There are many routes to becoming a registered nurse (RN). Some people complete an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) at a community college or university. Others may become RNs through a diploma program offered by some hospitals.
Completing an accredited nursing program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their license. Some nurses choose to become certified nurse practitioners (CNPs), nurse midwives (CNM), or nurse anesthetists (CRNA). They must complete an additional graduate-level education program and pass a certification exam to do this. All RNs must continue their education by taking approved continuing education courses throughout their careers.
Registered nurses need a diploma, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing, which calls for classroom training and clinical practice.
They must meet state standards for licensing and pass a national certification test. Keep reading to learn more about education and training requirements and career information.
Essential Information
registered Nurses (RNs) is a profession that has been around for centuries, and it is always in high demand. If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse, there are a few things you need to know. Nursing is not an easy career path to follow. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Registered nurses can work in various settings, including hospitals; RNs work in healthcare clinics, schools, and private homes.
Registered nurses typically have to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Finally, registered nurses play a vital role in the health care system and can positively impact the lives of their patients.
| Required Education | Bachelor's or associate's program in nursing |
|---|---|
| Other Requirements | State licensure required |
| Projected Job Growth | 12% from 2018 to 2028* |
| Average Salary (2018) | $75,510 annually* |
How Do I Become a Registered Nurse?
1. Complete a Nursing Program
There are multiple ways to become a registered nurse. The most common path is to complete an accredited nursing program. Nursing programs can be found at community colleges, universities, and vocational schools.
The first step is determining your educational goals and choosing a program that fits your needs. Nursing programs come in different formats: associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and diplomas.
Once you have chosen a program, you will need to submit an application and pass an entrance exam. Most nursing schools require a minimum of 2-3 years of college coursework for admission into their programs.
Once accepted into a nursing program, you will complete rigorous coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and nursing theory. You will also participate in clinical rotations to work with patients in various healthcare settings.
While bachelor’s degree programs typically take four. Coursework covers dispensing pharmaceuticals and preparation for situations nurses face in clinical settings. Course topics can include:
- Nursing leadership and management
- Anatomy
- Biology
- Informatics
- Health assessment
2. Gain Clinical Experience
Clinical experience is a critical component of the nursing education process. It allows students to apply the concepts they learn in the classroom to real-world settings. There are several ways to gain clinical experience as a nursing student. One option is to participate in clinical rotations at a hospital or clinic.
To complete clinical practicum hours in a long-term care facility or home health care setting. This type of experience can be especially beneficial for students who plan to pursue a career in geriatrics or home health care nursing.
The option is to volunteer at a local hospital, clinic, or another healthcare facility. This can be a great way for students to get exposure to different areas of nursing and decide which specialty interests them the most.
3. Get Licensed
The nursing profession is one of the most essential and in-demand careers in the United States. Nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system by providing compassionate care to patients. However, if you are interested in becoming a nurse, you first need to obtain a registered nursing license. Becoming a licensed nurse can be challenging, but it is worth it! In this article, we will discuss how to become a registered nurse.
The first step is to obtain an undergraduate degree in nursing from an accredited school. After completing an accredited nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once you have passed the NCLEX-RN, you will need to apply for a license from your state board of nursing.
4. Fulfill Continuing Education Requirements
Nursing is a profession that requires a great deal of continuing education. Registered nurses must complete at least 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their license. This may include attending conferences, watching webinars, or reading articles relevant to nursing practice.
There are many different ways to fulfill the CE requirements for registered nurses. One option is to attend conferences and workshops offered by professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
These events offer opportunities to learn about new trends in nursing, network with other nurses, and earn continuing education credits. Another option is to watch webinars or read articles online. The ANA offers many free webinars on various topics, and many other organizations provide similar resources.
5. Advance A Career
Registered nurses are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that registered nurse jobs will grow by 16 percent by 2024. That’s a lot of potential career advancement opportunities! There are many ways to become a registered nurse, but the most common route is to complete an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing. After completing your degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once you’ve passed the exam, you can start working as a registered nurse.
There are many ways to advance a career. For some, it may mean taking on more responsibility in their current position or moving up within their organization. For others, it may mean starting a new business or changing careers altogether. No matter what the path, the most important thing is to have a plan and take action.
For those looking to become registered nurses, one of the best ways to advance their careers is to pursue a graduate degree in nursing. This can help them move up the ladder within their organization or even open new doors for opportunities elsewhere. Another way to advance a career as a registered nurse is to become certified in a specialty area such as neonatal nursing or critical care nursing. Certification shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality care in a specialized area. Finally, networking with other nurses is another great way to advance your career.
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