How to Become a Registered Nurse
Do you dream of making a positive impact on people’s lives and securing a stable career? Are you eager to engage in fulfilling work within your chosen specialty and have opportunities for career advancement? If you’re nodding in agreement, then it’s time to explore the path to becoming a registered nurse.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll uncover the necessary steps to attain the title of a registered nurse (RN), including educational and licensure requirements. By understanding the journey to becoming an RN, you can join the ranks of millions in one of the most rewarding and esteemed healthcare positions.
Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse
All aspiring RNs follow a general roadmap to obtain their licenses, though the specific prerequisites differ from state to state. In some states like New York, RNs must possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). The following list outlines the steps to becoming a registered nurse.
Struggling to meet your deadline?
Get your assignment on How to Become a Registered Nurse done by certified MDs and PhDs in the USA. ORDER NOW!
The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023-2030
1. Complete Prerequisites for an ADN or a BSN
Regardless of whether you opt for an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a BSN degree, you must fulfill specific prerequisites in subjects such as liberal arts, mathematics, and sciences. Common prerequisites for nursing school include fundamental courses like anatomy, physiology, biology, psychology, and more. Nursing programs typically mandate that students earn a minimum “C” grade in these prerequisite courses.
2. Earn a BSN or an ADN Degree
A BSN degree spans four years and provides an in-depth education covering leadership, interpersonal communication, and clinical nursing. An ADN degree, completed in two years, focuses on the fundamentals of nursing and offers a quicker path to becoming an RN. If you commence your nursing career with an ADN, you can pursue a BSN later through an RN-to-BSN program. Alternatively, if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you can embark on an accelerated BSN program, completing it in as little as one year.
3. Pass the NCLEX Exam
You can apply for licensure approximately six weeks before graduating and subsequently register for the NCLEX-RN exam. This computerized test comprises a minimum of 75 questions and allows up to six hours for completion.
4. Find Employment
Regardless of your degree path, it’s essential to be proactive in your nursing job search. This could involve reaching out to your college network and gathering job resources before graduating. Additionally, making a positive impression during clinical rotations can help you establish connections with potential healthcare employers.
5. Become Certified in Your Specialty
For greater recognition, increased career opportunities, and higher salary potential, consider obtaining certification in your nursing specialty. Typically, certification requirements involve having two or more years of full-time clinical RN experience within a specific focus and passing an examination.
Registered Nurse Schooling
The time commitment required to become a registered nurse spans 2-4 years, contingent on whether you select a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN. This timeline can be adjusted based on any college credits you may have previously earned. Now, let’s delve into the distinctions between an ADN and BSN degree.
ADN Degree
An ADN degree offers a swifter route to becoming a registered nurse. However, some employers may require or prefer a BSN degree. Advanced practice nursing roles, such as clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, or nurse practitioners, also necessitate a BSN.
Admission Requirements:
To enroll in an ADN program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Schools might establish minimum GPA requirements, usually between 2.0 and 3.0. Application materials might include personal essays, SAT or ACT scores, and transcripts.
Program Curriculum:
ADN courses cover various subjects, including nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, nutrition, health system concepts, growth, development, and aging. Additionally, these programs mandate clinical hours.
Time to Complete:
The duration of an ADN program hinges on factors like full-time or part-time attendance and the number of college credits transferred into the program. Most students finish their ADN program within 2-4 years.
Skills Learned:
ADN courses equip you with the nursing skills required for work in clinical settings. Graduates learn how to deliver nursing care across diverse populations and settings, spanning from older adults to children and infants.
BSN Degree
Although obtaining a BSN degree is a more extended process, it provides a comprehensive education encompassing leadership, critical thinking, coordination of patient care with healthcare professionals, and specialized knowledge about medical conditions.
Admission Requirements:
Students typically enter a BSN program either directly from high school or after completing an ADN. Admission requirements often include SAT or ACT scores, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and three letters of recommendation.
Program Curriculum:
A BSN program imparts knowledge in leadership and management within nursing, cultural awareness, evidence-based nursing practices, and contemporary healthcare issues.
Time to Complete:
Traditionally, a BSN degree spans four years, though this duration can be shortened by transferring general education credits. If attending part-time, the timeframe may extend up to six years.
Skills Learned:
BSN students acquire fundamental nursing skills and develop expertise in leadership, research, and public health. Specialized knowledge can be honed in areas such as psychiatric nursing and community health nursing.
ABSN Degree
Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field can pursue an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing degree (ABSN) and graduate within 12-18 months. This option appeals to those seeking a swift career change to become registered nurses. However, the accelerated pace of the program presents challenges, and the admission process can be rigorous.
Admission Requirements:
Eligible applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Prospective students are also required to complete all prerequisites with a minimum grade of “C.” Online applications often entail personal essays, letters of recommendation, and resumes.
Program Curriculum:
ABSN degrees encompass research methods, assessments, interventions, healthcare ethics, leadership, and management. Students engage in labs and clinical rotations to apply nursing theories and gain experience across various areas, such as pediatrics, mental and behavioral health, and acute and critical care.
Time to Complete:
ABSN programs are intensive and typically take 1-2 years to complete, whether online or in-person. The fast-paced nature of these programs can make it challenging to work full-time while pursuing your degree.
Skills Learned:
Throughout the ABSN program, you’ll acquire essential nursing skills encompassing assessment, medication administration, treatment procedures, and counseling. Furthermore, you’ll develop skills in cultural competency, communication, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving.
Registered Nurse Credentials
After completing your nursing education, the final step toward becoming a registered nurse is passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Nurses who meet the educational, clinical, and exam requirements are eligible to obtain licensure. Though not obligatory for employment, certifications can enhance an RN’s proficiency in specialized areas and potentially result in higher pay and increased responsibilities.
Licensure
Earning licensure is the ultimate step in becoming a registered nurse. Prospective nurses can acquire their licenses from their state board of nursing upon completing their degree, fulfilling clinical requirements, and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Each state board establishes its own standards and may require additional training courses for licensure. Typically, RNs need to renew their licenses every two years, which necessitates completing training courses and continuing education hours.
Certification
While certification is not mandatory for registered nurses, obtaining optional credentials can open up avenues for professional development. Certification serves as a testament to your expertise in a specific area and can be particularly appealing to potential employers. Various organizations, including the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), offer certifications for RNs. To qualify, RNs generally need to accumulate a specific number of clinical hours and pass a certification exam. Specializations encompass emergency care, pediatrics, and intensive care, among others.
Where do Registered Nurses Work?
Nursing students typically secure positions through their schools, hospitals, medical offices, or popular job boards. The American Nurses Association also offers career centers that assist members in locating available positions. RN salaries fluctuate based on factors such as the degree attained, specialization, and workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for RNs is approximately $89,010.
Numerous RNs work in various settings, including hospitals, physician offices, nursing facilities, and outpatient care centers. For instance, RNs in outpatient centers earn an average salary of $97,200, which surpasses the average earnings of nurses in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.
– Hospitals (State, Local, and Private):
RNs are involved in numerous hospital units, catering to various patient needs. Depending on their preferences, registered nurses might work in areas like the operating room, intensive care unit, or neonatal unit. Their responsibilities encompass administering medications, conducting patient assessments, prioritizing patient care, and responding to emergencies to save lives.
– Nursing and Residential Care Facilities:
RNs at these facilities work both day and night shifts. They provide advice to patients and their families, enforce infection control policies, administer medication and treatments, coordinate care plans, and monitor residents.
– Outpatient Care Centers:
Referred to as ambulatory care nursing, this role predominantly involves day shifts. RNs assess patients’ overall health, monitor vital signs, administer medications, educate patients and their families, and assist in pain management.
Becoming a Registered Nurse: FAQs
Can you become an RN in 2 years?
Yes, you can become an RN in two years by completing a two-year ADN program. If you possess a degree in a different field, you can opt for an accelerated BSN program, which typically takes 1-2 years, depending on the number of transfer credits. Both options enable you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain your nursing license.
Is it challenging to be a registered nurse?
Nursing is an intellectually demanding profession that requires diligence, attention to detail, and clinical awareness for extended periods, often spanning 10-12-hour shifts. Working night shifts and having limited flexibility with your schedule, such as weekends and holidays, can also pose challenges. While the profession can be physically and emotionally taxing, it provides job stability and immense satisfaction in helping others. The level of difficulty as an RN varies depending on your ability to maintain a work-life balance.
What are the steps to become an RN?
The journey to becoming an RN encompasses several steps. First, you must complete prerequisite college courses required for admission to an ADN or BSN nursing program. Once admitted and upon completing an accredited program, you must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain your nursing license. For expanded career opportunities, consider becoming certified in your chosen specialty.
Is becoming an RN challenging?
The level of difficulty in becoming an RN varies for each student. Nursing programs are rigorous, demanding dedication and a willingness to study and face challenges in both the classroom and clinical settings. However, post-graduation, you can embark on a rewarding and flexible career path with job security and opportunities for advancement.
Dont wait until the last minute.
Provide your requirements and let our native nursing writers deliver your assignments ASAP.