How To Become A Registered Neurse

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A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse who has completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and has so taken a exam that is required to earn RN credentials. In other words, you tin can earn an ADN or BSN degree to get licensed as an RN.

What Is a Registered Nurse (RN)?

Typically plant in hospitals, medical offices, and clinics, a registered nurse assists doctors and other nurses in providing critical intendance to patients.

As one of the about versatile roles in the nursing industry, registered nurses (RNs) are in loftier demand. Working as an RN tin can be incredibly rewarding and impactful, as well as a smashing stepping stone if y'all make up one's mind you desire to advance your career.

Steps To Get a Registered Nurse

The path to becoming a registered nurse takes a little time, but the journey is a rewarding one. Information technology's a bit like getting a driver's license in that you study and practice, accept the test, and apply to become your license.

Decide if this career is correct for you.

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A task as an RN comes with a lot of responsibility. No matter where yous work or the blazon of nursing role you pursue, you'll likely be working closely with patients. You'll need to exist quick on your feet, approachable, and good with people.

Complete your prerequisites.

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You'll need to have a high schoolhouse diploma or GED in guild to apply for a nursing program. Some schools volition accept students with a GPA of 2.5, while others require a three.0 or higher. As yous'd expect, the most in-demand schools require the highest GPAs.

Go your degree.

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Registered nurses need to hold either an Acquaintance Caste in Nursing (ADN) or a Available of Science in Nursing (BSN) to work equally an RN. While about employers adopt to hire those with BSNs, earning an ADN tin be a good way to go started in the nursing field with an didactics pathway that is generally quicker and less expensive. Entry-level classes include anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and psychology. If you lot advance your education, you'll swoop deeper into subjects like emergency intendance, nursing enquiry, and population-based exercise.

Take and pass the NCLEX.

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Following graduation from an canonical plan, all U.S.-based RNs must accept and pass the NCLEX exam administered by the National Council of Country Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The test is used to determine whether you're prepared for entry-level nursing and includes a minimum of 75 questions. Yous'll reply upwardly to 265 questions if you oasis't reached a passing score after the first circular.

Questions on the test cover topics such as bones care and comfort, prevention and detection of disease, coping and adaptation, and pharmacological therapies. You can detect sample tests online or in books, yous can or have an NCLEX prep course through various schools and companies.

Get your RN license.

three nursing students studying and looking at notepad computer

Once you've passed the NCLEX exam, you tin can apply for RN licensure in the state where you want to work. Each state has its ain requirements, fees, and length of time that it takes to obtain a license, so yous'll demand to do a piffling bit of inquiry. Another choice to consider is the Nurse Licensure Meaty (NLC). This initiative allows nurses to get a multi-state license and do in whatsoever land that is a fellow member of the alliance. There are 34 states that have enacted NLC legislation. The NLC is a particularly practiced option for RNs who think they may desire to pursue a career in travel nursing within the U.Due south.

Kickoff working every bit an RN.

nurse listening to girl's heart with stethoscope

In one case you've been working for a while every bit an RN, y'all'll be able to figure out what you lot love—and what you don't love—about being an RN. Y'all might make up one's mind to endeavor your paw in a doctor's role or clinic instead of a infirmary. Now is your time to explore your options!

Keep up on your standing education requirements.

female nurse with clipboard instructing four nursing students

How Long Does it Accept to Get a Nursing Degree?

The time information technology takes to earn a nursing degree depends on the program you choose. An ADN volition probable take two years to consummate, while a BSN typically takes 4.

An ADN normally takes two years to complete; a BSN takes about four.

If you already hold an ADN and want to pursue a BSN, you may be able to do so in a shorter time than it would take to earn a typical bachelor'southward degree. Similarly, if you are already a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you lot can employ your education and experience every bit a starting point to a higher paying job with more responsibility.

What Types of Jobs are Available for RNs?

There are many roles registered nurses can fill, from pediatric nurses who see children for routine wellness exams to operating room nurses who help prep patients for surgery and assist the operating team during procedures.

Where Can RNs Piece of work?

Most RNs work in hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, habitation healthcare services, and outpatient clinics. Simply yous can also observe them in a number of other locations as well, such as schools, churches, authorities offices, community centers, 24-hour interval spas, and more than.

How Much Money Exercise RNs Brand?

The salary of an RN can vary profoundly depending on their specialty, level of education and feel, additional certification, and workplace location.

Salaries are also dependent on where in the U.Southward. yous live. Top-paying locations include California, Hawaii, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, and Oregon.