How:can I Become A Registered Nurse

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

What Is a Registered Nurse (RN)?

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

As one of the nearly versatile roles in the nursing industry, registered nurses (RNs) are in high demand. Working every bit an RN can be incredibly rewarding and impactful, as well equally a smashing stepping stone if yous decide you want to accelerate your career.

Steps To Become a Registered Nurse

The path to becoming a registered nurse takes a niggling time, simply the journey is a rewarding one. Information technology's a chip similar getting a commuter's license in that you lot study and do, take the exam, and use to get your license.

Decide if this career is right for you.

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A chore as an RN comes with a lot of responsibility. No matter where you work or the type of nursing part you lot pursue, you lot'll probable exist working closely with patients. You lot'll need to be quick on your feet, outgoing, and good with people.

Complete your prerequisites.

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Yous'll need to have a high school diploma or GED in order to utilise for a nursing plan. Some schools volition have students with a GPA of 2.5, while others require a 3.0 or higher. As you'd expect, the most in-demand schools require the highest GPAs.

Go your degree.

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Registered nurses need to concur either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to work equally an RN. While most employers prefer to rent those with BSNs, earning an ADN tin can be a good fashion to get started in the nursing field with an educational activity pathway that is generally quicker and less expensive. Entry-level classes include anatomy, microbiology, chemical science, nutrition, and psychology. If you advance your education, you'll dive deeper into subjects like emergency intendance, nursing research, and population-based do.

Take and laissez passer the NCLEX.

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Following graduation from an canonical programme, all U.Southward.-based RNs must take and pass the NCLEX examination administered by the National Quango of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The test is used to make up one's mind whether yous're prepared for entry-level nursing and includes a minimum of 75 questions. You lot'll respond upwards to 265 questions if you lot oasis't reached a passing score after the start round.

Questions on the examination comprehend topics such as bones care and condolement, prevention and detection of disease, coping and adaptation, and pharmacological therapies. Y'all can find sample tests online or in books, you can or take an NCLEX prep course through diverse schools and companies.

Get your RN license.

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In one case you've passed the NCLEX examination, you tin can apply for RN licensure in the land where yous want to work. Each state has its own requirements, fees, and length of fourth dimension that it takes to obtain a license, so you'll need to practise a little bit of research. Another selection to consider is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This initiative allows nurses to get a multi-land license and practice in any state that is a member of the alliance. In that location are 34 states that have enacted NLC legislation. The NLC is a specially good option for RNs who think they may want to pursue a career in travel nursing inside the U.S.

Outset working as an RN.

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One time you've been working for a while as an RN, you'll be able to figure out what you love—and what you lot don't dearest—about being an RN. You might decide to try your mitt in a doctor'due south function or dispensary instead of a infirmary. Now is your time to explore your options!

Go along up on your continuing education requirements.

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How Long Does it Have to Get a Nursing Degree?

The fourth dimension it takes to earn a nursing degree depends on the programme you choose. An ADN will likely take two years to complete, while a BSN typically takes four.

An ADN commonly takes two years to complete; a BSN takes nigh 4.

If you already concur an ADN and want to pursue a BSN, you lot may exist able to do and then in a shorter time than it would take to earn a typical bachelor'due south degree. Similarly, if you are already a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you tin apply your instruction and experience as 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 encounter children for routine health exams to operating room nurses who aid prep patients for surgery and assistance the operating team during procedures.

Where Tin RNs Work?

Most RNs work in hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, dwelling house healthcare services, and outpatient clinics. Only you can besides find them in a number of other locations as well, such as schools, churches, government offices, community centers, twenty-four hour period spas, and more.