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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 lot can earn an ADN or BSN caste to become licensed as an RN.
In this Article
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.
Equally one of the most versatile roles in the nursing industry, registered nurses (RNs) are in high demand. Working as an RN can be incredibly rewarding and impactful, as well as a great stepping stone if you decide you want to advance your career.
Steps To Get a Registered Nurse
The path to becoming a registered nurse takes a trivial time, but the journey is a rewarding ane. It's a flake like getting a commuter'southward license in that you written report and exercise, accept the exam, and apply to become your license.
Step one
Decide if this career is right for you
A task equally an RN comes with a lot of responsibility. No matter where you lot piece of work or the type of nursing part you pursue, y'all'll likely be working closely with patients. You'll need to be quick on your feet, approachable, and skillful with people.
Footstep two
Complete your prerequisites
Yous'll demand to have a high school diploma or GED in lodge to apply for a nursing program. Some schools will have students with a GPA of 2.5, while others require a three.0 or higher. As you'd expect, the most in-demand schools crave the highest GPAs.
Pace three
Get your degree
Registered nurses need to hold either an Acquaintance Caste in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to piece of work as an RN. While near employers prefer to rent those with BSNs, earning an ADN can be a good way to get started in the nursing field with an education pathway that is mostly quicker and less expensive. Entry-level classes include anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and psychology. If you advance your teaching, y'all'll swoop deeper into subjects like emergency care, nursing enquiry, and population-based practise.
Step 4
Take and pass the NCLEX
Following graduation from an approved program, all U.S.-based RNs must take and laissez passer the NCLEX test administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The exam is used to determine whether yous're prepared for entry-level nursing and includes a minimum of 75 questions. You'll answer up to 265 questions if you haven't reached a passing score after the commencement round.
Questions on the test cover topics such as basic care and comfort, prevention and detection of disease, coping and adaptation, and pharmacological therapies. You can find sample tests online or in books, you tin can or take an NCLEX prep class through various schools and companies.
Footstep 5
Become your RN license
One time you've passed the NCLEX test, you lot tin can apply for RN licensure in the state where you want to work. Each country has its ain requirements, fees, and length of fourth dimension that it takes to obtain a license, so you'll need to do a picayune bit of research. Another option to consider is the Nurse Licensure Meaty (NLC). This initiative allows nurses to get a multi-country license and exercise in whatever country that is a member of the alliance. At that place are 34 states that have enacted NLC legislation. The NLC is a particularly good selection for RNs who think they may desire to pursue a career in travel nursing within the U.South.
Pace half-dozen
Outset working as an RN
In one case you lot've been working for a while as an RN, you'll exist able to figure out what you dear—and what y'all don't honey—about being an RN. You might decide to try your hand in a doctor's office or dispensary instead of a infirmary. Now is your fourth dimension to explore your options!
Pace 7
Keep upwardly on your continuing education requirements
RNs are required to accept a minimum number of continuing education units (CEUs) each year to maintain their license. Be sure you know what's required in your state.
How Long Does it Accept to Go a Nursing Degree?
The time it takes to earn a nursing caste depends on the program you choose. An ADN will likely accept two years to complete, while a BSN typically takes four.
An ADN usually takes ii years to consummate; a BSN takes most four.
If you already agree an ADN and want to pursue a BSN, you may be able to exercise then in a shorter fourth dimension than it would take to earn a typical bachelor's degree. Similarly, if you are already a licensed applied nurse (LPN), you can use your pedagogy and experience every bit a starting betoken to a college 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 health exams to operating room nurses who assistance prep patients for surgery and assist the operating team during procedures.
Where Tin can RNs Work?
Most RNs work in hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, home healthcare services, and outpatient clinics. But you can besides find them in a number of other locations equally well, such as schools, churches, government offices, community centers, day spas, and more.
How Much Coin Practise RNs Brand?
The salary of an RN can vary greatly depending on their specialty, level of education and feel, additional certification, and workplace location.
Salaries are also dependent on where in the U.S. you live. Height-paying locations include California, Hawaii, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, and Oregon.
Source: https://www.allnursingschools.com/registered-nursing/