Registered Nurse Jobs in St Louis, MO

If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging career in the healthcare industry, you might want to consider becoming a registered nurse. Registered nurses (RNs) are professionals who provide care to patients, educate them and their families, and coordinate with other healthcare providers. RNs can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, or homes, and in various specialties, such as pediatrics, oncology, or psychiatric. RNs can also enjoy many benefits, such as competitive salaries, flexible schedules, and travel opportunities.

In this article, we will explore some of the aspects of registered nurse jobs in St Louis, MO, such as the qualifications, duties, opportunities, and challenges. We will also answer some of the common questions that job seekers may have about registered nurse jobs in St Louis, MO.

Qualifications for Registered Nurse Jobs in St Louis, MO

To become a registered nurse in St Louis, MO, you need to have:

• A diploma, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program.
• A license from the Missouri State Board of Nursing, which requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and meeting other requirements, such as background checks, fingerprints, and fees.
• A certification in a specialty area, such as critical care, emergency, or operating room, which may require additional education, experience, and exams.
• A resume and a cover letter, highlighting your education, experience, and achievements. You can also include any certifications, awards, or memberships that you have.

Duties for Registered Nurse Jobs in St Louis, MO

The duties for registered nurse jobs in St Louis, MO may vary depending on the setting, specialty, and employer, but generally, they include:

• Assessing the health status, needs, and preferences of patients, using physical examinations, medical histories, and diagnostic tests.
• Developing and implementing care plans, goals, and interventions for patients, in collaboration with other healthcare providers and according to the nursing process, policies, and standards.
• Providing direct care to patients, such as administering medications, performing procedures, monitoring vital signs, and documenting observations and outcomes.
• Educating and counseling patients and their families, on topics such as disease prevention, health promotion, and self-care.
• Supervising and delegating tasks to other nursing staff, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
• Evaluating and improving the quality and effectiveness of nursing care, using evidence-based practice, research, and feedback.

Opportunities for Registered Nurse Jobs in St Louis, MO

There are many opportunities for registered nurse jobs in St Louis, MO, as the demand for RNs is high and expected to grow in the future. According to Indeed1, there are over 5,000 registered nurse jobs available in St Louis, MO, ranging from full-time to part-time, from hospital to home care, from entry-level to advanced. The average salary for a registered nurse in St Louis, MO is $31.69 per hour, which is 7% higher than the national average1. The annual salary can vary depending on the experience, education, specialty, and employer of the registered nurse. Some of the highest-paying registered nurse jobs in St Louis, MO are in the fields of critical care, emergency, operating room, and travel nursing2.

Some of the employers that offer registered nurse jobs in St Louis, MO are:

• BJC HealthCare, which is one of the largest nonprofit healthcare organizations in the United States, operating 15 hospitals and multiple community health locations in the St Louis area3.
• Mercy, which is one of the largest Catholic healthcare systems in the country, operating 40 acute care and specialty hospitals and more than 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities in the St Louis region4.
• SSM Health, which is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system, operating 11 hospitals, more than 60 outpatient care sites, a pharmacy benefit company, an insurance company, and two nursing homes in the St Louis area5.
• GoMed Healthcare, which is a full-service specialty nurse per diem and placement staffing company, specializing in the recruitment and placement of specialty registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, and certified aides in hospitals.Check our available positions page for hourly updated nationwide positions

Challenges for Registered Nurse Jobs in St Louis, MO

While registered nurse jobs in St Louis, MO offer many benefits and opportunities, they also come with some challenges, such as:

• Physical and mental stress, due to the high workload, long working hours, exposure to infectious diseases and injuries, and dealing with trauma, pain, and death.
• Emotional and ethical dilemmas, due to the need to balance the needs and wishes of patients, families, and healthcare providers, and to cope with moral distress, compassion fatigue, and burnout.
• Professional and personal development, due to the need to keep up with the changing trends, technologies, and regulations in the healthcare industry, and to maintain a work-life balance, a healthy lifestyle, and a positive attitude.

What good job can I do as a pre-nursing student?

As a pre-nursing student, you can do some jobs that can help you gain experience, skills, and knowledge in the healthcare field, such as:

• Nursing assistant: A nursing assistant is a person who provides basic care to patients, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting. A nursing assistant can work in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or home health agencies. To become a nursing assistant, you need to complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam.
• Phlebotomist: A phlebotomist is a person who draws blood from patients for testing, transfusion, or donation. A phlebotomist can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or blood banks. To become a phlebotomist, you need to complete a short-term training program and obtain a certification from a national organization.
• Medical assistant: A medical assistant is a person who performs administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office, such as scheduling appointments, filing records, taking vital signs, and assisting with procedures. A medical assistant can work in various settings, such as physicians’ offices, hospitals, or outpatient care centers. To become a medical assistant, you need to complete a postsecondary program and obtain a certification from a national organization.

What are some physically demanding nursing jobs?

Some nursing jobs that require a lot of physical strength and stamina are:

• Emergency nursing: Emergency nurses work in fast-paced and stressful environments, where they have to deal with trauma, injuries, and life-threatening situations. They have to move quickly, lift and transfer patients, perform CPR, and use various equipment and devices.
• Critical care nursing: Critical care nurses work in intensive care units, where they care for patients with complex and serious conditions. They have to monitor vital signs, administer medications, operate ventilators, and perform other interventions. They also have to handle emotional stress and ethical dilemmas.
• Operating room nursing: Operating room nurses assist surgeons and anesthesiologists during surgical procedures. They have to prepare the operating room, sterilize instruments, position and drape patients, and handle emergencies. They also have to stand for long hours and wear protective gear.
• Home health nursing: Home health nurses provide care to patients in their homes, who may have chronic illnesses, disabilities, or injuries. They have to travel to different locations, carry equipment and supplies, and perform various tasks, such as wound care, medication management, and education. They also have to deal with environmental and safety issues, such as pets, stairs, and weather.

How to survive your first job as a registered nurse?

Your first job as a registered nurse can be exciting, but also overwhelming, as you have to face new challenges, responsibilities, and expectations. Here are some tips to help you survive your first job as a registered nurse:

• Be prepared: Before you start your job, make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as your license, certification, resume, and references. You should also review the policies, procedures, and protocols of your employer, and familiarize yourself with the equipment, software, and layout of your workplace.
• Be proactive: During your orientation, ask questions, take notes, and seek feedback from your preceptor, mentor, or supervisor. You should also volunteer for tasks, participate in meetings, and network with your colleagues. You should also set realistic goals, prioritize your tasks, and manage your time effectively.
• Be positive: Throughout your job, maintain a positive attitude, a professional demeanor, and a sense of humor. You should also acknowledge your achievements, celebrate your successes, and reward yourself. You should also cope with your stress, practice self-care, and seek support from your family, friends, or peers.