Iowa Health Careers » Registered Nurse

Overview

Registered nurses (RNs) are a crucial part of the healthcare team. Working with physicians and other health professionals, they help develop and provide the needed care for patients. RNs observe the health of patients by assessing symptoms, recording reactions to treatment and monitoring progress. They also instruct patients and their families on proper healthcare practices and disease prevention.

Work Environment

Registered nurses are responsible for supervising other members of the nursing staff such as licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants. They can work in nearly every healthcare setting, including hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices and schools.

Areas of Specialization

There are many specialty practices in the nursing profession, including perioperative and surgical care, crititcal care, emergency care, hospice and palliative care, labor and delivery, neonatal care, nephrology, oncology, orthopaedics, mental health and women's health.

Preparation

Training

Registered nurses may choose between an associate's degree from a community college and a bachelor’s degree from a college or university. RNs may also choose to further their education and specialize in a certain area or become an advanced practice nurse by pursuing degrees at the master’s and doctorate level.

Schools

There are 37 schools in the state that offer degree programs for registered nurses:

Allen College – bachelor's & master's
Briar Cliff University – bachelor's & master's
Clarke University – bachelor's & master's
Clinton Community College – associate's
Coe College – bachelor's
Des Moines Area Community College – associate's
Dordt College – bachelor's
Ellsworth Community College – associate's
Graceland University – certificate, bachelor's & master's
Grand View University – bachelor's
Hawkeye Community College – associate's
Indian Hills Community College – associate's
Iowa Central Community College – associate's
Iowa Lakes Community College – associate's & bachelor's
Iowa Wesleyan College – bachelor's
Iowa Western Community College – associate's
Kaplan University – associate's, bachelor's & master's
Kirkwood Community College – associate's
Luther College – bachelor's
Marshalltown Community College – associate's
Mercy College of Health Sciences – associate's & bachelor's
Morningside College – bachelor's
Mount Mercy University – bachelor's
North Iowa Area Community College – associate's & bachelor's
Northeast Iowa Community College – associate's
Northwest Iowa Community College – associate's
Northwestern College – bachelor's
Scott Community College – associate's
Southeastern Community College – associate's
St. Ambrose University – bachelor's & master's
St. Luke's College – associate's
The University of Iowa – bachelor's, master's & doctorate
University of Dubuque – bachelor's
Upper Iowa University – bachelor's
Wartburg College – bachelor's
Western Iowa Tech Community College – associate's
William Penn University – bachelor's

Licensure and Certification

RNs must pass a national certification exam to become licensed to practice in Iowa.

Education

Locations

Career Outlook Map of Iowa

The job outlook for registered nurses is excellent. Nursing is one of the most in-demand healthcare professions and the United States is currently facing a shortage of registered nurses.