northwest Education Services Career Tech Center - Health Sciences.

Ask your counselor about the North Ed Services' Early College Allied Health Program to get a head start.

Pathway 2

Get started with your Associate Degree in Nursing at Northwestern Michigan College. Pursue articulation agreements to FSU or GVSU.

Pathway 3

Complete the Registered Nurse Licensing Exam, (NCLEX-RN). 

Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program through Ferris State University or Grand Valley State University.

 

Sample Employers in Our Region

Click the logos below to learn more.

TIP

Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.

 

Sample Job Titles...

  • Charge Nurse
  • Staff RN 
  • Emergency Room Nurse
  • Cardiology Nurse
  • Oncology Nurse 
  • Public Health Nurse 
  • Home Health Nurse 
 

Hear It From The Pros

10-Year Job Growth Projections

6.1%
10-County Region
10%
Michigan
7%
U.S.

Employed Regionally

3230
In 2021 (10-County Region)

Wage Range & Median 10-County Region

$57,810
$74,450 
$93,730

Annual Hires Regionally

195
In 2021

Other Regional Career Resources

Learn more about Registered Nurses at O*NET Online.

Sample Career Pathways

Click to download a PDF of this diagram.

Diagram of Paths To and From Other Careers for Registered Nurse

Real World Career Pathways

It doesn't have to be a straight shot! Hear from people who have taken unique pathways.